If you are a cat parent and plants lover, picking the right greenery is a must. Many popular plants can be harmful for you feline friend, so it’s important for you to find pet safe plants that you and your cuddle ball both will love. Many people wonder if a string of turtles is safe for cats. Good News! The Sting of Turtles plant is safe for cats. You have no need to worry, your kitty can safely hangout around this cute plant.
Even though the string of turtles is not toxic, it’s not purely cat friendly either. If your cat chews on it, it could cause tummy ache and other mild issues. Let’s look how this plant might affect your cat and discuss some ways to keep these little paws away from your houseplants.
String of Turtles – General Info
| Common Name | String of Turtles |
| Scientific Name | Peperomia Prostrata |
| Bloom Time | Year Round |
| Size | 12 – 24 inches |
| Soil Requirements | Nutrient rich, Mild Acidic, Well Draining soil |
| Light Requirement | Bright shaded, filtered sunlight |
| Toxicity | Safe for both pets and humans |
Peperomia Prostrata, also called String of Turtles, is an easy to care for plant that stores some water in its leaves. It comes from a rain forest in Brazil in South America. This plant is a part of Piperaceae family and is loved for its tiny turtle shape and is loved for its turtle shaped green leaves. Because of its unique look, String of Turtles is a very popular house plant and is easy to care for. This plant grows best in moist, humid places with rich soft soil that drains well.
Are Peperomia Plants Safe for Cats?
As peperomia plants are small, pretty and easy to care for, many people love to keep them as house plants. Besides the string of turtles here are some popular peperomia plants, you will often see in house holds:
- Platinum Peperomia
- Metallic Peperomia
- Silver Hearth
- Leather Peperomia
- Red Edge Peperomia
- American Rubber Plant
Is String of Turtles Safe for Cats?
Good thing is both ASPCA and NC State University say that string of turtles is not toxic to cats or other pets. Some cat owners still feel unsure to have this plant at home. That’s because, even though it’s not poisonous and not completely safe either. Especially if your cat chews on plants.
Dangers of String of Turtles for Cats
Even this plant is not toxic, but it has some natural chemicals that can upset your cat’s stomach. If your cat chews on plants, it might cause tummy troubles and digestive issues.
| SYMPTOMS OF STRING OF TURTLES CONSUMPTION |
| Vomiting |
| Abdomen Pain |
| Lethargy |
| Lack of Appetite |
| Diarrhea |
What to do if you suspect your Cat Ate String of Turtles?
A string of turtles is not dangerous to cats but can cause some health problems if your cat eats it. That’s why it’s important to know what to do if this happens. If you think your cat may have chewed on the plant, watch them closely to check for any signs. If you observe anything unusual, call your vet right away. They will know what to do next.
Some cats feel better on their own, but some might need treatment depending upon the severity of the issue. Even if it doesn’t seem serious at first, the side effects can become dangerous if you don’t act quickly. So, if you are ever unsure, call you vet to be safe!
How to keep Cats away from house plants?
If you are a pet owner and keep a string of turtles or any other plant at home, it’s better to play safe. Keep your pet away from your plant to avoid any issues or health problems.
Put Plants High – one simple way to keep your cat away from plants is to keep them on high shelves or spots where your cat can’t easily reach.
Give a cat their own plant – if your cat loves chewing plants, try giving them a special plant just for them, like cat grass. It can keep them busy and away from your other houseplants.
Train your cat to stay away from your houseplants – Training cats is not always easy, but not impossible as well. With patience and practice, you can help your cat learn to stay away from your houseplants to avoid any trouble.
Conclusion
String of turtles is safe for cats, meaning it’s not poisonous. So yes, you can keep it at your home, even if you are a cat parent. But it does not mean your cat can eat or play with it. Chewing on the plant can make this cuddle ball sick, so it’s better to keep it out of their reach.
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