Are Venus Fly Traps Toxic to Cats? What Happens if My Pet Triggers the Plant

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Are venus fly traps toxic to cats? These plants are not considered toxic to pets and can even be beneficial in keeping your cat safe from harmful insects!

Venus fly traps are non-toxic to cats and other animals and are a great addition to your home as they can help to reduce the number of flies and other insects.

Before investing in a new house plant, it’s best to do your research to ensure your cat won’t be harmed. This article will answer the question, ‘are venus fly traps toxic to cats?’ We’ll discuss whether you should be worried if your cat has eaten a piece of the plant and look at the benefits of the plant.

What are venus fly traps?

Venus fly traps are a carnivorous plant that gets its name from its ability to trap and dissolve flies (and other small insects). These plants have the scientific name Dionaea muscipula and are part of the Droseraceae family.

Venus fly traps are native to the United States and can be found in swampy, wet areas. They are becoming increasingly rare in the wild due to habitat loss but are still fairly common as house plants.

While venus fly traps may look dangerous, they are actually relatively harmless to most animals – including cats. Many people use these plants as natural pest control in their homes!

When a fly lands on the plant’s leaves, it will trap and consume the insect. This process is prolonged and will take between three to five days. The plants don’t require many flies and can go months without catching anything.

Are venus fly traps toxic to cats?

Venus fly traps are not toxic to cats, dogs, horses, or humans. However, they can be dangerous if ingested in large quantities. If your cat eats part of a venus fly trap, foliage or stem, he may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal issues.

If you are concerned that your cat has eaten a piece of a venus fly trap or another type of plant, please get in touch with your vet immediately.

The venus fly trap doesn’t contain any toxins and is considered:

Non-toxic to cats
Non-toxic to dogs
Safe for humans, there’s no need to worry about your children

Will my cat be harmed by triggering the venus fly trap?

Venus fly traps are triggered to close by tiny hairs along the edges of their leaves. As cats are curious animals, they may accidentally trigger a venus fly trap with their nose, paw, or whiskers. The good news is that the hairs on the plant aren’t sharp, and the leaves close very slowly; this means that your cat won’t be harmed by triggering the plant.

Although your cat won’t be harmed by a venus fly trap closing, it’s best to keep your plant out of your pets way. A venus fly trap will use a lot of unnecessary energy, closing it’s leaves if there isn’t an insect to consume. To improve the health of your plant, it’s best not to trigger closing too often.

How to keep your cat away from plants?

For the health of your house plants as well as your pet, it’s best to keep your cat away from house plants. This may be easier said than done, especially if you have a curious, playful cat or kitten. Here are some techniques that you may try:

Buy a cat-friendly plant

If your cat wants to nibble on plants, choose plants that are safe for your pet. It can be challenging for cats to digest greenery as it’s not a natural part of their diet. Even non-toxic plants can give your cat an upset stomach. When choosing a house plant, you may like to buy plants such as cat nip, cat grass, or cat mint, which are all beneficial to your pet’s health.

Keep plants out of reach

You can also try keeping plants out of your cat’s reach. Move your house plants to a room your cat doesn’t have access to, or put them on a high shelf. This method may not be totally foolproof as cats are great climbers.

Train your cat

You can also distract your cat with treats or toys when he goes near your plants. In time this will hopefully encourage your cat to keep away from the plants.

Are venus fly traps toxic to cats: Final thoughts

Venus fly traps can be a great addition to your home – especially if you have a problem with insect infestation. While they are not toxic to cats, it is crucial to keep an eye on your feline friend if they show an interest in these plants, as the foliage can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested in large quantities. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your vet or a poison helpline right away.

Deals