No, Jungle Geranium is not toxic for cats. There are no toxic properties found in jungle geraniums that can be poisonous to cats so it is completely safe to grow this plant within your residence even if you have cats. It is also considered safe for dogs and even horses.
Can Cats Eat Jungle Geranium?
It is fine for cats to eat a tiny portion of a Jungle Geranium but this does not mean that you can let the felines eat it regularly. It is not advisable for cats to consume an excessive amount of jungle geraniums or any kinds of plants as it can lead to indigestion or stomach upset. You should keep in mind that felines are carnivorous animals and their bodies are not capable of digesting plant matter.
Another thing that may cause danger to your cats is the chemical residue from products used on plants like fertilizers and insecticides. If your cats have eaten a plant with harmful chemical residues, they may suffer from poisoning which can be lethal.
What is Jungle Geranium?
The jungle geranium is a blooming shrub that may reach a height of three meters. It has light green, smooth leaves that are oval in form and around 20 cm long. These leaves are paired and droop (opposite leaf arrangement).
The blooms of the jungle geranium are tiny, tubular, and have four obovate lobes grouped in a cross pattern. They start off red-orange and then become crimson as they mature. The flowers grow in big, dense clusters around eight cm across.
Jungle geranium, scientifically known as Ixora Javanica from the Rubiaceae plant family, is often found throughout Southeast Asia and nearby regions. It may be cultivated indoors or used outside as a landscape plant and is typically used as an ornamental plant.
Keeping Cats Away From Jungle Geranium
It is best for your feline companions to stay away from your plants. Keeping your cats away from jungle geraniums and other plants (whether toxic or not) will prevent them from damaging your plants and you can also prevent them from getting sick due to ingestion of plants.
The best method to prevent your cats from getting near your plants is by training them. You can start teaching them by telling them “no”, or making loud noises whenever they try to approach your plants. You may also spray water on them when they touch the plants. Cats hate getting wet. Just make sure that your feline pals will associate the water with the plants and not with you. Otherwise, they will avoid you instead of avoiding 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.
