According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Poison Control Center, algaroba, also known as kiawe and mesquite, is not poisonous to cats.
Despite the fact that Algarobas are harmless for cats, cat owners should use caution when their cats attempt to consume any plant matter.
Can Cats Eat Algaroba?
Cats are inquisitive animals. Plants are no exception to their habit of touching, licking and nibbling on whatever they find intriguing around them.
It should not be a cause of worry if your cat chews a portion of algaroba. But, it’s important to keep in mind, too, that fertilizers, insecticides, and other substances containing chemicals used on plants might harm your cat if consumed.
What is Algaroba?
Algaroba is a mesquite tree species endemic to Latin America. In Hawaii, it is also known as kiawe, while in South America, it is known as huarango.
It’s a spreading shrub or small tree with spines, greenish-yellow flower spikes, and long pods with little brown seeds. Its capacity to reproduce in two ways makes it a successful invasive species: producing vast quantities of readily distributed seeds and suckering to form thick monotypic stands that shade out surrounding competitive plants.
The algaroba tree is a fast-growing tree that may survive for millennia. If you don’t mind the thorns on the fallen limbs, it makes a nice shade tree. Its firm wood is used to make charcoal and long-burning fuel. Kiawe pods can be used as cattle feed, crushed into flour, molasses, or brewed into beer. Bees are drawn to the pale yellow blossoms, which generate sought-after white honey.
Keeping Cats Away From Algaroba
Because cats are carnivores, they lack the enzymes needed to digest plant matter. As a result, consuming too much of a plant might cause them gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Limiting your cat’s outdoor access is the best way to keep them away from algarobas. While consuming a small portion of algaroba is not a major concern, eating a large quantity of the plant may still cause them discomfort.
Plants to Avoid For Your Cats
If you are a cat parent and not sure if the plants growing in your yard are harmful to your cats, you may refer to our list of toxic plants for cats. You may also check our list of non-toxic plants for cats.
