Non-toxic plants

Is Buzzy Lizzie Toxic For Cats?

by Clair Chesterman
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Buzzy Lizzie is safe for cats. These beautiful plants are confirmed as non-toxic for cats, dogs, and horses by reputable organizations such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Written in collaboration with a team of experienced DVMs (doctors of veterinary medicine), this article aims to provide accurate and up-to-date information on the potential risks associated with various plants, particularly Buzzy Lizzie, and their effects on cats. In addition to the invaluable input from our DVM collaborators, we have thoroughly researched high-authority websites, including ASPCA and PetMD, to ensure comprehensive coverage on the subject. While Buzzy Lizzies are recognized as safe, it’s still important to explore whether cats should consume them.

Can Cats Eat Buzzy Lizzie?

Buzzy Lizzie with a curious cat in the background

A tiny bite of buzzy lizzie will not cause negative effects on your cat since the plant does not contain toxic substances. 

However, you should still be cautious not to let your cat eat a whole bunch of your buzzy lizzies at home. Plants are tough to digest in a cat’s stomach. Thus, eating excessive amounts of buzzy lizzies may cause your cats to have stomach issues.

You should also be mindful of the chemicals being used in plants. Commercial fertilizers and pesticides may contain toxic properties that can be hazardous for your cats. If you are growing plants at home you should avoid using these. If your cat happens to encounter plants outside you should be mindful if they have eaten them.

What is Buzzy Lizzie?

Buzzy Lizzie and cats

Buzzy Lizzie is also known for its other common names such as Giant Touch-Me-Not, Impatience Plant, Patient Lucy, Patient Plant, Balsam, Sultana, and Tangerine Impatience. It is a species of the genus Impatiens from the Balsaminaceae family, endemic to eastern Africa from Kenya to Mozambique. 

Buzzy Lizzie is a blooming herbaceous perennial plant that grows to a height of 15 to 60 cm. It has broad lanceolate leaves that are typically alternate but can be opposite at the plant’s top. Their leaf blades are oblong to broadly elliptic, occasionally obovate, 2.5 to 13 inches long and 2 to 5.5 inches wide, green on the outside and speckled, pink, or reddish on the inside.

Buzzy Lizzies are popular houseplants in the United Kingdom and the United States. They are often cultivated for their gorgeous flowers both outdoors and indoors when given adequate strong light and the proper temperatures  The majority of them that are commonly available now are hybrids.

Keeping Cats Away From Buzzy Lizzie

Cat looks at Buzzy Lizzie

Preventing your cats from getting near your plants will not only protect your cats but also your plants but getting damaged,

Buzzy lizzies can be placed gorgeously in a hanging basket. Hang them in a place where your cat cannot reach. 

To deter your cats away from your plants, you may try spraying vinegar on them. Putting aluminum foil or sticky tape around your plant pots will also make your cats stay away from them. Cats dislike the odor and texture of these items.

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.

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