The lucky feather (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is an attractive, extravagant foliage plant that can be wonderfully cultivated in both the living room and the winter garden. The evergreen plant with the typical, fleshy leaf veins and numerous pinnate leaves is considered to be extremely easy to care for and robust. However, the succulent plant, which comes from East Africa, has one disadvantage: it is slightly poisonous, both for humans and for cats and other animals.
Is Zamioculcas poisonous to cats?
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia is slightly toxic to cats because it contains calcium oxalate, which causes swelling of the mucous membranes and a burning sensation. However, poisoning is usually harmless; However, cats should avoid eating the plant to prevent discomfort and pain.
Zamioculcas is only slightly poisonous
Zamioculcas belongs to the Araceae family and, like many of its relatives, is poisonous. The calcium oxalate contained in all parts of the plant causes the mucous membranes to swell and leaves a burning feeling. Medical treatment is usually not necessary, as the plant is only considered slightly poisonous and therefore rather harmless. However, you should not let your cat nibble on the leaves because - unless the animal is put off by the very bitter taste - excessive consumption can lead to unnecessary pain and discomfort.
Protect cats from poisonous houseplants
Since cats like to nibble on green houseplants and don't stop at poisonous ones, you should either not buy such plants at all or place them so that the animal cannot get to them. Do you perhaps have a room that the cat cannot enter? This would be the right location for the Zamioculcas - provided that the other site conditions are also correct, especially with regard to lighting conditions. Unfortunately, the lucky feather, which grows up to one meter or higher, is not necessarily suitable for hanging storage in a hanging basket, for example.
Tip
Symptoms of poisoning usually appear immediately during consumption and do not last long afterwards. However, if some plant sap gets into your eyes, you should rinse them with plenty of clean water.
