Venus fly traps are cool, creepy, and unique plants commonly known for their ability to prey on insects.
Venus fly traps are carnivorous plants that attract, catch, and digest different insects. Many plant lovers enjoy having such plants around them, but getting a new plant when you are a cat owner would require some research beforehand.
Many plants pose a potential threat of toxicity to cats. So, you must ensure all your houseplants are safe to keep around your little kittens. While non-poisonous to humans, many cat owners wonder, are Venus fly traps poisonous to cats?
Today in this blog post, we will discuss this very topic.
So, without wasting a minute, let’s dash ahead!
Are Venus Fly Traps Poisonous to Cats?
As a straight answer: No!
Venus fly traps can attract bugs by using sweet nectar that’s poisonous to them. Still, we can’t say the same for cats.
If you notice that your cat has eaten some parts of your Venus fly trap, there is no need to panic.
They will most likely not experience any adverse effects other than mild stomach upset or vomiting. However, if you see any signs of distress or discomfort in your cat, such as drooling, lethargy, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Though Venus fly traps are non-toxic to cats, keeping an eye on your little kitties is always better—your cat might harm the plant instead.
So, it is crucial to keep the plant in an area where the cat won’t be able to reach it.
Can Venus Fly Traps Bite?
Venus fly trap gets a lot of nutrients through the soil but supplements itself by trapping and digesting various insects.
When the prey lands on the leaves, it triggers the sensitive hair-like projections called trichomes present on the inner side of the lobes, causing them to close. Once the prey is trapped, the plant secretes digestive enzymes to end the process.
These plants are even able to digest human flesh!
But don’t be afraid, as it can’t bite us and take chunks of flesh with it.
That means Venus fly trap bites as it shuts its lobes when anything lands on them. However, it will be harmless to humans and pets.
These plants neither have sharp enough teeth that can bite, nor do they have big enough lobes to trap a cat inside them.
So, the only ones in danger are the flies.
Growgardener’s Note: Remember! Although Venus fly traps are not poisonous to cats, letting your cat trigger the plant is not a good idea. Opening and closing the lobes costs a lot of energy to the plant, and it’s unhealthy to do so without getting any food.
So, it is better to follow some steps to keep your cats away from your Venus fly traps.
How to Keep Cats Away from Houseplants?
A Venus fly trap may not be harmful to your cat, but your cat can be detrimental to the plant. Therefore, to maintain your plant’s health, keep it away from your cats.
Here are a few techniques to keep your cat away from your houseplants:
Discourage Cats from Eating House Plants
Even though Venus fly traps aren’t toxic, you still can’t allow your cat to eat them. As cats are carnivorous, any plant would be hard to digest.
Moreover, Venus fly traps are delicate plants that require precise conditions to grow. If damaged by a cat, they won’t grow healthy.
So, there is nothing better than discouraging your cat from eating houseplants.
But how can you do so?
Well, here are a couple of ways you can try:
Use Deterrents
Using deterrents refers to using smell and other natural substances that cats dislike to discourage them from approaching the houseplants.
Cats are known to be sensitive to certain smells like Citrus, Eucalyptus, Lavender, etc.
So, placing cotton balls soaked with essential oils around your plant will discourage your cats from coming close to them.
Another method is to use textures that cats find unpleasant such as aluminum foil or double-sided tape, to create an uncomfortable surface around the base of the plant. Cats generally dislike the texture of these materials, so they will avoid coming close to the plant.
Make Plants Inaccessible
Placing your plants out of your cat’s reach is an excellent way to ensure their safety.
Try placing them on an unreachable shelf. You can also start your own indoor garden in a separate room and completely restrict kitties from accessing it.
Plant for Your Cat
Another potential solution to your problem is to get your cat their own plant to keep them entertained.
The most common and apparent plants you can get your cat include:
- Cat grass
- Catnip
Though these are different, they both are completely safe for your cats. These plants allow your cats to enjoy nibbling and playing around with the desired foliage.
Train Your Cat
It may seem impossible sometimes, but you can actually train your cat to avoid getting near houseplants.
Indeed, it requires a little patience and timing, but it is undoubtedly the best option.
Make sure to use only positive reinforcement techniques while training your cat. Things like tasty food or toys may help you a lot in distracting your cat from getting in the plants.
That’s all!
Now, let’s move toward the conclusion.
Conclusion!
Generally, Venus fly traps are not harmful to cats until your cat doesn’t ingest the plant.
Remember, cats are carnivorous, and ingesting any plant is harmful. Contrarily, nibbling the plant can affect its growth. So, your cat isn’t good for your plant as well.
What you need to do is keep your cats away from your Venus fly traps.
I hope this information helps you a lot. If you have any queries regarding this topic, don’t forget to mention them in the comment section below.
Regards,
Moiz Atiq.