Cats and plants: Since the animals like to eat greens as a digestive aid, this combination can sometimes be risky. We clarify whether the strawflower, which is cultivated in many gardens and made into dry arrangements in homes, can be dangerous for house cats or not.
Are strawflowers poisonous to cats?
Strawflowers, both the garden strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum) and the Italian strawflower (Helichrysum italicum), are non-toxic to cats. However, you should be careful with dry arrangements from specialist retailers as they may have been treated with chemicals.
Are strawflowers poisonous to my cat?
There are different types of strawflowers, butall are safe for cats:
The garden strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum), which is often planted in perennial beds, is non-toxic. This also applies to dry bouquets or arrangements.
The Italian strawflower (Helichrysum italicum) is also known as curry herb and is also non-toxic. It smells similar to the spice and is often nibbled on by four-legged friends. Although the plant used as a medicinal herb has an anti-inflammatory effect, it is not dangerous for velvet paws.
How do I recognize strawflowers that are non-toxic to cats?
In addition to the small basket-lookingflowers in white, yellow, orange, pink or redthere are the linear,slightly sticky leavesunique identifying feature of theGarden Strawflower.
TheItalian Strawflower, on the other hand, hasneedle-shaped foliage, which also feelssticky. Thegolden yellow flowers only have very short petals. This variant thrives as a subshrub and spreads an intense scent of curry.
Are dried strawflower arrangements always non-toxic for cats?
Although strawflowers are not actually dangerous for cats, you shouldbe careful with dry arrangements from specialist flower shops The plants may have been sprayed or chemically treated before further processing. In addition, the dried leaves of the strawflower are quite hard and can be indigestible for cats.
Tip
Offer cat grass for distraction and digestion
To get rid of hair they swallow while cleaning, outdoor cats eat grass. Animals kept indoors do not have this option, which is why they look for an adequate replacement and like to nibble on house plants or dry arrangements. If you offer your velvet paws special cat grass, you can be sure that the supplementary food is good for them and has no harmful side effects.
