Why do cats nibble on plants?

why cats nibble plants

What is it about plants that’s so tempting to cats? If you have houseplants and a cat, you’ve probably noticed nibble or chew marks on the leaves. So, why do they do this?

 
 

 

There’s no clear answer for why cats nibble on plants, but there are some theories. Cats may be attracted to plants because:

  • they like the texture or feel of the plant fibers in their mouth
  • they may be craving certain nutrients that are missing from their diet
  • they have an underlying gastrointestinal problem and eating plants helps them feel better
  • they’re stressed and eating plants helps them cope

 

If your cat seems fixated on eating plants, have them examined by your veterinarian to rule out an underlying health problem.

But…are houseplants safe for your cat to eat? 

While there are some houseplants that are completely safe for your cat to nibble on from time to time, there are many that are unsafe, toxic and even deadly.

True lilies of the Lilium or Hemerocallis genus are very toxic. Consuming only two or three petals, leaves, the pollen or even water from the vase is enough to result in severe kidney failure. 

Easter lilies, popular at this time of year, unfortunately are a true lily and should not be brought into your home if you have a cat. Other true lilies include:

  • Tiger lilies
  • Day lilies
  • Asiatic hybrid lilies
  • Japanese show lilies
  • Rubrum lilies
  • Stargazer lilies
  • Red lilies
  • Western lilies
  • Wood lilies

 

Are there cat-safe plants?

There are more unsafe plants for cats (dieffenbachia, foxglove, lily of the valley, kalanchoe, Japanese yew, etc.) than there are safe ones. Luckily, for everyone with a green thumb, there are a few cat-safe plants. Keep in mind that when ingested, any plant may cause some vomiting or diarrhea. 

The following plants are generally safe for cats:

  • Spider plant (Chlorophytum)
  • Inch plant, also known as the wandering dude (Tradescantia)
  • Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)
  • Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)

 

If you see your cat eating any part of a plant and you’re not sure if it’s safe, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).