No, Burro’s Tail is not toxic for cats. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) even lists it as a non-toxic herb for dogs, cats, and horses.
While burro’s tail is categorized as safe for cats, does this mean your cats can eat it? In this post, we’ll look at whether cats can eat burro tails and also learn some tips on how to keep your cats away from your houseplants.
Can Cats Eat Burro’s Tail?
There is no life-threatening effect if your cat has eaten a bit of burro’s tail. It does not contain poisonous substances that can harm your felines so there is nothing to worry about.
But, remember that plants are hard for cats to digest. Eating a lot of plants will make them feel sick. It may cause digestive upset and make your cat suffer from mild vomiting and diarrhea.
Another general tip is to avoid applying fertilizers, insecticides, and other chemicals to your plants. If your cats swallow or are exposed to a plant containing chemical residue, they may become poisoned.
What is Burro’s Tail?
Burro’s tail is also known by various names, including Horse’s Tail, Donkey’s Tail, and Lamb’s Tail. Scientifically, it is known as Sedum morganianum which is a species of flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae. Burro’s tail is a trailing perennial with up to 60 cm long stems, thick blue-green leaves, and terminal pink to red blooms in the summer.
The genus sedum to which the burro’s tail belongs is composed of evergreen succulent, herbaceous perennials with mushy, flat, or spherical leaves. The plant frequently stands erect and sprawls across the ground. The name derives from the Latin word sedeo, which means “to sit,” and refers to the habit of some sedum species of reclining and spreading across rocks.
Burro’s tail is endemic to Mexico and the Dominican Republic, although it can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit when cultivated outside in milder areas. The plant grows swiftly and tolerates rocky and poor soils. It is drought and dry soil resistant because of its succulent leaves.
Due to their cascading growth pattern and fragility, plants are an excellent choice for usage as hanging succulent plants. The thick, succulent leaves readily fall off, and if they land in soil, they take root and flourish.
Keeping Cats Away From Burro’s Tail
Burro’s tail is ideal to place in a hanging basket. Aside from the aesthetic value, you can also protect your burro’s tail in this way since it is out of your cat’s reach.
If your burro’s tail is grown in pots, you may wrap an aluminum foil around the pot to deter your cats. Spraying vinegar on your plants will also help from keeping your cats away. Cats detest the sour odor and taste of vinegar.
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.
