Do you have a garden full of beautiful plants? Are you worried that your cat might drink the water from the plants and get sick? In this article, we will discuss whether or not it is safe for cats to drink plant water. Let’s get started!
Can Cats Drink Plant Water?
Yes, as long as the plant is non-toxic to cats. Your cat can actually benefit from drinking plant water because it contains nutrients and minerals that are good for them.
However, if you have a poisonous plant in your home, it is important to keep the plant out of reach of your cat. The answer all comes down to whether or not the plant is poisonous to cats.
If you’re not sure whether or not a plant is poisonous to cats, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and keep the plant out of reach of your cat.
It’s also important to consider any fertilizers or pesticides that you may have used on your plants. These chemicals can be harmful to cats if ingested, so it’s best to avoid giving your cat access to plant water if you have recently treated your plants with these products.
What to Do If My Cat Drinks Plant Water?
The first step is to identify whether the plant your cat drank from is poisonous or not. If the plant is poisonous, you will need to take your cat to the vet immediately. For example, cats will be fine drinking bamboo water, however, they will get sick from drinking water from a lily plant.
If the plant is not poisonous, there is no need to take your cat to the vet. Just keep an eye on them for the next 24-48 hours to make sure they don’t have any adverse reactions to the plant water.
Of course, going to the vet is always the best option if you are concerned about your cat’s health. Not many people realize that plant water also contains fertilizer, which is another reason to be cautious.
How to Prevent Cats from Drinking Plant Water?
There are a number of ways that you can prevent your cat from drinking plant water. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular methods:
1. Don’t overwater your plants
Giving too much water will result in a pool of water at the bottom of your pot. Your cat will be able to easily reach this water and drink it, which could lead to them getting sick.
Plus, too much water is generally a bad idea for plant health. Only add more water when the top inch of soil is dry.
2. Use a cat-proof pot
There are now many different types of pots that come with a lid or screen to prevent cats from getting to the water inside. This is a great option if you have an indoor plant that your cat likes to drink from.
3. Keep your plants out of reach
If you have plants that are poisonous to cats, make sure to keep them out of reach. This might mean hanging them from the ceiling or putting them on a high shelf that your cat can’t reach.
You can also use a physical barrier like a baby gate to keep your cat away from certain areas of your home where plants are located. However, some cats are skilled jumpers, so this might not be the best option if your cat is particularly agile.
4. Provide plenty of water to your cat
One of the best ways to prevent your cat from drinking plant water is to make sure they have plenty of freshwater available. This will prevent your cat from going in search of water from other sources, including plants.
5. Get a water fountain for your cat
Another option is to get a water fountain for your cat. Water fountains are designed to encourage cats to drink more water, and they can be a great way to keep your cat hydrated.
Cats generally prefer running water, so a water fountain is a great way to give them what they want. Plus, it will also help to keep your cat’s water dish clean.
6. Use cat repellent
There are now many different types of cat repellents available on the market. These repellents can help to keep your cat away from certain areas of your home, which can be useful if you have plants that you don’t want your cat to drink from.
Cat repellents typically contain citrus oils or other strong-smelling ingredients that cats don’t like. You can find cat repellents in spray form or as granules that you can sprinkle around your plants.
The important thing is to find a cat repellent that is safe to use around plants. Some products contain ingredients that can be harmful to plants, so it’s important to read the label carefully before purchasing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should be careful about giving your cat plant water to drink. While some plants are safe for cats, others can be poisonous. If you’re not sure whether or not a plant is safe for your cat, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and keep the plant out of reach.
Remember, plant water can also contain fertilizer and harmful bacteria, so it’s not worth the risk. If you’re concerned about your cat’s hydration, make sure to provide plenty of fresh water and consider getting a water fountain. You can also use cat repellent to keep your cat away from plants that you don’t want them to drink from.
Do you have any questions or concerns about giving your cat plant water? Leave a comment below and we’ll be happy to help!
Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.
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