If you have a coffee plant or you’re planning on getting one, you may need to know whether or not they are toxic to cats. This is a great question and one you should always ask before bringing home anything new. Below is a breakdown of whether or not these plants are toxic and other important information regarding the safety of your feline.
What Is the Coffee Plant?
The coffee plant is a small, flowering shrub that produces the fruit used to make your morning cup. This plant is perfect for growing both outdoors and indoors, so almost anyone will be able to raise one if they are interested.
The shrub can be identified by its broad, green leaves and bright red berries. In the spring, you will find fragrant, vivid white flowers.
Is The Coffee Plant Toxic to Cats?
There are so many great reasons to add this plant to your home, but unfortunately, cat owners might want to consider something else. Cats, dogs, and other pets won’t tolerate them, and prolonged exposure could harm their long-term health.
Symptoms of Ingestion
It can be hard to differentiate coffee tree poisoning from other illnesses. Keep an eye on your feline and watch out for these symptoms to give you clues:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Mood Changes
- Dermatitis
How To Respond
If you’re sure that your cat has eaten a coffee plant, you should get in contact with your vet right away. They may want to induce vomiting or administer some intravenous fluids to balance electrolytes. Fortunately, most cats will fully recover.
If you aren’t sure that your cat has eaten your coffee plant, but they are exhibiting symptoms, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. It’s difficult to diagnose vague symptoms if you’re not a trained professional, and trying to do so could be disastrous.
Prevention Tips
The best way to prevent your cat from ingesting coffee plants is to avoid getting one. If you already have one, however, there are a few steps you can take to prevent them from getting into your foliage.
- Keep toxic plants in a locked area that they can’t access.
- Sprinkle cayenne pepper or citrus around the plant. Cats don’t care for the smell.
- Keep them distracted with grass and plants of their own. You can choose from several kits at almost any pet supply store.
- Train your cat not to go near the plant. Although it may seem impossible to train a cat, they can learn, and this is one of the most effective ways to get them to behave.
Cat-Friendly Alternatives
Fortunately, plant lovers don’t have to give up their passion in order to keep their cats safe. There are several cat-friendly alternatives to the coffee plant. Consider what it is that you like about the coffee plant and go from there.
- Hibiscus is a gorgeous flowering plant that you can get with white blooms. They also like to be grown indoors and do well in several settings.
- Bromeliads are great plants for cats and beginner gardeners. Their vibrant foliage makes them a perfect addition to any household.
- Roses are another plant that produces incredible flowers. They are cat-friendly, and they are quite hardy.
Final Thoughts
Although the coffee plant is toxic to cats, it’s fortunately hardly ever fatal. Plus, it’s very easy to avoid these incidents by removing your cat’s access to it in the first place. If your cat seems to be getting into your coffee plant, call your vet.
In the meantime, swap it out for something more appropriate for your feline friend. Coffee grounds can be used as a fertilizer for houseplants.