Wondering if a bonsai tree might be unsafe for your cat? Many cat owners think about whether bonsai trees could poison their pets. It’s a real worry, trying to keep both your plants and pets safe.
This guide will help you know which bonsai trees are safe for cats and which ones aren’t. You’ll learn to identify dangerous ones like the Azalea and Sago Palm. You’ll also find out about safe choices like the Juniper and Money Tree.
If you’re concerned about your cat’s curiosity, we’re here to help you keep your home safe. Let’s ensure your space is comfortable for both your bonsai trees and your cat.
- Related article: How to Care for Bonsai
6 Key Takeaways on Bonsai Trees and Cat Toxicity
- Safe bonsai trees for cats include Japanese Maple, Juniper, Money Tree, Hibiscus, and Ponytail Palm.
- Azalea, Boxwood, Ficus, Jade Plant, and Sago Palm are poisonous bonsai trees for cats.
- Keep an eye on your cat to prevent them from chewing on or ingesting bonsai tree parts.
- Place bonsai trees out of reach, use deterrents, and create separate spaces for plants and pets.
- Watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if you suspect poisoning.
- Contact your vet immediately if you notice any symptoms of poisoning or if you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant.
Are Bonsai Trees Safe for Cats?
Yes, some types of bonsai trees are poisonous to cats, but there are other types of bonsai trees that are not toxic to felines. Bonsai trees and cats can co-exist, but you’ll need to understand some basics to protect both your miniature tree and your favorite feline. Some plants are toxic to cats as well as to other pets if bonsai leaves are ingested.
Cats often nibble on plants, whether indoors or outdoors, to meet their nutritional needs. As a cat owner, I always think carefully before bringing houseplants into my home. If you have a bonsai tree and notice your cat taking an interest in it, you might wonder—could it be toxic to them?
The first thing to consider is that “Bonsai” refers to the grooming style of growing a plant, typically a small tree, not a specific species. The art of Bonsai trees includes cultivating the tree in a small container, keeping it miniature while resembling a full-sized tree.
Some of the more well-known tree species that are cultivated as bonsais include:
- Cedar
- Cherry Tree
- Cypress
- Juniper
- Maple
- Northfork Pine or Australian Pine
Many cats will ignore plants, so co-existence with a bonsai will not be a problem, but there are no guarantees. Some trees may be harmless if ingested in small amounts. However, if the pet chows down on your bonsai and in the process, ingests large quantities, they can become toxic.
Best Bonsai Trees for Cats
There are some non-toxic bonsai tree species that are cat-friendly and make excellent bonsai trees.
It’s much better to select a tree species that you know is not toxic to your feline friends member. Knowing that the plants in your home and garden will not place your beloved cat at risk will be one less worry.
- Learn more about Popular Bonsai Choices
1. Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
No parts of the Japanese Maple Tree are toxic to cats. In Japan, leaves are eaten as part of the cuisine, so there should be no worry about this beautiful bonsai tree with your cats.
Unlike toxic plants, the Japanese Maple doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like alkaloids or glycosides, which makes it safe for curious cats. The tree’s natural compounds are mild and non-irritating, posing no threat even if your cat nibbles on the leaves.
The Japanese Maple is an excellent choice for both bonsai enthusiasts and cat lovers. Its delicate, colorful foliage and elegant branching structure make it visually appealing while being completely safe for your feline friends.
2. Juniper Bonsai Tree
Another bonsai species that is safe for cats is the Juniper tree. These cat-friendly bonsai trees make great indoor plants and won’t harm your feline friends.
Juniper species contain terpenes and tannins, but these natural compounds are generally not harmful to cats in small amounts. The presence of juniperin, a compound specific to some Juniper species, is only mildly toxic in large quantities and poses little risk to felines.
Since the plant’s chemicals are not highly toxic, Juniper bonsais are safe for homes with cats, provided the needles aren’t ingested in large amounts. It’s still important to monitor your pet to avoid any issues, such as choking on sharp needles.
- Read more: Juniper Bonsai Care Tips
3. Money Tree
The Pachira Aquatica, also known as the Money Tree, is an attractive and appealing bonsai choice. It is non-toxic to cats, making it a safe option for homes with pets.
The Money Tree contains compounds like saponins, which in other plants can be harmful, but in this species, they are present in low, non-toxic levels. The Money Tree is safe for cats, although it’s still best to prevent your feline from chewing on it, as ingestion could upset their digestive system.
4. Hibiscus Tree
Hibiscus is safe for cats, so you don’t have to worry if your feline friend nibbles on it. This feline-friendly bonsai tree thrives in both partial shade and full sunlight, making it a great bonsai choice.
The plant contains anthocyanins and flavonoids, which give its flowers their bright colors. These chemicals are not harmful to cats, making Hibiscus a beautiful and worry-free option, and is a great indoor bonsai for your home.
5. Ponytail Palm
The Ponytail Palm is safe for cats, making it a great bonsai choice for indoor cat owners. This tree stands out with its bulbous trunk and long, graceful leaves, adding a unique touch to any room. It contains compounds like saponins and alkaloids in low amounts, which are not harmful to cats.
The Ponytail Palm is easy to care for, thriving in bright light and needing only occasional watering. However, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they don’t chew on the leaves, as this could cause a slight digestive upset.
Worst Bonsai Trees for Cats
Some bonsai trees can be dangerous to cats despite their beauty. In this section, we’ll highlight the worst bonsai trees for your feline friends, focusing on species that are highly toxic and pose serious health risks. Keep your pets safe by avoiding these harmful plants.
1. Azalea Flowering Bonsai
The Azalea bonsai, a type of rhododendron, is popular for its twisting serpentine trunks and its petite pink flowers and blossoms. Despite this tree’s beauty, it is highly poisonous to cats.
All parts of this plant are considered toxic. As little as 2% of your cat’s body weight ingested could be deathly toxic (source).
2. Boxwood Bonsai
The Boxwood tree makes an excellent bonsai because it is both hardy and a rapid grower. Unfortunately, it contains oil resembling butter, which combined with alkaloids makes this tree exceptionally poisonous to cats.
On the positive side, this type of bonsai tree has a bitter taste, so often cats will ignore it on the first taste. But it can be fatal if ingested in large amounts.
3. Ficus Trees
Ficus plants, while very popular as indoor ornamental plants, are toxic to cats. They contain ficin and ficusin in the plant’s milky sap. These are irritating enzymes that can cause skin irritation, as well as gastrointestinal problems.
Skin rashes can be serious and extremely painful. Ingestion can cause drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, and anorexia. There are no known antidotes to ficus poisoning, so might be best to avoid these poisonous trees.
4. Jade Plant
Jade trees are highly popular houseplants because they are easy to grow as a full plant or as a bonsai tree. While cats are usually not attracted to Jade plants, they are, nonetheless, highly toxic, and repeated ingestion can be fatal (source).
If you have a Jade bonsai tree, keep an eye on the foliage for teeth marks, as well as Jade poisoning symptoms in your feline.
5. Sago Palm Tree
The Sago palm bonsai tree is one of the most poisonous plant species for cats. All parts of this tree are toxic, containing cyasin that can cause liver failure. Ingestion can lead to severe symptoms and be fatal.
Even though it’s a low-maintenance bonsai tree, if you have a cat, choose another species.
Other Tree Species That Are Harmful to Cats
Aside from the bonsai trees mentioned above, there are still quite a few other tree species that can be harmful to cats. It’s good to know which ones to avoid to keep your cats safe.
- Cherry Trees – The leaves, stems, and pits have cyanogenic glycosides. These can make your cat sick.
- Fig Trees – They have a milky sap with ficin and ficusin. These can irritate your cat’s mouth and stomach.
- Norfolk Island Pine – The oils and resins in this tree can upset your cat’s stomach.
- Plum Trees – The pits have cyanogenic glycosides. If your cat eats the pits or a lot of leaves, it can get very sick.
- Wisteria – This plant has toxins that can hurt your cat’s stomach and organs if it eats a lot.
If you have any doubts about plants that you already own, you can visit the website of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) where they feature a list of both toxic and non-toxic plant species (link).
Ways to Keep Your Cat Away from Bonsai Trees
There are a number of ways to keep cats away from bonsai trees to stay safe. Cats are agile animals and can get to just about anywhere they want to go, so it’s important to take some precaution.
Try some of these methods for keeping your cat away from your bonsai tree:
- High Location – Place your Bonsai on a high shelf or platform that is out of your cat’s line of vision and reach.
- Citrus Aroma – Use citrus aromas like lemon or orange in the area of your bonsai. Cats notoriously do not like citrus smells, so a spray, peels, or similar near your bonsai should keep your cat disinterested.
- Indoor vs Outdoor – If you have an indoor cat, choose an outdoor species of bonsai tree that you place outdoors.
- Separate Spaces – Select a room or space within your home that is not accessible to your cat.
- Catnip Garden – Provide your cat with his or her indoor garden of catnip, cat thyme, or silvervine, so that he or she is free to nibble.
- Pet Repellant – A last resort might be a pet repellent to help your cat keep its distance.
Signs and Symptoms of Bonsai Tree Poisoning in Cats
If you see bite marks or missing leaves, check your cat for symptoms of poisoning right away. Bonsai trees are only harmful to cats if they chew or ingest parts of the plant. If you have a toxic bonsai species, place it where your cat can’t reach it.
Some symptoms of poisoning will show up immediately, while others will progress slowly. Common signs to be on the lookout for include:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Coma
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Drooling
- Fluid accumulation in the body
- Jaundice
- Lack of appetite
- Loss of muscle function
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Seizures
- Skin irritation
- Slow heart rate
- Swollen face or mouth
- Tremors
- Signs of vomiting
If you know your cat has ingested part of a toxic plant, what happens will depend on the individual animal, how much of the plant was ingested, and the toxicity of the plant.
Many cats recover within a day with a speedy diagnosis and the proper cure. If you suspect your cat has ingested toxic plants, know for certain that this is the case, or see any symptoms, you need to intervene quickly.
Should you see any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately or your local poison control center.
If you have been gifted a bonsai tree and don’t know the particular species, photograph the plant on your phone for identification. Compare the photo to other popular bonsai trees online. Find your particular bonsai plant, so the proper treatment is administered.
Bonsai Tree Poisoning First Aid Relief for Cats
If you are certain your cat has ingested some part of a toxic species bonsai tree, you can administer first aid that might offer relief and improve survival rate, while waiting for veterinary intervention.
- Check for and Remove any piece of the plant from your feline’s mouth.
- Try to rinse the mouth with water, to rinse out any toxic agent residue.
Get to your vet as soon as possible.
Are Bonsai Trees Poisonous to Cats Final Thoughts
Bonsai trees and cats can safely coexist if you choose non-toxic species and take a few precautions. Bonsai varieties like Japanese Maple, Juniper, and Ponytail Palm are safe for cats, while others like Azalea, Boxwood, and Sago Palm are highly toxic. Research the tree species before bringing them into your home.
To prevent accidental poisoning, keep your bonsai out of your cat’s reach, use deterrents, and watch your cat’s behavior. If you notice any signs of poisoning, contact your vet immediately.
To learn more about bonsai trees, check out these articles:
Are Bonsai Trees Poisonous to Cats FAQs
1. How Can I Tell if a Bonsai Tree Is Toxic to Cats?
To determine if a bonsai tree is toxic, research the specific species. Check reliable sources or consult with your vet. Avoid species known to be harmful to cats.
2. What Should I Do If My Cat Eats a Toxic Bonsai Tree?
If your cat ingests a toxic bonsai tree, contact your vet immediately. Remove any plant pieces from your cat’s mouth and rinse its mouth with water if possible.
3. How Can I Prevent My Cat from Chewing on Bonsai Trees?
Keep bonsai trees out of your cat’s reach by placing them on high shelves or using deterrents like citrus scents. Provide alternative cat-friendly plants like catnip.
4. What Are the Symptoms of Poisoning from a Bonsai Tree?
Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, and abdominal pain. Monitor your cat closely and seek veterinary care if you notice any of these signs.
Learn more about bonsai trees with the help of these articles:
