Experienced hobby gardeners and cat owners know that in Mother Nature's kingdom, opulent flowers are often accompanied by threatening toxic levels. Given their tropical origins and breathtaking beauty, it is reasonable to suspect that orchids pose a danger to cats. We have compiled important information about the current state of knowledge for you here.
Are orchids poisonous to cats?
Orchids can cause symptoms of poisoning in cats such as disorientation, cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. The vanilla orchid, callous orchid and, to a lesser extent, the butterfly orchid are particularly poisonous. Keep orchids out of the reach of cats.
Orchids are at the top of the poisonous list
It may have something to do with the fact that orchids have become the most popular house plants in Germany. Statistically speaking, tropical flowers - along with lilies - cause the most common poisoning accidents in cats. The following species and varieties in particular are classified as poisonous:
- Vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia) and its hybrids
- Callous orchid (Oncidium cebolleta) and all varieties derived from it
- Butterfly orchid (Phalaenopsis) only slightly poisonous
Although veterinary medicine does not confirm that orchids are poisonous, warnings among cat lovers are increasing. We therefore recommend that you avoid cultivating these exotic plants for reasons of caution, even if there is currently a lack of scientifically based confirmation. At the very least, orchids should be kept out of reach of your pets.
Symptoms of orchid poisoning
If your cat has nibbled on orchid leaves, typical symptoms of poisoning will begin within a few hours. These include disorientation, cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Please contact the veterinarian immediately to discuss further action. Ideally, you should take the remaining plant parts with you to the practice so that the veterinarian can tailor the treatment accordingly.
Tip
Cat friends don't just ban orchids from the house. There should also be no orchids outdoors. This doesn't just apply to exotic species. Native orchids, such as orchids or lady's slipper, entice cats wandering around the bed to nibble on the leaves.
