One plant that can be particularly harmful to cats is the Wandering Jew, also known as Tradescantia zebrina, or the Inchplant. This houseplant has heart-shaped leaves with a purple vein running down the center. It can be identified by its trailing stems, which grow horizontally along the ground.
The sap in the leaves and stems of this plant can cause an allergic reaction. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount of sap that is ingested.
There is no antidote for this type of reaction, so it is important to take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible if you think it has been affected by the Wandering Jew plant. Treatment will likely include supportive care and anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove any sap that has been ingested.
10 Tips: How To Keep Your Cat Away From This Plant
1. Put the plant in a location where your cat cannot reach it.
2. Spray the plant with citrus or peppermint oil to keep the cat away from it.
3. Provide your pet with a safer alternative, such as catnip.
4. Keep your plants clean and free of insects, which may attract your cat.
5. Enclosing the plant in a glass case can protect it from your pet.
6. Look for signs that your cat has been affected by this plant and take it to the vet immediately if you suspect that is the case.
7. Be sure to closely monitor your cat if it is outside. It may be more likely to get into trouble if it is outside.
8. Bring your cat to the vet for regular checkups so it can stay in tip-top shape and avoid getting sick when possible.
10. If you see your cat ingesting any part of the Wandering Jew plant, call your veterinarian immediately for help.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your cat safe from the Wandering Jew plant. Remember to be vigilant and to always contact your veterinarian if you think your pet has been affected by this hazardous houseplant.