A popular myth is that the Oncydium Cellobata provokes a natural high if ingested, causing a psychedelic state. In a study done within indigenous tribes in Venezuela, many plants were used and documented to bring this effect, but no orchids were included in this recipe. Sorry, Fluffy, no porch surfing today. Not only are some orchids not harmful, they're actually edible , like Dendrobia, used in salads, decorating elaborate meals, and finer dinning.
So if your fur ball knocks the orchids off the plant stand and eats the leaves and flowers, no harm will be done—at least to him. For some reason, chewing on orchid leaves is an indescribable thrill for felines. Hours of unending entertainment are provided when kittens see an orchid.
In my personal experience, Oncydium Cellobata creates a gnarly side effect. A euphoric state which strongly induces its admirers a. In the beginning of this article I stated an update about blue orchids.
I had originally written this article without even considering the fact that some orchids can come with blue dye. Those beautiful, big, blue Phalaenopsis orchids that are sold in grocery stores and supermarkets are not real.
Unfortunately, those orchids are injected with blue pigment when the buds are forming, and that blue orchid dye transforms a naturally white Phalaenopsis into a mesmerizing blue color, which can be toxic to felines. That blue will disappear after the orchid has blossomed, and the blue flowers have fallen off.
The formula for that blue dye is made a secret but he company who sells the orchid, and no one really knows what toxins can be present.
The dye used in blue orchids does not irritate a feline's skin. On the other hand, if ingested, blue orchids cause stomach irritation and mucus inflammation in felines. The blue orchid dye is sometimes visible, as it oozes out of the puncture wound. In severe cases, the amount of dye used can be too much for the orchid, and dye can literally ooze out of the buds, flowers, and leaves.
This is a serious case for orchid intervention, and I have to be honest, I don't know what to do in those cases. That blue die, as I mentioned before, is not toxic to human or feline skin and doesn't cause rashes or irritations on the dermis or epidermis layer of the feline's skin. Yet, there are no academic studies to prove what could happen if your cat ingested a blue orchid.
Since the pigmentation formula is not released to the public, your cat may be in for a serious case of mucus inflammation and stomach irritations. More sever cases have been reported of vomiting, but this is a good thing, in a way. Your cat is expelling the toxins that could make him worse. Again, since there are no confirmed academic studies of the toxicity of the blue orchid dye, it's best advised to keep blue orchids away from felines.
Dogs have stronger stomachs and can handle a much higher dose of whatever they put in the pigmentation, but in all cases, call your veterinary if your household pets chews on blue orchid leaves, buds, flowers, roots It's not worth it.
Switching focus, maybe the main concern should not be not how to keep Fluffy safe, but how to keep my orchid alive and away from any kitties.
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In other words, remove the accessibility to the plants. Sadly, this actually goes against the purpose of having plants. Areas that are perfect for displaying your orchid are the living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, sun room…but come to think of it, all those are the same places that my graceful fur ball loves to take his naps, too.
Top shelves are not a good answer either, since most cats love to climb. A solution: hanging pots will do the trick. The ceiling is one place where we tend to neglect decorating and hanging pots creates an additional depth or should I say height to the room.
Elevate them out of the reach and jump and your orchid should be fine. Closed terrariums are another solution, but in my opinion, not what I was aiming for. So this option is workable, but still…. To wrap this article up, orchids are not toxic or poisonous to cats. Fluffy is safe. How did you keep your orchids away from your cat? How are they cohabitating?
What solutions are working for you? If you are wondering about whether or not this information changes with dogs, check out our article about poisonous orchids for dogs, here.
Happy cultivating! This notebook is a journal that helps you write down your observations are care. Click this link for more information, and see how it's different from my first book, Orchid Journey.
Not sure what to read next? We all know how curious and determined cats are when they have their eyes on something. Here are some tips and tricks that you can try to keep your exquisite orchids and adorable pet safe from each other at the same time. We recommend taking the proactive steps above to be on the safe side. Still not a pretty picture to come home to, right?
Create an orchid or plant oasis at home where you can keep all your prized plants together. This can be your sunroom or any room around the house that gets flooded around with sunlight during daytime. Even so, cats are curious — and they do enjoy nibbling on plants, and certain plants contain micronutrients that your pet needs, while other plants are toxic or poisonous to cats. In the wild, cats eat the gut contents of their prey. This might sound disgusting, but that partially digested plant matter offers important nutrients, enzymes, and intestinal flora that benefit cats by promoting digestive health.
The best way to prevent your cat from eating orchids and other houseplants? Grow cat grass in a container they can always have access to, and make sure that they feel safe and comfortable in their environment. Made from soft, snuggly Merino wool, our cat caves will not only keep your cat happy inside, they also help felines regulate their temperature and stay warm in the cold weather and cool during the warmer, summer months.
This is especially important for kittens who cannot regulate their own temperature. Remember too, cats love the feeling of being covered from all angles where they can survey their environment. Just like the feeling of comfort your pet derives from curling up in small, cozy spaces , the desire to perch and feel safe is instinctual.
Check out our Royal Blue cat cave or read more on the cat furniture trends of Thoughtful prevention is the key to success: It really is possible for cats and houseplants to coexist! Giving you cat safe plants to chew, treating them to a cozy bed, and offering essentials including scratchers, a cat tree, and plenty of toys is the easiest way to create harmony.
Is lavender safe for cats? Fresh lavender is not toxic or poisonous to cats, however the essential oils derived from the plants are not safe for cats. Owners should avoid using essential lavender oils and diffusers in their homes, or be extremely cautious, and never apply to oil directly to their cat.
The Pet Poison Helpline explains that this is because cats have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils as they lack an essential enzyme in their liver.
They are also very sensitive to phenols which can be found in certain essential oils. Cats and carnation flowers - are they safe for cats? Carnations are toxic to cats and if ingested can cause mild gastrointestinal signs or mild dermatitis. Are succulents poisonous to cats?
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