Is Purple Velvet Plant Toxic to Cats?

As a pet owner, it's important to know which plants are safe to have in your home and which ones can be potentially toxic to your furry friends. Purple velvet plant, also known as Gynura aurantiaca, is a popular houseplant with vibrant purple leaves that can brighten up any room. However, you may be wondering whether this plant is safe to have around cats. In this article, we'll explore the potential toxicity of purple velvet plants to cats and what you can do to keep your pets safe.

What is Purple Velvet Plant?

Purple velvet plant is a member of the Asteraceae family and is native to Indonesia and Malaysia. This plant is known for its soft, fuzzy leaves that are a vibrant shade of purple. It is often grown as a houseplant and can also be found in outdoor gardens in tropical and subtropical climates.

Is Purple Velvet Plant Toxic to Cats?

While purple velvet plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans, the same cannot be said for cats. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), purple velvet plant is toxic to cats and can cause a range of symptoms if ingested.

The leaves of the purple velvet plant contain glycosides, which are toxic to cats. Glycosides are a type of organic compound that can cause symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe poisoning. Symptoms can appear within hours of ingestion and may include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Difficulty breathing
• Low heart rate
• Seizures

If you suspect that your cat has ingested purple velvet plant or is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek veterinary care immediately. Your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting or providing supportive care to help manage symptoms.

How to Keep Your Cats Safe?

If you have cats and want to keep purple velvet plant in your home, there are a few things you can do to keep your pets safe:

• Keep purple velvet plant out of reach: If possible, keep your plant in a location where your cat cannot reach it. This may mean placing it on a high shelf or using a hanging planter.
• Train your cats: If your cat is prone to chewing on plants, it may be helpful to train them to stay away from your purple velvet plant. You can do this by using deterrent sprays or praise/reward systems to discourage them from approaching the plant.
• Choose alternative plants: If you're unsure about the safety of purple velvet plant or simply want to err on the side of caution, there are many alternative houseplants that are non-toxic to cats. Some examples include spider plants, Boston ferns, and African violets.

Conclusion

Purple velvet plant may be a beautiful addition to your home, but it is important to remember that this plant is toxic to cats. Ingesting the leaves of the purple velvet plant can cause a range of symptoms and may even be fatal in severe cases. If you have cats, it's important to take steps to keep your pets safe by keeping the plant out of reach, training your cats to stay away, or choosing alternative non-toxic plants. As a responsible pet owner, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the health and well-being of your furry friends.