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Many people love cats. Many people love orchids. To paraphrase the late Rodney King, “Can’t they all get along?”
Short answer: If you have Phalaenopsis Orchids, yes they can!
Many people still believe that nibbling on a beautiful orchid is toxic to Kitty. While it’s never a good idea for your cat to nibble on most plants, these orchids (which are also known as Moth Orchids) are non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Some houseplants definitely are dangerous to your family pet, but most are not. Common houseplants or cut flowers we use to beautify our homes can be dangerous to pets should they eat them. Daffodils, aloe vera and baby’s breath are three.
But most houseplants pose no danger to your pets. Safe plants commonly seen in homes include (according to ASPCA.com) the Christmas cactus, bamboo, areca or golden palm, the button fern, and more.
For a searchable list of toxic and non-toxic houseplants, check out the ASPCA’s searchable database.
Still, it’s wise to keep your cat and dog away from all plants, including your orchids. Pesticides and fertilizers may have been used on the plant even if you make every effort to keep the fertilizer/pesticide as far away from the leaves as possible (the leaves generally are what cats go for; try misting the leaves and sprinkling them with either cinnamon or cayenne pepper).
Either keep your orchid in a spot that’s inaccessible to your pets, or keep a sharp eye out on your four-legged family members and shoo them away when they draw near.
Are you thinking of adding orchids to your home? Phalaenopsis Orchids are easy to care for, are non-toxic and can warm a room with their beauty for months at a time (they can bloom for several weeks). In fact, if your orchid’s blooms have fallen, we offer a free guide to orchid reblooming that can help you get them quickly back to blooming. Download it now!
