You are here:

Cats/Cat Palm

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/4/2008


Question
Hi Karen, we are the proud parents of four cats that have come to us over the last 3 years. We recently bought a new house and went looking for large tropical plants to decorate with. We dutifully printed off our list of harmful plants and were surprised to find that pretty much everything we came across was listed as harmful. We ended up with a Cat Palm and 2 Norfolk Pines. When I got home I found the pines on another "bad" list. Meanwhile, our boy kitten started munching on the palm. Although it was not on the bad plant list I was concerned so I went to the pet store and got a product called Phooey which is supposed to dissuade them. Sure enough the cats love it and now they are all eating the palm. Is the palm safe? What can I use to prevent them from eating it? And finally, can you recommend any safe large plants? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Brad,

Make a solution of chili powder and water and spray your plant. This should help keep them away form chewing it. And being the proud parent of 13 cats, I can tell you from experiance that the safest large plants are fake ones :) Good luck.

Ciao, Karen  

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.