Miniature maranta is not toxic for cats. The plant is safe to grow in an environment where cats are also present. There are no known toxic substances found in miniature maranta. Thus, cats can lick, bite, or touch this plant without experiencing adverse effects.
But, it is not advisable to let your feline companions eat miniature maranta. This article will further discuss why and how should you keep away your cats from your houseplants.
Can Cats Eat Miniature Maranta?
You may ease your worry if your cat has only bitten a tiny part of a miniature maranta. However, ingestion of excessive amounts of this plant can cause cats to suffer from indigestion. This is because they cannot fully digest plant materials in their stomach.
Carnivorous animals like cats feed on protein-based meals. Thus, plants are not suitable to be included in their regular diet. There are some plants that cats can eat but always remember to give them in moderation.
If you have houseplants, you should also be aware of the products that you use on your plants. Some commercial plant care products like fertilizers and insecticides leave toxic chemical residues on plants. Once these residues were eaten or inhaled by your kitty, it may cause them poisoning and a life-threatening situation.
What is a Miniature Maranta?
Scientifically known as Goeppertia micans and previously as Calathea micans, miniature maranta belongs to the Saxifragaceae plant family and is also known as the prayer plant.
Miniature Maranta is a tiny tropical herbaceous perennial from South and Central America in the Marantaceae family that grows by rhizomes. The leaves fold together in a way like prayer hands at night, thus the common name.
Outside of its native nations, this plant is commonly cultivated as an indoor houseplant at room temperatures, requiring uniformly wet, well-drained, peaty potting mixes. It is indigenous to Central and Tropical South America.
Miniature maranta is an evergreen plant. The simple leaves are alternately arranged. They are ovate, whole, and petiolate in shape. From June through August, it produces racemes of white funnel-shaped blooms. However, flowers are rarely seen on indoor plants. In pots, miniature maranta normally grows to be 12-16″ tall.
Keeping Cats Away From Miniature Maranta
You may drive your cats away by spraying vinegar and water solution on your plants. Cats dislike the sour smell and taste of vinegar so they most likely avoid it.
Another method is to use aluminum foil. Place aluminum foil around your plants and over the ground. It will serve as a barrier since cats do not like touching the aluminum foil. They detest its crinkly texture and odor.
Training your cats is the most essential method to keep them away from plants. Spray water on them, make loud noises, or simply say “no” when they approach 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.
