Is the ZZ Plant Toxic to Cats? What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Many homeowners prefer to grow ZZ plants, also known as Zamioculcas Zamiifolia owing to their shining and vibrant green leaves, resembling feathers, and their air-purifying features. It is also preferred due to its capability to tolerate harsh weather conditions, less frequent watering requirements, and tolerance to direct and indirect sunlight. However, if you are a pet parent, you should be aware whether the plants you own are toxic to pets or not, including ZZ plants. This blog discusses why ZZ plants are toxic to cats, the extent of toxicity, and the alternatives to ZZ plants to keep cats safe.

A Quick Fact Check Table

Why is the Zz Plant Toxic to Cats?

The primary reason for the toxicity of the ZZ plant is that it is part of the Araceae family, which contains calcium oxalate known to be mildly toxic for pets and, to some extent for humans. Calcium oxalate has an acute sharp shape, which may damage the cells and other organs in the body, and the bodies don’t absorb calcium oxalate compounds easily. The only saving grace is that cats are not fond of ZZ plants and don’t prefer to eat them, so the chances of internal injury are minimal. However, if cats consume the plant by any means, they tend to spit out because of the discomfort and swelling in their mouth.

What is the Extent of Toxicity of Zz Plants to Cats?

It’s vital to understand the extent of toxicity of ZZ plants which will help you to move ahead and find out methods to keep cats away from these plants or the steps to take in case of an emergency when cats consume the plant.

These plants are not fatal and life-threatening for the feline’s health, but they may make them feel sick and uncomfortable. When cats rub against the plant or chew the leaves, they start showing symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, and pawing at the mouth, which calls for urgent attention. You should take them immediately to a veterinarian for treatment. Make them drink water till the symptoms subside.

Symptoms in Cats After Consuming Zz Plant

It takes around 5-15 minutes for symptoms to show in a feline after they eat the ZZ plant, which can vary depending on the amount of the plant ingested. Some of the early symptoms in cats are as follows:

• The cat starts feeling an unpleasant burning sensation in their mouth after consuming the leaf, stem, or root of the plant.
• When cats consume ZZ plant parts in higher quantities, they may encounter digestive problems, vomiting, drooling, and scratching.
• Swelling in the mouth.

What Should I Do if My Cat Eats a Zz Plant?

If your cat consumes ZZ plants and shows symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, and pawing at the mouth, click a photo of the plant and take the cat to a veterinarian immediately.

​The veterinarian first provides basic care, such as mouth rinsing. The vet often gives medicines to cats to protect the damaged areas of the stomach. They also promptly provide supportive care like anti-nausea medicines, anti-inflammatory medication, or intravenous fluids, if needed. There are a few other procedures a vet may adopt after analyzing the level of toxins and the cat’s condition.

How to Care for Cats After a Veterinarian Treats Them?

Once your cat gets the treatment from a veterinarian, it’s important to take proper care of the feline as mentioned below:

• Feed your cat simple food for some time.
• Keep an eye on their drooling pattern and vomiting frequency.
• Ensure your cat gets enough rest.

Tips to Keep Cats Safe From Zz Plants

Here are some of the preventive measures to keep your cats away from ZZ plants to ensure their good health. Let’s have a look at the tips:

Keep the Zz Plant at a Height

Keeping the plant out of reach of the cats is one of the best and easiest ways to avoid physical interaction between the plant and with cats. Place ZZ plants on high shelves where pets can never reach.

Use Coffee Ground or Orange Peel Around the Plant

The smell of coffee grounds and orange peel acts as a repellent when placed next to the ground. Cats hate to cross such places. It’s a natural preventive measure.

Build a Harmless Physical Barrier

Another natural method to keep cats away is by creating physical barriers around the ZZ plants using one part of water with two parts of water or aluminum or double-sided tape around the base of the plant.

Engage Cats in Fun-filled Activities

Deviating cats from the plant is an effective way to keep cats away from ZZ plants. The best way to deviate from them is to engage in fun-filled activities the way you do for kids. You can entertain them with toys or cat-friendly plants to keep them engaged.

Train Them Regularly

Regularly imparting training to your cat is yet another preventive measure to avoid their proximity to these plants. These training are usually imparted to cats to make them understand a fixed unpleasant pattern to discourage them from approaching the area where ZZ plants are kept. For example, spray water each time cats try to go near the plant so they will surely avoid going to that area.

Hang a Small Zz Plant Variety in a Hanging Pot

Hanging the plant in a pot above the floor is another smart way to keep it out of reach of the feline. No matter how much they grow, they can’t jump to the height of the plant.

Dispose of Pruned Plants Safely

Never ignore the disposal of pruned plants because if any stem or leaves of the pruned plant are left on the floor, cats may ingest them without realizing their side effects. Always dispose of pruned plants at a safer place.

Alternative to Zz Plant, Which is Safe for Cats?

Apart from ZZ plants, there are other attractive houseplants that are easy to care for and also safe for cats. Here is the list:

• Cat Palm- Cat palm or Chamaedorea cataractarum is a popular indoor plant. It’s not a tree because it doesn’t have a trunk. Its stunning fronds bring in a pop of charm to any space.
• Guzmania- It produces flowers in many bright colors, though only once per lifecycle. However, its inflorescence lasts for 3-6 months.
• Boston Fern- This is a charming bushy plant that requires bright and indirect light to thrive. It can be combined with other plants to achieve stunning visual impact.
• Spider Plant- This is an easy-to-maintain plant and easy to propagate, mainly preferred for its air-purifying qualities. It produces star-like flowers.
• Money Plant- This is a highly popular plant in Feng Shui known to bring good fortune. Money plants are often considered for gifting. It is a pet-friendly and easy-to-care plant.
• African Violet- It is a colorful plant that prefers to grow in indoor sunlight. It blooms in spring and summer.
• Venus Flytrap- It’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives when watered with distilled water.
• Orchid- This is an elegant plant that grows well in partial light and requires weekly watering.
• Polka Dot Plants- This is an indoor houseplant that produces delicate leaves.
• Rattlesnake Plant- This has uniquely shaped, vibrant leaves and needs minimum watering.
• Areca Palm- This is also a safe alternative for felines, offering tropical vines with feathery fronds.
• Calathea- It is a houseplant often grown due to its stunning patterned leaves.

Conclusion

ZZ plant is mildly toxic to cats due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, which have a sharp shape that may damage the cells or organs in the cat’s body. The bodies don’t easily absorb calcium oxalate compounds. There are many other alternatives of zz plant you can grow to ensure safety for your pets.