Pwhy do they do it? Because chewing relaxes them and is a fun pastime. «Dogs and catsparticularly if puppies, they enjoy nibble on plant leavesindulging their curious and playful nature with respect to their surroundings» explains Dr. Sabrina Giussani, veterinary surgeon expert in behaviour, Past President of SISCA (Italian Society of Animal Behavior Sciences) and consultant of Ceva Animal Health. The problem is that most common houseplants are toxic to them. Goodbye green at home? It’s not for sure. But it is worth considering some aspects of the combination of plants and pets.
Why do cats chew leaves?
First of all «We must consider that bringing a plant into the house means change the animal’s habitat». It goes without saying that a similar environmental enrichment will arouse his curiosity. Kittens, who are going through the oral exploration phase, could be attracted not only by the leaves, which also contain toxic substances. But also from Earthfrom clay balls and large vases that they could gladly use as they were magnificent litter boxes. The risks also come from insects that gravitate around the flowers, from which animals risk being stung.
Toxic plants and not for pets
Speaking of which species to choose, they’re fine orchids, bromeliads, chlorophytum and some climbing plants (with the exception of ivy), possibly with few leaves on the underside, as they are less accessible to dogs and cats. Green light also for fruit plants, which do not have toxic characteristics, and lavender, non-toxic and with relaxing properties. Instead, it needs to be done beware of cyclamen, azaleas, geraniums, ivy, boxwood, calla lilies, geraniums and oleanders. Among the indoor plants, the ficus and philodendron should be avoided.
Tips for keeping plants in the house if there are dogs and cats
«In addition to the careful choice of non-toxic species, an important precaution is that of protect the plants with a net, so that access to leaves and earth is more difficult. The smallest and lightest pots can be hanging high, in unreachable places. It is better to prevent them from losing leaves or from having too rich a flowering that would attract many insects» observes Giussani.
A network it is a basic safety standard for any balcony where a cat roams. Those who have a terrace and can choose “garden” plants, mostly with taller stems not harmful for animals. A good solution is also to separate the green corner from the area where the pet circulates with a physical barrier.
From catnip to “dedicated” planters: pet friendly solutions
There are also some green solutions dedicated to our four-legged friends. The chromatic effect is assured and without side effects. «The catnip it is the best-known type of pet-friendly plant ever» explains Dr. Giussani «But there are also other solutions. For dogs, special can be purchased clods of earth 4-5 cm thick, covered with natural grass, on which they will love to play. Cats, on the other hand, like to sleep in planters: if filled with lawn grasswill become our cat’s favorite bed for the whole summer».
As with humans, the effects of beautiful season on cats and dogs they can take the form of explosions of vitality, of restlessness but also of discomfort, between hair loss, allergies and lack of appetite. Furthermore, the change in the hours of light, which also affects neurotransmitters in pets, can cause new emotional fragility. Don’t neglect these seasonal upheavals, with the support of pheromones (which transmit serenity and calm in stressful situations) but also just indulging the animal in the transition phase, is the best way to help him overcome it with serenity.
iO Woman © REPRODUCTION RESERVED