Poinsettia are NOT Poisonous

Have you hesitated to bring poinsettias into your home lest you be causing injury to your feline companions? Well, it turns out that all the hype about poinsettias being a problem for our pets is overblown and inaccurate. Our friends at the National Garden Bureau recently shared the following post straightening out that misconception: 

Poinsettia are NOT Poisonous

It is a common belief that poinsettia plants are poisonous. But the fact is, they’re NOT. An Ohio State University study, conducted in 1971, debunked this myth. Researchers found the plant is not toxic, even in high doses. The POISINDEX® Information Service, the primary resource used by most poison control centers, states that a 50-pound child would have to eat more than 500 poinsettia bracts to surpass experimental doses. Based on the rodent tests, accepted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the commission denied a 1975 petition filed by a New York citizen demanding that poinsettia plants carry caution labels that indicate they are poisonous. Learn more.

Poinsettias are NOT poisonous to Dogs and Cats

Most veterinary medicine websites state that poinsettias can be mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Washington State University says “Poinsettias have received bad publicity in the past. They do contain a milky sap that can irritate the mouth, but symptoms are usually mild if they develop.”

For more about poinsettia selection and care, go to: https://ngb.org/tips-for-making-your-poinsettia-shine/

A Cat in the Christmas Tree

 

Garden writer and speaker Denise Schreiber aka MrsKnowItAll shared this photo with us. Denise is the author "Eat Your Roses, Pansies and Lavender and 49 Other Delicious Flowers." She wrote, "Here is the picture of Isis in the Christmas tree. She thinks it is her new cat tree. I adopted her after my beloved Bella died. We wanted a companion for Sasha, but Isis is an absolute sweetheart. She was found wandering the streets until she was taken to the rescue. This one is a hunter, because she has shredded most of her toy mice and a few other toys."

Your cat may also be fascinated by your Christmas tree. Some cats and holiday trees get along just fine, but often times curious kitties can create havoc and damage your display. If you want to keep the cat and tree both safe and separated, check out this article that Davey Trees put together on how to cat-proof your holiday decor. Their tips include:

• Keep your tree away from furniture like sofas or tables. 
• Put a scented deterrent near the tree (like orange peels).
• Cover the trunk of your live Christmas tree with aluminum foil.

Gift Ideas for Garden Cats

Stumped for what to get your outdoor-loving cat for a holiday or birthday gift? Here are 5 suggestions that are sure to make your garden kitty purr-purr-purr.

1.
The catio will make your kitty the envy of the neighborhood and keep him safe and the birds too!

2.
If your kitty loves to chew on every houseplant you have, grow her this alternate -- a safe pot of fresh cat grass all her own to munch on.

3.
This safety collar is a great way to ensure your garden kitty doesn't get into danger and so any prey can her him coming.

4.
This heating pad is the purr-fect thing for that barn cat or any kitty who prefers to sleep in an unheated space.

5.
This sling pet carrier is all the rage now and is worth a try if you have a sociable feline who might like to go on errands to the garden center with you.


Finally, one bonus gift suggestion, for you -- if you have lost one of your garden kitties, this cat-angel is a wonderful way to remember them. I have one placed near the spot that my late Chantilly loved to sun herself by my water garden.