If you have a cat, but also really want a bonsai tree, then it is only natural to want to know if a bonsai tree is poisonous to a cat. The last thing you want is your beloved pet becoming ill after munching on a twig or two from the tree that is housed by the window.
Owning a bonsai tree is a little like owning a pet – you need to care for it to make sure it is healthy and grows. However, can you have a cat and a bonsai tree living side by side?
The answer is: probably. However, no plant is completely 100% safe to be around any pet. If a plant, or a bonsai tree, is consumed in large quantities, then there is always a likelihood that the animal will become ill.
Also, there is a list from the ASPCA to show which plants are toxic and which ones are non-toxic.
With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at cats (see also ‘Which Are More Loved In Japan: Cats Or Dogs?‘) and bonsai trees in more detail. You will want to know what the safest varieties are, and what to do if your cat does decide to eat some of your bonsai tree.
So, without further ado, let’s get to it!
Is it Safe for a Cat to be Around a Bonsai Tree?
It isn’t uncommon for an animal to be curious about the plant matter that surrounds them – heck they even eat bugs! It is the same for your pet cat too. No doubt that they will want to have a bite, or at least a nibble, of a houseplant just to see what it tastes like.
Cats have no idea that things are bad for them, so for them, there is no risk to nibble at a bonsai tree. After all, things are just things to them, with the possibility of it tasting nice.
Also, they might chew something because they are feeling bored. It is a little like a hamster. While they need items to chew on to keep their teeth in check, they also bite on stuff for entertainment.
However, a lot of people don’t actually know what species their bonsai tree is which can be a cause for concern. Some species are seen as poisonous to cats, whilst some are a lot safer.
Despite this, it is always best to make sure your cat doesn’t decide to bite a chunk out of your bonsai tree, just in case it does make them ill.
Which Bonsai Trees Are Deemed Safe Around a Cat?
Unfortunately, there is no safest option when it comes to owning a bonsai tree. A lot of people state that their cat and bonsai tree live together just fine, but that isn’t the case for everyone.
While a bonsai tree can be safe, if a cat decides to consume a large amount of the tree, then they could become ill. However, a small nibble is likely to be fine.
The first thing you will want to do is take a look at the type of bonsai tree you have. If it isn’t a non-toxic species, then you might want to consider moving it into a room your cat isn’t allowed in, or giving it away to somebody who doesn’t own a pet.
Here is a list of the safer species of bonsai tree:
Ponytail Palm
Parlor Palm
Bamboo Palm
Money Tree
Prayer Plant
Peperomia Plant
Which Bonsai Trees to Avoid?
While the above list are seen as safer bonsai species, as already stated, you will need to keep an eye on your cat to make sure that they do not nibble at them, especially in large amounts.
However, there are some species of bonsai tree that you will most certainly want to avoid. These (and many more) are seen as toxic to cats, as well as other animals. You will want to make sure your cat avoids eating it, because while he can be ill, some are fatal – though rare.
Jade Plant
Azalea Bonsai
Sage Palm Tree
Boxwood Bonsai
Wysteria
Cherry
For the most up-to-date list, check out the ASPCA.
What to Do if a Cat Has Eaten Some of a Bonsai Tree?
If you suspect your cat has nibbled on a bonsai tree, then it is always worth calling up your vet to get him or her checked out. While the likelihood is that your beloved pet will be okay, if it was a toxic variety, or if they ingested large amounts, they may need some professional care.
Always take your pet to the veterinarian, even if the cat isn’t showing symptoms. However, if they are showing symptoms, they might be:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Loss of Appetite
Having a seizure
Drooling
Becoming unconscious
Are There Ways to Keep a Cat Away From a Bonsai Tree?
If you are determined to have both a cat and a bonsai tree, then that is okay. You will just want to make sure that both of them stay away from each other. Not only do you want your cat to stay healthy, but you will also want the tree to thrive as well.
Firstly, make sure the species is non-toxic to a cat. This way, a small amount of nibbling shouldn’t be an issue.
Secondly, you could place your bonsai tree in an area your cat cannot reach. However, you will want to make sure your bonsai tree has plenty of light.
Lastly, you could place the bonsai tree in a room where the cat isn’t allowed. This is probably the best option!
Final Thoughts on Cats and a Bonsai Tree
If you are looking to own both a cat and a bonsai tree, you can make it happen. You will need to plan it out properly, and make sure that both your cat and bonsai tree can live together healthily and happily.
While some bonsai trees are toxic, and some are non-toxic, a cat may become ill when nibbling any species of tree, so always take precautions to make sure they are safe.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
