Protect your pets from Dracaena!

Dracaena, or commonly known as the dragon tree, is a very popular plant mainly because it is easy to grow. It can deal with many challenges including being nibbled on by pets. Yes, pets do that but nibbling may be fatal for cats or even dogs. All plants belonging to the dracaena genus are toxic to them. If you have an animal at home that likes to chew on houseplants, you should hide dracaena from it.

Dracaena and cats

If you have dracaena and a cat at home, you should be careful. Cats may nibble on dracaena out of boredom, to get your attention or because they are missing certain nutrients. Always move the plant out of the cat’s reach (best to a room where cats are not allowed). You can tell if your cat has been poisoned if it vomits, suffers from diarrhoea, lost its appetite and has become lethargic. You may even notice blood in vomit. If you notice these symptoms visit veterinarian as soon as possible.

Photo: Pixabay

Dracaena is toxic, but it will not kill your pet…

Although dracaena is toxic to cats, it only causes death in a very small percentage of affected cats. However, you need to see a vet within 24 hours after poisoning. Your veterinarian will prescribe special nutrients to help your cat cope with electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

Plants safe for cats

Before you buy any houseplant, make sure it is not toxic to you or your pets. Safe houseplants include Schlumbergera xbuckleyi, Chamaedorea microspadi, Nephrolepis exaltata and many other types of course, but you need to check. Plants such as catnip (Nepeta cataria) or Cyperus are safe plants but they should not become a regular part of cat’s play. Cats can knock it over or even hurt themselves during play. Watch where your cat likes to spend time and do not put plants in the area.

Protect plants from cats

Place hanging plants or those that grow downwards in hanging baskets. Make sure cats cannot reach them. Cats may also be attracted to the soil in the pots. A good idea is to place large smooth stones on top of soil, so cats are not be able to move them. There are also cat repellents – sprays. Their scent repels cats, and people hardly notice them. You can use these spray indoors and outdoors (near children’s sandboxes for example).

Source:

https://www.ireceptar.cz/zvirata/dracinec-kocky-30001017.html

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/variegated-dracaena-toxic-cats-78141.html

Preview photo: Pixabay