As a cat owner, keeping your furry friend safe and healthy is of the utmost importance. One of the major concerns for us pet owners is to make sure that our cats are not exposed to any potentially dangerous plants or flowers around the home. Thankfully, there’s one plant in particular that has been fact-checked as being non-toxic to cats: the Lords and Ladies Plant! In this article, we’ll explore what exactly the Lords and Ladies Plant is, why it’s important for cats to stay away from toxic plants, how we know that it’s not toxic to cats and finally some tips on how you can keep your feline friend safe while they’re exploring their surroundings. So let’s get started – purrfectly safe!
Lords and Ladies is non-toxic for cats according to the ASPCA. Consuming anything out of the norm can be hard on your cat’s digestion though. If you are concerned, consult a local veterinarian.
Image credit: Photo by Sannse, 24 April 2004, Essex, England.; Image licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
What is a Lords and Ladies plant?
The Lords and Ladies plant is a type of foliage that brings beauty to any home. It stands tall, with long, thin leaves that are bright green in color. The flowers bloom white and pink throughout the summer months, giving your garden or living room an extra pop of color. This particular species can tolerate shade as well as direct sunlight so it’s perfect for nearly any spot in your house!
It’s important for cats to stay away from toxic plants because they could become ill if ingested or even have an allergic reaction if they come into contact with them. Unfortunately, there are many varieties of plants that can be harmful to our feline friends – including some popular houseplants like lilies and azaleas – so it’s wise to do research before bringing one into your home if you have a cat around.
Thankfully, the Lords and Ladies plant is safe for cats. Unlike other plants which contain dangerous toxins, this species does not pose any threat whatsoever when ingested by a pet or handled directly – meaning all cat owners can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their furry family member won’t get sick from this lovely addition to their home décor!
How to Care for a Lords and Ladies Plant
Caring for your Lords and Ladies plant is simple. It grows best in bright, indirect sunlight; however, it can tolerate low light environments as long as you don’t let the soil dry out too much. You should water your plant when the top couple inches of soil are dry. Make sure not to overwater it – this will cause root rot. If you’re unsure, wait until the leaves start to droop before adding any more moisture.
Fertilize your Lords and Ladies once every four weeks during its active growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength – too much fertilizer can burn the roots! Prune away any old or dead leaves using clean scissors and make sure not to cut off new growth since that will inhibit healthy flowering in the future.
You’ll want to repot your Lord and Lady’s plant about every two years or whenever it starts becoming root bound (you’ll know because there won’t be enough room in the pot for water anymore). Use fresh potting mix when transplanting into a larger container, making sure not to damage any existing roots while doing so!
Tips For Keeping Your Feline Friend Safe Around Houseplants
When it comes to keeping cats from damaging plants, one of the most important steps is to create a safe and structured environment for the cat. This means keeping the cat away from plants, where it can’t knock them over, or use them as a scratching post or chew toy. If the plant is kept in an area the cat has access to you can try to keep it out of reach.
Another tip is to provide plenty of other outlets for the cat’s curiosity. Make sure the cat has plenty of toys to play with, and give it plenty of attention and affection. If cats feel that they are getting enough stimulation, they are less likely to be tempted to damage plants.
Finally, if your cat does start to damage the plants, it’s important not to react with anger or aggression. Instead, try to redirect the cat’s attention away from the plants. If the cat is scratching a plant, try to distract it (but don’t reward it)!
I try to keep something more interesting or appealing near my plants. In the case of scratching, I put quality scratching posts wherever my cats want to scratch – whether that is by the couch or by an indoor tree! DIY or buy one that suits your decor.
Enjoying indoor plants as a cat owner
I love having plants in my home along with my cats. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing to have a variety of vegetation, but I get health benefits from it as well. Plants help to filter the air and can reduce airborne toxins, which helps keep us breathing easier. They regulate humidity. Plus they create a calming atmosphere that is perfect for mental wellness, reducing stress and promoting mindfulness.
Having indoor plants helps bring me peace throughout the day. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed or anxious, taking care of my potted friends provides an escape from reality that allows me to become one with nature despite being stuck inside four walls all day long. My cats benefit from personal cat television watching me work or enjoying the movement of leaves when there’s a breeze.
If you want to expand your plant repertoire check out other pet-safe options such as spider plants or dried pampas grass.