Skip to main content

Are orchids poisonous to cats? We’ll tell you

Keeping your orchids and your cat safe from each other

An orchid potted indoors
Nemika_Polted / Shutterstock

If you have cats, then you’re already well aware that they sometimes like to chew on plants they shouldn’t, and keeping cats away from your plants can be tricky at best. Some plants are harmless to your cats, while others can have disastrous consequences. Orchids are beautiful, elegant, and popular indoor plants, but are orchids poisonous to cats? We have the answers for you so you can keep both your feline friend and your pretty plant safe from each other.

Recommended Videos

Are orchids poisonous to cats?

A cat laying next to a pilea plant
Claudia Rancourt / Unsplash

Good news — orchids are generally not considered poisonous to cats! While it isn’t great for your orchid’s health to let your cat chew on it, your cat is at low risk. There are a few notable exceptions, however. If your orchid has been treated with any sort of pesticide or has recently been given a fertilizer that might be lingering on the soil’s surface, then your cat could become sick after coming into contact with or ingesting it. It’s a good idea to be cautious when using any chemical sprays or products on your houseplants, since pets and children have a higher likelihood of coming into contact with them.

The other notable exception is the Lady Slipper orchid, or orchids in the Cypripedium genus. These orchids have a skin-irritating property, which means they can potentially irritate your cat as well.

What happens when a cat eats an orchid?

Purple orchid flowers with white stripes
svf74 / Shutterstock

What happens when a cat eats an orchid depends on how much they ate. If your kitty only nibbled at the edge of a leaf, your pet should be fine. Watch your cat for signs of distress, such as drooling, lethargy, coughing, or vomiting, and contact your vet if you notice anything out of the ordinary, but don’t panic.

If your cat has eaten more than a little nibble, they may get sick afterward. While orchids aren’t toxic, they aren’t exactly part of a balanced diet for cats, either. Your kitty may vomit or show signs of having a stomachache. Keep an eye out for additional signs of distress and let your vet know what’s going on if you have concerns. In most cases, however, the cat’s upset stomach will pass relatively quickly.

Are orchids safe for dogs?

white dog lying on green lawn
Mary Key / Shutterstock

While some plants may be toxic for one animal and not for another, this isn’t the case here. Orchids are safe for dogs and although, the same concerns exist for dogs in regard to eating plants that have been treated with pesticides. If your dog eats too much of the orchid, you may see similar signs of an upset stomach, including vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms typically pass after some time, but your vet can help treat the symptoms if they are severe or causing a lot of discomfort.

How to keep pets away from your orchids

An orchid in a pot on the table
brizmaker / Shutterstock

First, consider moving them into a room that can stay closed off when you aren’t in it, such as an office, bedroom, or bathroom. Hopefully, your pets can’t open doors, and if they can, then the sound of the door opening will warn you that they’re up to something!

If that isn’t an option, look for somewhere higher or more difficult to access to put your orchid. Unfortunately, this makes caring for the orchid more inconvenient, but it’s worth it to keep your pets healthy. If there isn’t anywhere else your orchid can be moved to, consider building a shield of sorts. A semicircular sheet of clear plastic that blocks the orchid from your pets, doesn’t obstruct the view of your orchid, and leaves room for some airflow might be the solution you need.

Orchids are gorgeous, and many gardeners love bringing them into their homes. If you have curious pets that love to chew on plants, bringing a new plant home can be nerve wracking, especially if you aren’t sure if the plant is safe for cats. Hopefully, this guide has helped soothe some of your fears. Now you know what to expect if your cat or dog takes a bite out of your beautiful orchid flower.

Cayla Leonard
Cayla Leonard is a writer from North Carolina who is passionate about plants.  She enjoys reading and writing fiction and…
How often does a cactus flower? Here’s your complete guide
Tips and tricks for getting better cactus flowers
Many cacti with brightly colored flowers

Cacti can come across as prickly and uninviting, but some of them have flowers that rival the brightest blooms of more traditional flowers. If you live in a dry, hot climate that makes growing most plants difficult, but still want a colorful, lively garden, then cactus flowers are the way to go. Not only are cacti easy to grow outdoors if you live in a desert climate, but they can also grow indoors. Their flowers tend to be vibrant with unique shapes.

If you're waiting for your cactus to bloom and asking yourself, "How often does a cactus flower bloom," then this is the guide for you! We'll answer all your questions so you can grow a garden full of bright cactus flowers.
What factors affect bloom time?

Read more
Do ZZ plants cause cancer? What the research says
What to know about the risks of growing ZZ plants
Raven ZZ plant

The ZZ plant is a terrific option for those in need of a new leafy companion that isn't picky about watering or maintenance. Unfortunately, it's also known to be toxic to pets and people. Unlike other toxic plants, there's a peculiar rumor that's circulating that ZZ plants cause cancer. That's a frightening rumor, especially if you already own a ZZ plant, but is this just a rumor, or is it true? What are the precautions you can take to ensure that you, your children, and your animals stay safe? Here's everything you need to know about the ZZ plant, its toxicity profile, and how to maintain it safely.
ZZ plant care: The basics

Although these plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight, they are of several indoor plant varieties that can thrive in lower lighting conditions. They are also highly resistant to drought and forgiving of owners who forget to water or are away from the home or office for extended periods of time. Ideally, you should water ZZ plants every week, but they can survive for longer without water. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so make sure your setup provides effective drainage.
Is a ZZ plant toxic?

Read more
Add these stunning Monstera plants to your indoor garden
From the common deliciosa to the coveted Thai Constellation, here are the best Monsteras out there
Monstera climbing a moss pole

Monstera is a popular houseplant, and for good reason. These plants are known for their lush leaves and rich color. While Monstera deliciosa may be the classic type of Monstera, there are many others to choose from. This diverse aroid genus actually contains about 50 different species, so you can definitely collect a wide variety of Monstera houseplants for green tropical vibes year-round. To introduce you to the gorgeous world of these plants, we’ve rounded up some of the most sought-after types of Monstera plants.
Monstera deliciosa

If you’re just getting into houseplants, one of the most ubiquitous plants you’ll come across is the Monstera deliciosa. Often mistaken for a philodendron, this lush plant features large, heart-shaped leaves with holes, or fenestrations.

Read more