Sweetheart Hoya is not toxic to cats.
To ensure the accuracy of this information, this article was written in collaboration with a team of experienced DVMs (doctors of veterinary medicine). Their expert knowledge allows us to provide precise and current details regarding the potential risks associated with various plants, focusing on Sweetheart Hoya in this instance. Moreover, our findings have been cross-referenced with high-authority websites such as the ASPCA and PetMD.
Although the Sweetheart Hoya is recognized as a safe plant for our feline friends, it’s always prudent to monitor and prevent them from ingesting any plant material.
Can Cats Eat Sweetheart Hoya?
Since sweetheart hoya does not have toxic particles, it is safe for cats to nibble a small amount of this plant. Cats should not eat huge quantities of this plant or any kind of plant.
Because their meals should be protein-based, plants are not a suitable source of food for carnivorous cats. Cats may experience an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal issues if they eat too many plants.
If you are growing plants at home, you should also be aware that certain plant products like fertilizers and pesticides may leave traces of toxic substances on plants. If your cats’ paws and mouths happen to get in contact with these chemical residues, they suffer from poisoning which can be dangerous for them.
What is Sweetheart Hoya?
With its unusual and quirky heart-shaped leaves and ease of propagation, which makes it relatively inexpensive to grow and sell, sweetheart hoya can be a great addition to your collection of indoor plants.
Scientifically known as hoya kerrii, Sweetheart hoya is a species of Hoya that is indigenous to Southeast Asia. The plant is sometimes referred to as “lucky-heart” because of its large, heart-shaped leaves. It is usually sold on Valentine’s Day in Europe. Thus, the plant is also called Valentine Hoya.
Sweetheart hoya can reach a height of 4 meters. Finding a fully-vined Hoya kerri for a fair price can be challenging. Hoya kerrii is frequently available as a single leaf cutting at garden centers and big-box retailers.
The cutting is a well-liked Valentine’s Day purchase because of its heart shape. The leaf takes root easily and stays in its planted location for several months or even years. Due to the rarity of mature plants emerging from single-leaf cuttings, these are primarily regarded as novelty items.
Keeping Cats Away From Sweetheart Hoya
Strong smells can be a deterrent to cats because they have sensitive noses. Citrus is not a preferred choice of scent among cats, so you can try squeezing a lemon around your plants. You may also try cutting up the peels and scattering them around the area you want the cats to stay away from.
Instead of using sprays, you can grow plants like rosemary, lemon thyme, rue, lavender, or Russian sage. These plants have strong scents that cats detest.
You could also scatter the dried leaves of these plants around the areas you want to keep secure. Plants with prickly leaves, like sea holly and globe thistle, may also deter them.
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.
