Camellias are often cultivated in the garden or as a container plant on balconies and terraces. Occasionally it can be observed that cats like to nibble on the leaves of the tea plant. That's why the question arises as to whether the camellia is one of the plants that cat owners should avoid.
Are camellias poisonous to cats?
Camellias are safe for cats because they do not contain any toxic substances. However, foliage that has been chemically treated can be dangerous. To avoid injuries when nibbling, cats should be offered soft cat grass.
Safe for cats
There is no evidence in the literature that camellia is poisonous to cats or that it could cause intolerances. Although camellia leaves contain caffeine, the content is so low that your pet would have to consume large amounts of it to have an effect.
Caution is still advised
If you have kittens, you should still place the camellia, which is classified as safe for cats, in the garden. Even if the animals can move freely in this area, they are more interested in their surroundings than in individual plants. They also prefer to nibble on the tender grass here rather than on the rather coarse leaves of the camellia.
Toxins on the plant
Even if camellia is not poisonous to cats, it should not be eaten by animals on a regular basis. The reason:
- Especially with newly purchased plants, there can be toxins on the leaves that could be dangerous for velvet paws.
- This applies equally to insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers that you apply yourself.
That's why chemical preparations should be taboo in a cat household. If their use cannot be avoided, place the treated camellias so that curious cats do not come into contact with these plants.
Tip
You shouldn't let your cat nibble on non-toxic plants such as camellia. Hard, sharp-edged leaves can cause injuries to the mouth, throat and digestive tract. Therefore, always offer the cat soft cat grass, which your cat can eat safely and in any quantity.
