Natal plum is not poisonous to cats. Natal plum contains no toxic chemicals that might endanger your kitty pals. This plant is even on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) list of non-toxic plants.
You may plant natal plums in your home without fear of harming your cats. While natal plum is regarded as a safe plant for your cats, you should be aware that this does not mean you can let your cat eat it anytime they want.
Can Cats Eat Natal Plum?
It is not lethal for cats to eat a small portion of a natal plum. But, eating excessive amounts of natal plum may cause them indigestion.
Plants are generally not ideal to be included in a cat’s meal. Since they are carnivores, their bodies are not prepared to digest large amounts of plant matter. That’s why it is better for cats to avoid any type of plant even if it is non-toxic.
Also, commercial products like fertilizers and pesticides that are commonly used on plants may leave traces of toxic chemicals that can harm your feline pals. If you use these products, be sure to use the natural ones and strictly follow the instructions.
What is Natal Plum?
Scientifically known as Carissa grandiflora, natal plum is a plant native to tropical and southern Africa. It features glossy, deep green leaves and pure white blooms with a sweet scent that intensifies at night.
The natal plum is an evergreen thorny shrub that produces latex. They bloom for months at a time. In the summer and fall, the huge, spherical, crimson fruit grows alongside the blooms. In moderate coastal areas, the fruits are available all year. The fruit is edible raw or prepared into pies, jams, jellies, and sauces.
Keeping Cats Away From Natal Plum
If your cat has a favorite location, carefully wash it with a hose to remove any odors or urine spray. Using eco-friendly soap, clean the doors, patio furniture, and other surfaces. Cats have a tendency to return to the same spot, so eliminate their past claim to your garden and avoid repeat offenses.
You can also grow plants that cats do not find appealing and are known to dislike. Some plants, such as the scaredy-cat plant (Coleus canina), generate scents that cats find disagreeable. Rue, lavender, rosemary, and pennyroyal are some other herbs that are frequently advised for keeping cats away.
Because sounds frighten cats, you can experiment with wind chimes, motion-sensitive bells, or even rocks or pebbles in a jar. You can also utilize motion-activated devices, which emit a frequency that cats cannot tolerate but is barely audible to people.
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.
