Non-toxic plants

Are Phalaenopsis Orchids or Moth Orchids Toxic For Cats?

by Clair Chesterman
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Is Phalaenopsis Orchid or Moth Orchid Toxic For Cats

Phalaenopsis Orchids, commonly known as Moth Orchids, are not toxic to cats.

To ensure the reliability and accuracy of this information, this article has been penned in collaboration with a team of experienced DVMs (doctors of veterinary medicine). Their insights and expertise grant us the ability to provide up-to-date details on the potential risks of various plants, including the Phalaenopsis Orchids, and their effects on feline health. Additionally, our findings are further corroborated by extensive research on high-authority websites such as the ASPCA and PetMD.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has listed Phalaenopsis Orchids as non-toxic plants, indicating their safety not just for cats, but also for dogs and horses.

Can Cats Eat Phalaenopsis Orchid or Moth Orchid?

Phalaenopsis Orchid plant in a pot with a cat

Eating a tiny amount of Phalaenopsis Orchid will not cause life-threatening effects on cats. Overeating though will cause them to have indigestion and other gastrointestinal issues. They may even display symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea which will eventually subside once the plant matter has been removed from their bodies.

Using commercial plant care products on your orchids can be hazardous for pets. Traces of poisonous chemicals from these products may be inhaled or ingested by cats and lead to poisoning. For safety precautions, using natural products is recommended particularly if you have cats at home.

What is Phalaenopsis Orchid or Moth Orchid?

Car sits near Phalaenopsis Orchid

Moth orchids are another name for Phalaenopsis. It is a genus of roughly 70 plant species in the Orchidaceae family. This genus of orchids is monopodial epiphytes or lithophytes.

They have long, coarse roots, short, leafy stems, and long-lasting, flat blooms organized in a flowering stem that frequently branches at the end. This genus of orchids is endemic to South and Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Guinea.

Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most famous orchids for potted plants. This is due to the ease of their propagation and bloom under artificial conditions.

They are reasonably easy to grow and blossom in the house, as long as some care is taken to keep conditions comparable to their native habitats. Commercial cultivation of Phalaenopsis orchids has become a successful industry.

Keeping Cats Away From Phalaenopsis Orchid or Moth Orchid

Cat touches Phalaenopsis Orchid

Cats are not so fond of the coffee aroma. It is also useful as a deterrent because it is a fantastic fertilizer for your plants. Collect your coffee grinds in a container and place them at the base of the plants or flowerpots. 

Another way to safeguard your flowers is to brush the edge of the pots with a half-cut fresh onion! Because the stench might be overpowering, you should avoid employing this approach inside. It can, however, be good for the plants or flowers on your balcony.

You may also immediately plant garlic cloves split in half in the pots of your plants. Cats will be scared away by their aroma!

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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