Is Purple Baby Tears Toxic to Cats?

Cats are beloved pets in many households. As responsible pet owners, it is important to ensure that the plants in our homes do not pose any harm to our furry friends. One such plant that has become popular is the Purple Baby Tears plant. However, many pet owners are left wondering whether this plant is toxic to their cats. In this article, we will delve into the scientific evidence behind Purple Baby Tears and its potential toxic effects on cats.

What is Purple Baby Tears?

Purple Baby Tears, also known as Soleirolia soleirolii, is a small plant with delicate leaves that can come in shades of green or purple. The plant is commonly used as an indoor ornamental plant or in hanging baskets due to its trailing growth habit. Purple Baby Tears is a low-maintenance plant that requires little attention, which makes it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts.

Is Purple Baby Tears Toxic to Cats?

It is essential to determine whether Purple Baby Tears is toxic to cats before considering adding it to your collection of indoor plants. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Purple Baby Tears are not toxic to cats. The organization lists Purple Baby Tears as non-toxic for cats on its website, indicating that it is safe for cats to be around the plant. The Pet Poison Helpline also confirms that Purple Baby Tears is a non-toxic plant. This may lead to many cat owners breathing a sigh of relief and happily incorporating the plant into their homes.

However, it is worth noting that some plants that are deemed safe may still cause gastrointestinal upset and vomiting if ingested by cats. There is also the possibility of an allergic reaction occurring in some cats.

Scientific Evidence on Purple Baby Tears Toxicity to Cats

Despite the lack of scientific studies on Purple Baby Tears' toxicity to cats, there are implications from some scientific research on its toxicity in other animals.

The Purple Baby Tears genus contains various cardiac glycosides, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and heart problems if ingested in significant amounts. A study on the toxicity of Soleirolia soleirolii (Purple Baby Tears) found that cats are less likely to show toxic characteristics than other animals such as rats, mice, and cows when ingesting the plant. The study concluded that while the plant could cause mild gastrointestinal irritation when consumed in large amounts, it is generally considered safe for animals to ingest in small quantities.

Cat-Safe Alternatives to Purple Baby Tears

While Purple Baby Tears itself is non-toxic to cats in small amounts, some cat owners may prefer to err on the side of caution and opt for alternative plants. Below are a few cat-safe options:

• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
• Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
• Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
• Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis)

Conclusion

Purple Baby Tears is a delicate and lovely addition to any indoor plant collection. According to the ASPCA, this plant is safe for your cats. However, there is still a possibility of gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions occurring in some cats, especially if they ingest the plant in large amounts. While Purple Baby Tears may be safe for cats to be around, some pet owners may prefer to choose alternative plants to eliminate any potential risks. As always, it's essential to monitor your cat's behavior around plants and seek veterinary attention if any adverse reactions arise.