Is Bamboo Palm Safe for Cats?

Even indoor cats face potential hazards.

Houseplants brighten a room and circulate oxygen into the air. They can be a delight to look at, and cats love to play with them. Some plants pose a hazard to cats while others are completely harmless. Doing research before buying a new plant can help you avoid catastrophe.

Identification

Bamboo palm, or Chamaedorea elegans, is a small, non-flowering, tropical plant that reaches approximately 9 feet in height. It is also known colloquially as the miniature fish tail dwarf palm, the good luck palm and the parlor palm.

Toxicity

According to the ASPCA's Poison Control Center, bamboo palm trees are non-toxic to cats.

Significance

Bamboo palm makes an excellent houseplant choice for cat owners as it poses no threat to curious felines.

Warning

Cats are true carnivores, and although the bamboo palm contains no toxins, excessive ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.

Fun fact

Bamboo palm is a plant that prefers minimal sunlight. Keeping it in a room with excessive natural light can cause the plant's leaves to scorch and burn.

References

• "Handbook of Poisoning in Dogs and Cats"; Alexander Campbell, Michael Chapman; 2000
• ASPCA - Bamboo Palm
• "Landscaping with Tropical Plants: Design Ideas, Creative Garden Plans, Cold-Climate Solutions"; Sunset Books; 2004

Resources

• The ASPCA Poison Control Center Website