Your new home may feel more cozy with the addition of pets and houseplants. However, some combinations of the two simply don’t mix. Avoid these five common houseplants if your home has four-legged family members.
Aloe vera is good for soothing dry, irritated skin, chapped lips and minor burns. Many homeowners keep an aloe plant on hand for just these emergencies. However, if you have a furry family member, you might not want to bring home this tropical succulent. Aloe is toxic to some pets. As a result, if your cat or dog ingests it, they could suffer vomiting, diarrhea and listlessness.
Safer Alternative: Haworthia
Identifiers: Deep green spines with white “stripes”
Pothos is a pretty houseplant that grows well in low light and is deceptively easy to care for. However, if your cat eats a leaf, they’ll likely suffer oral burns and swelling, complicated by vomiting. So while this bloom is beautiful, remember it can also be deadly for your furry friend.
Safer Alternative: Spider Plant
Identifiers: Long, thin leaves with a lighter green tint
Begonias are beautiful, there’s no argument, and they grow inside or out. They’ll even winter over under the right conditions. However, begonias are highly toxic to cats. This means if your cat gets too curious, they may end up with a severe burning sensation in their mouth, lips and gums. They may also suffer excessive drooling and trouble swallowing.
Safer Alternative: African Violets
Identifiers: Deep green, fuzzy leaves and rich violet or purple flowers
Jade plants are common houseplants. Their waxy, green leaves grow quickly, making this a popular choice for homeowners with green thumbs. However, if your cat takes a bite, they can suffer the symptoms of depression, ataxia and slowed heart rate. Vomiting is another serious symptom that may arise if your cat or kitten comes into contact with Jade plants.
Safer Alternative: Christmas Cactus
Identifiers: Brilliant hues of green with supple red flowers
While you may not grow mistletoe in a pot on your windowsill, many homeowners still bring clippings inside over the holiday. Whether used to decorate the mantel or hung over the doorway out of tradition, mistletoe can make your cat or dog feel anything but merry. This plant can cause cardiovascular collapse, erratic behavior and dangerous dips in blood pressure.
Safer Alternative: Christmas Cactus (A clear fan-favorite)
Identifiers: Brilliant hues of green with supple red flowers
While this may be a long and somewhat frightening list, there are alternatives. Most nurseries or other plant supply stores will be able to give you excellent and safe alternatives for your home.
For over 25 years, Mike Johnson, has help Buyers and Sellers in Greater New Haven, and across the state turn their dreams into reality. TAJ REAL ESTATE, LLC is a full service firm specializing in Short Sale, First Time Home Buyers, Sale and marketing of existing Home and Condos, Rentals, FHA 203K Sale and Renovation of Distress Properties, and Investor Purchase.
Mike Johnson is a graduate of Fairfield University, and a resident of Connecticut for over 38 years. He served on the Board of Directors for Hill Health Corporation from 1976 to 1984, has served on the Professional Standard Committee of the Greater New Haven Board of Realtors for over 8 years, served as Board of Directors for that organization from 2009-2012, and on the Farmington Canal Committee for over 10 years.
Mike possesses a high degree of knowledge, experience and integrity, and strives for excellence, as such creating a reputation second to none. Whether your Home is under water (owing more than the mortgage balance), or behind on your mortgage and facing foreclosure, your solution is only a phone call away. Pick up the phone and put your troubles in the hands of a experienced Realtor.
