Alyssum is considered a non-toxic plant for cats by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Poison Control Center. The plant does not contain toxic properties that can cause illness in your feline companions. It is also safe for dogs and horses.
Inquisitive cats who like nibbling on plants can graze on this plant as it does not contain toxic elements. However, cat owners should still take precautions as this does not mean that cats can indulge in large quantities of alyssum.
Can Cats Eat Alyssum?
Cats will not be harmed if they come into touch with an alyssum. It is normally safe for your feline pals to nibble or lick pieces of this plant.
However, cats should avoid eating large amounts of alyssum. This is because cats are unable to thoroughly digest plant particles, which might create digestive problems.
In addition, if cats swallow fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals used in plants, they may suffer harmful consequences.
What is Alyssum?
Alyssum is a flowering plant genus native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The Mediterranean region has the greatest diversity of this species.
Alyssum can be annual or perennial herbaceous plants or small shrubs. They commonly have oblong-oval leaves that grow around 10 to 100 cm tall belong to this genus. Alyssum produces flowers that are small and clustered in clusters at the stem’s end. They’re generally yellow or white, although they might be pink or purple as well.
Many horticultural variations of alyssum species with purple or pink blooms are grown in gardens. The genus’ flowers are usually white, although they can also be pink or purple. Plant breeders have chosen and strengthened uncommon hues to create a variety of varieties. White varieties are often more strong and vigorous, as well as aromatic.
The plant is best planted in the early spring, but once established, it takes minimal care. In temperate areas, it may reseed despite being an annual plant. Trimming spent blossoms will encourage more flowering. It is commonly used as a groundcover in gardens since it seldom grows more than 20 cm tall. It also grows in cracks in asphalt and buildings and is particularly common at the seaside.
Most alyssum species have a sweet, honey-like scent and clusters of blooms that grow close together. Because of their aggressive nature, several alyssum species are listed as invasive species in various warm-weather locations.
Keeping Cats Away From Alyssum
To be on the safe side, cat owners should keep their cats away from plants.
Placing your plants in a place out of your cat’s reach is a must. If possible, restrict your cat’s access outdoors to avoid encountering toxic plants. Train them to avoid plants outdoors as well.
You can also try using aluminum foil in your gardens as cats hate its crinkly sound and feel. Try wrapping your plant pots or covering the ground near plants in aluminum foil.
Plants to Avoid For Your Cats
If you are a cat owner and unsure if the plants growing in your yard are harmful to your cats, check out this list of toxic plants for cats. You can also check our list of non-toxic plants for cats.
