Bamboo Palm is non-toxic for cats. It is also included by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in their non-toxic plants’ list. Bamboo palm is also not toxic to dogs and horses.
A taste of this plant will not harm your cat so cat parents should not worry. But since plants are not part of a cat’s regular diet, it is still best to take precautionary measures.
Can Cats Eat Bamboo Palm?
Even while the bamboo palm or parlor palm is not toxic to cats, you should still be cautious if your cats get into contact with it. Cats love to nibble, lick, and taste everything. While they will not be poisoned, they may become unwell if they consume too much of the bamboo palm.
It is also important to note that because cats are naturally carnivores, their systems lack enzymes that can process plant components. As a result, eating too many plants of any sort may cause digestive pain.
What is Bamboo Palm?
Bamboo palm is also known as Miniature Fish Tail Dwarf Palm, Parlor Palm, and Good Luck Palm. Bamboo palm, scientifically known as Chamaedorea elegans, is a tiny palm tree endemic to the jungles of southern Mexico and Guatemala. The bamboo or parlor palm is one of the world’s most popular houseplant palms. The Royal Horticultural Society awarded this plant the Garden Merit Award.
Bamboo palm is a woody, rhizomatous plant with a thin green stem that grows to two to three meters in tropical climates. This species is notable for the early beginning of flowering, with some plants blossoming at only 30 cm in height.
The odorous tiny, light yellow, yellow, or orange-red blooms grow on irregularly branching petioles that grow beneath or amid the leaves. They originate from the trunk as lateral buds and open as clusters of tiny balls devoid of petals. These have some similarities to mimosa flowers. Pea-sized berries appear on occasion after blooming.
Bamboo palm is a good choice for indoor or outdoor decorative plants that are safe for cats and children. It is also not difficult to care for as long as they are not frost-bitten.
Keeping Cats Away From Bamboo Palm
You should keep your plants out of their cats’ reach. This will not only protect your cats, but it will also protect your plants.
Natural deterrents may be used to keep cats away from your plants. Using aluminum foil can also help in deterring your cats. Cats loathe the crinkly sensation and smell of aluminum foil thus, they avoid it. Wrap aluminum foil around your pots or set it near your plants in the garden.
Cats loathe sticky materials as well. Using double-sided adhesive tape to cover your pots will also keep them away from your plants.
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.