cat was eating my plant...

[psychotic feather]

I came home today to find my cat eating my purple false shamrock... she seems fine but is this poisonous to her? :dono She was doing this yesterday too. I moved the plant higher up but she managed to get at it again.

[Rhapsody]

I am not sure about the False Shamrock..... but I know the False Aralia is over all safe and the False Heather can cause a dermatitis reaction is some animals if a large amount is eaten (rash, skin burn, blisters).

Does the False Shamrock go by another name perhaps?

[Rhapsody]

Here is a LIST of Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants to Cats..... and it looks like Your Cat is SAFE!! :thumbsup :thumbsup
http://www.touhyanimalhospital.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/List_of_Plants_Toxic_to_Cats.pdf

[Scooterzmom]

One trick I've used to stop my cat from eating my plants or even from eyeing the bird :) is squirting her with water.

Now there's a trick to it though. See, unlike dogs, cats don't do or stop doing things just to please you or because it displeases you. Cats are self-centered instead. They go for things that bring pleasure to them, and will not go for things that bring nasty consequences to them... in other words, it has to look like it's the plant itself that is disagreable and is squirting them in the face.

I used to keep a cup of water beside me with a 3cc syringe filled with water, and I sat myself down in reach of the plant/cat. I'd pretend to read, or watch TV but... as soon as the cat would set her teeth on that plant (or set herself in the ambush position near the cage & stared at my budgie) I'd squirt her - while making it look like I had nothing to do with it.

Purty soon she began to think the plant - or the bird - was spitting in her face and she once she figured out these things had it out for her she would never come within 6 feet of the cage, or the plants.

Takes a little patience and taking the time to "be there" and watch her going about her business but it's worth it. Like I said however, it has to look or feel like the squirt is triggered by the plant's will, like it's the PLANT who decides to trigger the squirt, not you.

[psychotic feather]

I think its this one http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/oxalis-triangularis-ssp-papilionacea-jroxburwi-charmed-wine-pp17557/