Cat Palm Cat Friendly
I think I’ve finally found a standing plant that I can have in my apartment that isn’t going to poison my three cats, but before buying it I wanted to double check here. I searched through the archived messages but only found reference to other speices of palm so my question is: Will this be safe for me to have in the apartment?
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!! Andrea Little Lee, Miss Winnie & Mr. Marilyn.
Hi Andrea,
Cat palm is short for the accepted name Chamaedorea cataractarum. It grows next to riverbanks in Mexico. Cham’s are good for apartments because they’ll tolerate low light levels. Just keep it watered. I have 2 female clumps planted out here. They thrive on complete neglect on my behalf on the north side of my house. I don’t have any cats. I have a beast of a dachshund. :)) He’s a small dog, but is a beast.
Jeff
Popular Garden Palms That Can Be Dangerous For Cats
Several of the larger palm species will grow easily in the warmer zones of North America.;
Examples include the Pheonix and Washingtonia or Mexican Fan Palm.;
As young plants they develop defense mechanisms against predatory animals.;
Spikes and thorns of varying lengths form on the fronds, and even the fruit. The razor-sharp leaves are capable of inflicting serious injury to human and animal flesh.;
Although the spiky exterior should act as a deterrent for any curious cat, some have been known to ignore these obvious cues and climb up palms or forage in the fallen leaves.;
The spikes invariably harbour fungi and other harmful bacteria which will spread infection through any open wound.
These palms are difficult to prune, but it is essential that this be routinely carried out. Falling leaves are heavy and have sharp edges.;
Heavy palm fruit also poses a danger. Some seeds weigh up to 50 pounds, and have been responsible for damage to property.;;;
The fruit of the Caryotas or Fishtail palm is smaller but toxic enough to cause skin irritation when handled without gloves or tramped on barefoot. If consumed they will cause abdominal distress.;;;
Is Bamboo Palm Safe Or Toxic To Cats
Chamaedorea seifrizii also known as bamboo or reed palm is a type of small-sized plant that belongs to the family Arecaceae that;grows up to about 7 feet tall. It is native to Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Florida, and Belize.
To identify it, it features;long bamboo-like canes. The canes grow to form a dense cluster of fronds with dark green to grey leave, as Palmpedia.net describes it.
This garden, as well as a houseplant, is often confused with Chamaedorea microspadix but the two are not one and the same thing.
Is bamboo palm poisonous to cats? No. It is not poisonous to cats or dogs. You can add it to the list of cat-safe house and garden plants.
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Is Chamaedorea Cataractarum Toxic To Cats
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Cat palm is a dense clumping palm that can act as a hedge or specimen plant, producing scores of glossy, dark green leaves. Cat palm is probably not poisonous to cats; Missouri Botanical Garden describes Chamaedorea elegans, which belongs to the same genus as cat palm, as popular houseplants and does not describe any toxicity hazards. Chamaedorea palms do not appear on the Humane Society‘s toxic plant list, suggesting that the cat palm plant is safe for pets.
Certain Types Of Ferns

Putting us in mind of deep forests and fairy gardens, ferns are primordial plants that remind us our wild roots. Maybe cats feel the same among them and thats okay because there are several varieties of true fern safe for a house with cats. Fans of indirect light and moist soil, try these nontoxic true fern varieties for your house:
- Boston
- Peace lily
- Pothos
- Rubber tree
- Sago Palm
- Snake Plants
For information on how to keep your cat safe from toxic plants and foods, check out these valuable guides from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Keep their number handy in case of a toxicity emergency:; 426-4435. Plus, they have an app to make access even quicker.
Also know that while these cat safe houseplants have proven nontoxic to cats, please remember every cat is unique. Like allergies in humans, cats can have adverse reactions to things unexpectedly. So just use care and make sure your cats dont harm themselves on your plants.
Cats and plants together help create a soothing household, but its our responsibility as cat lovers with a green thumb to keep everybody safe!
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Is Majesty Palm Safe For Cats
Scientifically known as Ravenea rivularis this variety is a common houseplant cultivated and sold mainly in subtropical and tropical regions. It resembles the Queens palm. Although you will find it marketed as a house or pot plant, it can grow up to 30 meters tall.
Being popular, you will definitely be curious to know whether it is toxic or safe to cats? Is this Ravenea poisonous or dangerous to kitties
The good news is that it is majesty palm is not toxic, poisonous or harmful to cats, dogs, or horses. In fact, it is one of the indoor palms safe for cats and joins ranks with other cats safe indoor plants such as Kimberly queen and birds nest ferns, fittonia, bunny cactus, among others.
While it is not toxic, if your feline eats a lot of its leaves, it might present digestion problems. However, these pets usually nibble only a small amount of plants. Therefore, you do not have to be worried if you see your kitty eating it.
Is Cat Palm Cat
Commonly known as cat, cascade, cataract palm, the Chamaedorea cataractarum is a small fluffy clustering plant native to Mexico and closely resembles the Dypsis lutescens but has feathery fronds on its green stems while Dypsis lutescens has golden yellow ones.
;It grows up to 6 feet tall and requires a tropical environment to thrive well. Its thin shoots, dark leaves that are glossy makes it commonly sought for house and landscaping.
Is cat palm toxic to cats? No. It is not toxic or poisonous to kitties. In fact, according to ASPCA, all plants that belong to the genus Chamaedorea are non-toxic to not only cats but also dogs and horses.
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Repotting Your Cat Palm
Indoor palm trees grow very slowly, and the Cat Palm is no exception. On average, you should only need to repot it once every 3 years. This palm enjoys a tight-fitting container.
Only upgrade it to a new pot when you can see the roots coming through the drainage hole, or if its giving clear signs that its struggling.
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When Is the Best Time to Repot?
The best time to repot the Cat Palm plant is in spring or summer. During this time, the palm is going through its growing season, and the roots are more likely to recover from being disturbed.
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What Is the Best Container?
Pick a new container thats only 1 size larger than the previous one, or 2 inches wider. Any material is fine for the pot, and you can use plastic, ceramic, or terracotta. The only thing to check is that the new container has drainage holes at the bottom, which will prevent the Cat Palm roots from sitting in water.
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How to Repot Cat Palm
Always water your palm 1 or 2 days before repotting it. This loosens the soil, making it easier to work with, and it also prevents transplant shock. Cat Palm roots are very delicate and dont like being disturbed, but the soil moisture will reduce the stress of repotting.
Heres our step-by-step guide for repotting the Cat Palm:
Growing Catnip From Seed
Propagation is by seed or root division. Established plants can also be divided by cutting the root mass in half and replanting. The plants can get fairly large , so grow them where they have adequate space
Prepare the garden soil outdoors after the last frost or start the seed inside 4 weeks before the last frost date. The seed is very small, so barely cover it to a depth of 1/8. Protect from your cats as the plants are growing.; As a perennial, it will flower the second year after planting.
Once the plants are well established, they should survive in the garden for several years. To contain the plant to its specified area, remove the blooms before they set seed. If uncontained it will self-seed and can spread, almost to the point of becoming weedy.
Many seed companies sell catnip seeds.
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How To Keep Your Majesty Palm Healthy
According to North Carolina State Extension, majesty palm is a tropical plant from Madagascar. As an indoor plant, here are some basics on the care of this beauty:
- Majesty palm needs a large enough pot to accommodate the root ball and maintain balance .;It likes loose, fertile soil, like this cactus soil mix from Espoma. Cacti, succulents and palms all have similar needs for loose, well-draining soil.
- Bright light to medium indirect light is best. A few feet back from a south or east-facing window should work well. If you dont have a sunny window to work with, a grow light is a great way to supplement. This flexible one accommodates plants of various sizes.
- Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering so the top of the soil surface feels dry to the touch. The exact watering schedule will vary from one home to another, but plan to water your majesty palm about once a week.
- Use a balanced fertilizer every two to three months during the active growing season.;This organic formula from Jobes is especially formulated for palm trees, and its listed as being safe for kids and pets. Still, its a good idea to keep your cat away from a freshly fertilized plant if possible.
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Outdoor Vs Indoor Growth Which Is Best
The Cat Palm is an unpretentious plant that can be grown in a wide array of locations. From homes and offices to gardens and urban landscaping, theres always a place where it will enjoy growing.
If you live in USDA zones 10 and 11, you can grow the Cat Palm outdoors throughout the year. In other zones, its recommended that you bring in indoors once temperatures start dropping below 45 °F at night. This palm is frost intolerant, and exposing it to freezing temperatures will permanently damage it.
When growing Cat Palm outdoors, pick a part of your garden where it is sheltered from direct sun. Some direct light in the morning is fine, but in general, avoid exposure to full sun for more than 4 hours. Also, remember that outdoor plants will need more frequent watering than potted plants, so make sure that your Cat Palm doesnt go thirsty in your garden.
Like many palm species, Cat Palm grows much bigger when its outdoors. Its not uncommon for this palm to grow almost 7 feet tall, and 8 feet wide.
Is the Cat Palm Safe for Cats?
The clue is in the name: yes, the Cat Palm is safe for cats. The palm does not appear on lists of plants that are toxic to pets. However, it does have a few toxic lookalikes, such as the Sago palm.
Always check the name of the plant on the label before buying it, and when in doubt, use a reliable plant guide to identify the right species.
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Pests That Can Affect Cat Palm Growth
Cat palms are prone to spider mites, mealybugs, whitefly, and scale. Get rid of cat palm pests by applying a neem oil solution or wiping the leaves regularly with insecticidal soap. Keeping humidity levels right also helps to prevent some pests.
Its vital to get rid of bugs from cat palms as soon as possible to prevent leaves turning yellow, and eventual plant death.
Related reading: How to get rid of houseplant pests naturally and quickly.
Are There Any House Plants That Are Safe For Cats

Popularized as a household plant in the Victorian era, the Parlor palm is a cat-safe houseplant that grows well under indoor lighting and even reacts to artificial lights. They do enjoy humidity, so dont let them dry out. Be careful of too much water though. Root rot can set in. Palm care can be a little tricky inside, but well worth it.
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Is Solidago Poisonous To Cats
Some plant parts are non-toxic, while other parts on the same plant are toxic. Plants Poisonous to Your Pets.
You may ask, Is Bamboo palm toxic to cats?
Bamboo Palm Its waxy green leaves might be tempting for a plant-partaking pet, and thats perfectly fine. Bamboo palm plants are safe for dogs and cats, Dr.
Which Palms Are Safe For Cats
Besides majesty palm, many other palm varieties are also cat-safe. So if you want to create your own little indoor palm grove, here are some good options that wont hurt your feline friend:
Parlor palm is essentially a miniature version of the majesty palm. It has similar care needs as the majesty and produces even more fronds .
Thorsens Greenhouse Parlor Palm
Bamboo palm is also similar to majesty palm, except it has multiple thin trunks that resemble a bamboo plant. Its also slightly smaller than the majesty and produces abundant fronds.
Wekiva Foliage Bamboo Palm
Ponytail palm looks just like that- a ponytail!;Its a small plant that can easily sit on a tabletop, and it has low watering and care needs.
American Plant Exchange Ponytail Palm
Cat palm is similar to majesty palm but stays more compact overall and has shorter fronds.
American Plant Exchange Cat Palm
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Houseplants That Are Safe To Bring Home To Your Furry Friend
Even though some pets ignore the green, there are always a few stubborn rascals who do want a plant-based diet. By choosing one of these pet-safe plants, you are assured that you keep those poisonous houseplants far far away from your precious sprouts.
Finding houseplants safe for both cats and dogs can be a real challenge, thats why this list is a start to keep your plants and pets happy. This way you feel confident to leave your leafy friends and furry fellas at home together.
Keeping Cats Away From Your Palm
However, the real question is how can you protect them from curious cats? Cats often mess with any plant in your home: a fern, a cactus, or pretty much anything thats green, popular, easy to grow, and makes you happy.
If youre choosing them as décor pieces around the house, you need to keep these plants in a safe, pet-free zone. Here are a few tips to protect your precious palm:
- Use cayenne pepper or citrus to deter ponytail palm cats by causing an unpleasant aroma
- Add pebbles or stones to the top of your container
- Add pinecones or crumbled aluminum foil
- Buy plants like catnip or lemon balm to attract them
- Lightly spray your cat with water every time it goes near to train it
- Grow your ponytail palm outdoors to avoid the problem entirely
Cats are extremely sensitive to smell, which is a great plus if you want to keep them away from Beaucarnea recurvata. There are many ways to make the plant smell unpleasant for the cat. Sprinkling some cayenne pepper around the leaves is a safe and effective way to keep away cats.
Cats also detest the smell of citrus. If you have any dried orange or lemon peels lying around in the kitchen, simply put some inside the plant pot. While this is a pleasant aroma for you, it can successfully deter cats. Make sure not to use a strong acid, like lemon juice as that may cause damage to the leaves.
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Flowers That Are Safe & Non
Brutlag says she tends to see an increase in questions from cat owners who ask what flowers are safe during holidays when floral arrangements are in higher demand, like Mother’s Day and graduations. But if your cat happens to take a bite out of bouquets of the below, he should be in the clear.
Whether you plant these colorful additions in your yard or arrange them in a vase indoors, these colorful additions are considered safe for cats to be around:
- Daisies
- Peruvian lily. ;
- Roses. Watch the thorns if cats decide to nibble the stems.
- Snapdragons
Are Ponytail Palms Safe For Cats
Picking the right houseplants for your living space can be tricky,;and finding ones that are pet-friendly is even harder. ..
While dogs like to laze around in the house, cats are rather curious. With a feisty pet that loves to explore every nook and corner, its important not to keep any poisonous plants in the house.
Ponytail palms are extremely common houseplants, with their cascading leaves and bulbous caudex. They make fantastic indoor décor as theyre slow-growers, low-maintenance, and can live for decades.
But the question remains: are ponytail palms cat safe plants? Read on to find out.
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Cat Palm Propagation Guide
The easiest way to propagate Cat Palm is by separating new growth from the mother plant. This plant produces side shoots called suckers, which grow from the main root ball and develop their roots over time.
Propagate your Cat Palm in spring, preferably at the same time as repotting it. This will prevent stressing the roots too much and give the suckers a better chance at becoming established. The new growth should be at least 1 foot tall for successful propagation.
As when repotting, remember to water your Cat Palm 1 or 2 days before you take it out of the pot to propagate.
Heres what you need to do:
Can You Propagate Cat Palm From Seeds?