If you adore houseplants but also have indoor cats, you must guarantee that none of the former are hazardous to the latter. Tradescantia is a tropical plant that thrives in warm environments.
There are roughly 75 herbaceous perennial species in the Tradescantia genus, and this term is used for several of them. Some are regarded as invasive weeds, while others are commonly utilized as garden plants. Many are popular indoor container plants.
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the leaves and stems of the wandering jew contain calcium oxalate crystals that are harmful to cats, dogs, and horses.
It may not be fatally harmful, but it can still cause discomfort if ingested. This plant can cause skin or gastrointestinal discomfort in cats. If your cat or dog has consumed any part of the plant, especially the stem, it might induce vomiting or diarrhea.
What Is Wandering Jew?
The Wandering Jew is the common name for numerous species of the Tradescantia genus, a tropical herbaceous plant native to Central and South America. As it is relatively simple to care for, it is a favorite houseplant.
Depending on the species, it can be either a beautiful flowering plant or a trailing plant. Some species are also regarded as invasive and are classified as weeds.
Is Wandering Jew Poisonous To Cats?
The Wandering Jew (Tradescantia) is a warm-climate tropical plant.
There are around 75 herbaceous perennial species in the Tradescantia genus, which is designated by this word.
Others are favored as outdoor garden plants. Many are popular indoor container plants. It is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in both sun and shade. However, the optimal conditions for plant growth are partial shade and sufficiently moist soil.
Indoor Jewish vagabonds require well-drained potting soil and a warm atmosphere.
Plants can be cultivated in window boxes, hanging baskets, and creative containers. From a high vantage point, their descent is very impressive.
Is Wandering Jew Safe For Cats?
Yes, this question has a resounding affirmative answer. The sap found within the stems will be irritating to your cat. However, there is no cause for concern regarding the plant’s harmful components. Cats and the Wandering Jew Plant, commonly known as Tradescantia, do not get along well.
Most Common Types of Wandering Jew
- Tradescantia Fluminensis
- Tradescantia Pallida
- Tradescantia Zebrina
Tradescantia Flumensis is an evergreen perennial with round, striped green and lilac leaves. It produces a three-petalled white bloom.
Tradescantia Pallida features long, purple leaves with red or green tips. Produces three-petalled flowers in a range of colors, including purple, white, and pink.
Tradescantia Zebrina is an evergreen perennial vine with multicolored leaves that range from green to gray to purple. The leaf’s center is marked by two whitish-gray stripes, and it occasionally produces pink flowers.
What Happens If Cat Eats Wandering Jew?
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), if your cat has roaming jew, dermatitis-like skin irritation will occur.
Look for these areas on your pet to be affected first:
- Groin
- Stomach, due to laying on the plant
- Under your pet’s chin
- Any other body part that comes into contact
The sap of the wandering jew plant is irritating to the skin, and if ingested, it can cause stomach irritations in your cat. Therefore, wandering Jews are classed as moderately harmful plants for cats, dogs, horses, and other pets, as well as for humans.
The calcium oxalate crystals in the plant sap are what cause cats to have an allergic reaction. The leaves contain some of the fluid, but the majority is located in the stem. If any of the sap gets on your cat’s skin, a rash similar to dermatitis may develop. If your cat chews on the plant and consumes the sap, she may get digestive inflammation.
Treatment of Wandering Jew Poisoning in Cats
If your cat exhibits skin allergy or irritation in the tummy, paws, anal region, and scrotum, consult a veterinarian. Try one of the below solutions.
- Give a bath to your feline if there is any skin allergy or irritation.
- If you observe any digestive system-related problem in your pet, then consult your regular vet for this.
- Let your cat drink enough water and avoid any movement.
- You can also apply aloe vera gel to the allergic area.
How to Keep Your Cat Away from Wandering Jew Plants?
It is essential to avoid cats from coming into contact with the sap of wandering Jews, as it is harmful to them. This is, however, easier said than done. Cats are inherently nimble and adept at reaching tough locations. Additionally, you cannot supervise them around-the-clock to prevent them from clawing or nibbling the houseplant.
If you place the plant on a surface, your cat will likely find a way to get it. The easiest way to keep your cat and houseplant safe is to suspend the plant at a location from which your cat cannot leap. The greatest option is plant baskets that hang from the ceiling. Ensure that there are no surrounding surfaces that your cat could use to gain a foothold on the plant.
Tradescantia prefers ample sunlight, therefore it should be hung near a window. Remember to cut the trailing vines, lest your cat still have access to them.
How To Treat Wandering Jew Poisoning In Cats?
If your cat is excessively itching, your veterinarian will recommend an ointment or medication. It may be necessary to apply a lotion twice or three times daily, but its efficacy has been demonstrated.
Your cat may require medication to treat a secondary skin infection if he scratches excessively. In addition to clipping claws, a buster collar can assist decrease self-trauma. The veterinarian may administer intravenous or subcutaneous fluids to your cat, depending on his needs.
This is particularly likely if his mouth has been impacted and he cannot eat or drink. While he awaits the resolution of his symptoms, the fluids will keep him hydrated. If his eyes become sore, she may suggest washing them or prescribe an ointment or drops for you to use at home for several days.
Summary
The wandering jew species are popular houseplants due to their low maintenance requirements, however they are not cat-friendly. The plant’s sap includes calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the skin and intestines of cats, other animals, and even people.
Because cats occasionally love playing with houseplants, it is vital to be aware of the potential dangers if you decide to keep one. Place the plant in a location that your cat cannot access.
Keep an eye out for skin irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea in your cat. This may indicate that they were exposed to wandering jew plant sap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Is Wandering Jew Toxic To Cats
Is Wandering Jew Harmful To Cats?
Swedish ivy (Plectranthus), spider plant (Chlorophytum), and inch plant are three of the most frequent houseplants that cats destroy (Tradescantia). Effects of Zebrina, which are benign.
Is A Wandering Jew Plant Toxic To Pets?
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, wandering Jew is hazardous to dogs since it causes rashes and allergies. Dog allergies often affect the skin, not the respiratory system.
Is A Wandering Jew Plant Toxic To Pets?
If prayer herbs were poisonous to cats, we would have a much larger problem. My cat typically shows little interest in my plants. But my cat’s new behavior made me consider houseplants and pets. Many people feel they cannot have plants if they have a pet (and vice versa).
Are Wandering Jew Plants Toxic To Pets?
You and your dog can recover from this plant’s toxicity using a simple treatment consisting of oral or topical medication. A wandering jew is an invasive weed that dominates the region by smothering other plants. Additionally, it is hazardous to both humans and dogs.
Can A Wandering Jew Be Kept Inside?
The upkeep of the wandering jew plant is simple throughout the warm, humid summer months. It is vital to remember that these plants are not cold-hardy and will perish if left outside. However, they can be cultivated indoors and utilized as houseplants throughout the winter months.
Can cats be around Wandering Jew plants?
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the leaves and stems of the wandering jew contain calcium oxalate crystals that are harmful to cats, dogs, and horses.
What If My Cat Eats A Wandering Jew?
Sap can cause irritation in cats if they consume it after nibbling on the plant. When in touch with wandering jew sap, cats may experience these symptoms. If you observe these symptoms in your cat, he or she may be sick. Contact your veterinarian if you see them.
What happens if my cat eats a Wandering Jew plant?
Naturally, I was curious as to whether or not the wandering jew plant is toxic to cats. In brief, the answer is an emphatic YES. The plant’s stems contain a sap that will irritate your cat’s digestive tract. It is crucial to remember that swallowing the leaves typically does not cause a harmful reaction.