We all love to add a little green to our homes, and one of the most popular choices is the Raven ZZ plant. But, before you bring one home, it’s important to consider the safety of all members of your household – including your furry feline friends.
In this article, we will explore whether or not the Raven ZZ plant is toxic to cats and what you can do to keep your cat safe.
The Science Behind Plant Toxicity
First things first, let’s take a look at how plants can be toxic to cats. According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), there are three main ways that plants can be toxic to cats: through ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation.
Ingestion
This is the most common way that cats come into contact with toxic plants. If your cat eats a toxic plant, it can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in severe cases.
Skin Contact
Some plants can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in cats if they come into contact with the plant’s sap, juice, or thorns.
Inhalation
Some plants release toxic fumes when they are burned or crushed. This can be dangerous if your cat inhales the fumes.
Is the Raven ZZ Plant Toxic to Cats?
The short answer is no, the Raven ZZ plant is not toxic to cats. The ASPCA does not list the Raven ZZ plant as toxic to cats or any other animal.
However, you should always know that while the plant itself may not be toxic, the leaves can be a bit tough and if ingested, could cause some stomach upset.
Another thing to keep in mind is that raven zz plants are not the most appealing to cats, so it’s unlikely that your feline friend will be tempted to nibble on the leaves.
But just in case, it’s always best to keep an eye on your cat when introducing any new plants to your home.
Let’s say you have a cat named Mittens. Mittens is a curious cat and loves to explore every nook and cranny of your home.
You’ve recently decided to add a raven zz plant to your living room to brighten up the space and improve the air quality.
The day after you bring the plant home, you notice Mittens sniffing around the raven zz plant, but not showing much interest in it. You breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the plant is not toxic to your feline friend.
However, you also notice that Mittens has been a bit gassy and has an upset stomach. Upon further investigation, you realize that Mittens has been digging in the potting soil and ingesting some of it.
In this scenario, you would want to remove the potting soil from Mittens’s reach, and consider switching to a pet-safe potting soil or making your own potting mix with all-natural ingredients to ensure Mittens’s health and safety.
Safety Precautions to Keep Your Raven ZZ Plants Out of Cats
Even though the Raven ZZ plant is not toxic to cats, there are still a few safety precautions you should take to keep your feline friend safe.
Keep the plant out of reach
The easiest way to keep your cat safe is to keep the Raven ZZ plant out of reach. Place it on a high shelf or table where your cat can’t get to it.
Monitor your cat
Keep an eye on your cat when you first bring the plant home. Make sure he or she is not interested in eating it.
Consider alternatives
If you’re worried about the safety of the Raven ZZ plant, consider other non-toxic plants that are safe for cats such as Spider Plant, Pothos, or Snake Plant.
Read: Is The ZZ Plant Poisonous?
Ending Thoughts!
Raven ZZ plant is not toxic to cats, but it’s still very important to take safety precautions to keep your feline friend safe.
Remember, just because a plant is not toxic, it doesn’t mean it’s safe for your cat to eat. So, always keep an eye on your cat and consider other non-toxic options if you’re concerned.
Has your cat ever turned into “not feeling well” mode after coming in contact with the Raven ZZ plant? Let me know in the comments.
