Alice White
The Chamaedorea Elegans, also known as the mountain palm, is a popular houseplant. It is not only decorative but also very easy to care for. But is the green plant also suitable for the cat household or is it possibly poisonous for house tigers?
Chamaedorea Elegans and Cats
- The Chamaedorea, also known as the mountain palm, is non-toxic to slightly toxic for cats.
- Slight poisoning with nausea and vomiting can only occur if larger quantities are consumed.
- If the cat plays with the palm fronds, it is harmless for the pet, but it can harm your houseplant.
Is the Mountain Palm Poisonous to Cats?
Various information about the toxicity of the plant is circulating about the Chamaedorea elegans. While some botanists point out that the plant may contain poisonous saponins in its roots and leaves, others consider the mountain palm to be completely non-toxic. In a database for poisonous plants created by the University of Zurich, the Chamaedorea is classified as non-toxic. It can be assumed that the parts of the plant contain at most a small amount of toxic saponins. Thus, the mountain palm is non-toxic to slightly toxic for cats.
Can the Cat Nibble on the Chamaedorea?
Since the plant is at best slightly poisonous, cat owners can safely keep the mountain palm as a houseplant. There is only a risk of poisoning when consuming larger quantities. If the cat not only nibbles on the leaves occasionally but also regularly eats large amounts, it can lead to stomach and intestinal problems. Vomiting and diarrhea are the results. Therefore, keep your cat from eating the Chamaedorea Elegans despite the low risk of poisoning.
Our tip: Always have fresh cat grass available and play with your cat so that the curious velvet paw doesn’t play with the long fronds of the mountain palm out of boredom. There is little danger to the cat, but the Chamaedorea itself suffers in the long term from your pet’s sharp claws and teeth.
