Are Pussy Willows Toxic to Cats? Creating a Pet-Friendly Yard

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Are pussy willow toxic to cats? It can be hard to find plants that are non-toxic to cats. It’s even harder to cultivate a cat-safe garden. The good news is that pussy willow is a safe plant.

Are pussy willows toxic to cats?’ isn’t a question many people think to ask. Cats are obligate carnivores, so we tend not to think of them munching greenery. We certainly didn’t until the resident cat overlooked the nearby sparrows to nibble the rosehips.

The sparrows were understandably relieved. We were more interested in how to create a pet-friendly yard. But what does that entail? And are pussy willows toxic to cats?

What Is Pussy Willow?

Pussy Willows are a part of the Salicaceae family. They enjoy full sun and lots of water and grow best within a moderate climate. These decorative plants can grow anywhere from six feet to 48 feet tall.

Pussy willows are considered non-toxic plants for animals. Choosing non-toxic plants for your garden is important because those deemed toxic can be pretty dangerous. Toxic plants can have adverse effects on all wildlife, as well as children.

So, before you go about designing your dream garden, make sure to research the plants beforehand to make sure everyone can enjoy the foliage!

Are Pussy Willows Toxic to Cats?

If you have pussy willows in your garden and are concerned about letting your cat roam, fear not! Pussy willows are not toxic to cats. Many plants can be, but pussy willow isn’t one of them.

The more complicated answer depends on how many pussy willows your cat ingests. The odd bud or even a bit of bark is harmless in moderation. But if you notice your cat devouring whole stalks of pussy willow, it’s time to call the vet.

Salicin Sensitivity Symptoms

Pussy willows contain salicin. In and of itself, salicin is an inoffensive glucoside. But once ingested and metabolized, it becomes salicylic acid. Cats can process this acid, but only in moderation. Give them too much, and they start exhibiting poisoning symptoms, like:

Vomiting
Frequent urination
Excessive drooling
Uneven gait/ discoordination

Salicin Isn’t All Bad

That said, salicin and pussy willow isn’t all bad for cats. The other place you find salicin is in white willow bark. It’s not a prescription every vet gives out, but many reputable veterinarians prescribe white willow to manage symptoms of feline arthritis.

When it comes to pussy willow consumption, it’s all about moderation. Frankly, because of their obligate carnivore status, it’s unlikely that your cat will eat them by the handful.

However, it’s worth keeping in mind that even in moderation, eating pussy willows may make your cat symptomatic. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are poisoned. Instead, it means that it doesn’t agree with them.

Watch for symptoms like:

Diarrhea
Increased thirst
Cough
Vomiting

If symptoms persist, speak to your vet and tell them you suspect your cat of eating pussy willows.

Creating a Pet-Friendly Yard

So, are pussy willows toxic to cats? It depends on how much they eat. But supervising a cat can be challenging. They’re opinionated at the best of times and wilful at worst.

With that in mind, how can you create a pet-friendly yard for your cat?

Choose Other Non-Toxic Plants

Broadly speaking, pussy willows aren’t toxic to cats. And assuming you arrange them well out of your cat’s reach, they shouldn’t cause much concern.

But when it comes to cultivating a garden, finding cat-friendly plants can feel like a minefield. Nothing in the narcissus family is safe. Neither are tulips, daffodils, or most bulb plants. And while we’ve yet to find a cat lying suspiciously dead next to a clutch of lilies, we’re not rushing to find out what that’s like, either.

So, what plants are safe for cats? Surprisingly, roses make the cut. Your cat won’t be thrilled if they prick themselves on the thorns, but neither are these flowers toxic.

Likewise, hibiscus is cat-friendly, not just because it isn’t deadly. It’s a major attraction for butterflies and hummingbirds. Any cat with hunting instincts to speak of will be fascinated by these visitors. That said, be careful what type of hibiscus you plant. The Rose of Sharon Hibiscus can be toxic to animals that eat it.

And despite being in the mint family, Catmint is also safe for cats. It flowers more continuously than catnip, so it makes a lovely garden flower. It even has a few culinary uses. And it won’t kill the cat if they nibble on it.

But if you want a cat-friendly yard, don’t hesitate to leave a space for catnip. It will save your bird population even as it keeps the cat entertained.

Limit Chemicals

Another thing to consider when creating a pet-friendly yard is the chemicals you treat your lawn and garden with. Slug pellets are an excellent way to keep slugs at bay, but they can be toxic if a pet eats them.

Similarly, the salt you use in winter to de-ice the walkway contains antifreeze and can poison cats. Pet-safe versions of this salt exist; if you have pets, it’s worth investing in.

This is also true of many chemicals you use to treat your lawn. Consult with the labels and ingredients before purchasing to make sure anything you put in the yard isn’t toxic for your cat.

Consider Garden Canopies

Finally, garden canopies to keep your cat in the garden can feel a bit ridiculous. If nothing else, it can feel like the cat is taking over the house and garden.

But there’s a method to this madness. Interloping cats demonstrably increase feline stress. Cat canopies are an excellent way of keeping those interlopers out while ensuring your cat never leaves the garden.

If you don’t want to build the garden around your cat, catios can be another compromise. They give your cat access to the garden while keeping them safe from toxic plants in the flowerbeds.

Are Pussy Willows Toxic to Cats? Final Thoughts

Are pussy willows toxic for cats? No, provided your cat doesn’t eat a disproportionate amount. Some of the composite parts of pussy willow even feature in feline arthritis treatments.

That said, keeping pussy willow stalks out of your moggie’s reach will stop them from eating pussy willows in the first place.

It’s also possible to create a pet-friendly yard built around cat-safe plants. They exist and may save you expensive medical bills going forward.

Ultimately, the best thing you can do is know what’s normal for your cat. Never hesitate to call the vet if you notice symptoms like excessive drooling or discoordination and suspect botanical poisoning. They’ll be able to advise you on what to do and how best to look after your cat.

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