Cinquefoil is included in the list of vet-approved plants for cats. This herbaceous plant of the rose family is safe for cats according to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Can Cats Eat Cinquefoil?
Cinquefoil is safe for cats to eat. There are no adverse consequences reported after a cat has eaten a cinquefoil. You should not be concerned about your felines if they have eaten cinquefoil in a modest amount.
Cats, however, may develop stomach problems if they eat any form of plants on a regular basis. Their bodies don’t have enough enzymes needed to digest plant nutrients because they are carnivorous by nature.
What is Cinquefoil?
Cinquefoil (Potentilla) is a rose family genus with approximately 300 species of annual, biennial, and perennial herbaceous flowering plants.
In English, potentillas are known as cinquefoils, but they’ve also been called five fingers and silverweeds. Cinquefoils resemble strawberries in appearance, but their fruit is usually dry and inedible (hence the name “barren strawberry” for some species). Flowers are most commonly yellow, but they can also be white, pinkish, or red. The accessory fruits are normally dry, but they can be mushy and strawberry-like, while the seeds themselves are tiny nuts.
Cinquefoils can be found growing wild in most cool and cold climates. The majority of the species are herbaceous perennials, with a few exceptions being upright or creeping shrubs. Some weeds are particularly bothersome. Other varieties can be found in gardens.
Keeping Cats Away From Cinquefoil
If a Cinquefoil grows in your vicinity you should not worry but you can take the required precautions and do not leave your cat unattended as much as possible.
Always keep your cats from going outside. Use cat houses, playpens, and cat cages to keep them indoors. Fences and safety netting around your home may also be beneficial.
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.
