Known as the ZZ plant, Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a trendy plant in the home due to its capacity to flourish even in adverse environments. They can reach approximately 3 feet in height inside and feature bright green smooth leaves that many consider feathers. It is usually fuller at its base and then tapers down towards the top. Many people love to grow ZZ plants around their houses since they do not need to be tended to frequently, can be light and indirect illumination as they grow, and are resistant to destruction by children.
But before deciding to introduce the beautiful ZZ plant to your home, it is important to know that it can be toxic to dogs and cats. Let’s review why ZZ plants pose a risk to cats and the safer alternatives that are available.
Why Are ZZ Plants Toxic to Cats?
The ZZ plant belongs to the Araceae family. Unfortunately, all species in this group have a chemical known as calcium oxide. This chemical is harmful to dogs, cats, and humans. It comprises the same substances that lead to kidney stones in humans.
The compound is not soluble. Therefore, the body can’t take it in or pass it throughout the body. Calcium oxalate has a sharp needle, and this is the reason why it causes harm to organs and cells within the body. Luckily for us, cats rarely consume ZZ plants. Therefore, internal harm is complicated when finding ZZ plants or other varieties belonging to the same family by: t.sableaux, Shutterstock.
How Toxic Are ZZ Plants to Cats?
Fortunately, contact with a ZZ plant usually is not harmful to cats. However, rubbing against a plant or chewing the leaf could cause undesirable adverse effects like vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and mouth paws. The symptoms may be temporary, but they could be alarming if they progress. If your cat takes a grip on the ZZ plant and is showing symptoms of alcohol consumption, consult your vet to get advice as well as recommendations on the perfect treatment. Relax your pet and then make sure they drink plenty of fluids until the symptoms ease. A small serving of yogurt or milk can benefit in securing crystals.
What Are Safe Alternatives to the ZZ Plant?
Although ZZ plants look attractive and easy to maintain, they’re not the only plants with those characteristics. Several attractive houseplants are available that are easy to care for and safe for cats. There are a variety of alternatives:
- Spider Plant Resistant Air purifying, easy to take care of
- Ponytail Palm with large leaves comfortable with cat swats
- African Violet African VioletIt is vibrant, loves indoor light, and blooms in the spring and summer seasons.
- Boston Fern — Requires minimal maintenance and can handle cats with playful behavior.
- Orchid — Elegant looking, prefers partial light, requires watering weekly.
- Friendship Plant has an intricate design on the island, is small, and requires little light.
- Gloxinia requires abundant sunlight and beautiful flowers and thrives on liquid plant food.
- The rattlesnake Plant has distinctively shaped leaves, requires very little water, and bursts with vibrant leaves.
- Venus Flytrap — Fun watching in action deficient maintenance, works accurately when diluted water is used during watering times.
- Polka Dot Plant HTML0, also known as the Polka Dot plant, has delicate leaves Indigenous to Madagascar. It can quickly grow in a pot indoors.
Investigating each home plant choice is a good idea to determine which one will work best in your house and which one you’re most comfortable keeping.
A Quick Recap
ZZ plants are gorgeous; however, they’re not desirable for homes with pets (or dogs). There is a wide variety of beautiful home plants to pick from that aren’t dangerous to our furry household members. If you maintain the ZZ plant inside your home, make sure you place it in an area your pet does not get access to.