Indoor plants are popular in many households. So are pets, which can create a dilemma—some plants chosen for their looks are toxic to pets, including cats.
Fittonia, a beautiful, leafy plant with striking patterned foliage is one such plant. These plants are easy to care for and thrive in a variety of conditions, but is fittonia toxic to cats? Fortunately, Fittonia is safe for cats.
About the Fittonia Plant
Also known as a nerve plant or mosaic plant, the Fittonia argyroneura is a plant from the Acanthus family that comes in green and pink, green and white, or green and red. The veining is delicate and a striking contrast, which lends to its popularity as a houseplant.
Named for its 19th-century discoverers, Elizabeth and Sarah May Fitton, the fittonia plant will bloom with reddish or white spikes. Grown indoors, the fittonia rarely flowers. This plant originates in Peru and the tropical rainforest, so it thrives in humid environments with minimal irrigation.
Fittonia is ideal for terrariums, dish gardens, and hanging baskets. In the right climate, it can thrive as ground cover. The foliage is low-growing and trailing.
Image Credit: Soshe_Islam, Pixabay
Is Any Part of Fittonia Poisonous?
All parts of the fittonia plant are safe for both humans and cats. Humans often consume the leaves as a remedy for headaches or muscle pain. If your cat nibbles on a leaf, it won’t harm them.
Your cat can cause problems for the plant, though. Cats are curious, and repeated chewing or nibbling can harm the plant. You may want to keep your plant out of reach of your cat, such as on a high shelf or a hanging pot.
If your cat is eating a lot of plant material on a regular basis, there may be an underlying condition like anxiety, nutrient deficiency, parasites, or digestive upset. Be sure to consult with your vet and keep the plants out of reach until you determine the cause.
Plants That Are Toxic to Cats
Fittonia may be safe but plenty of common houseplants or garden plants are toxic to cats.
Finding a plant that’s both safe for your cat and suitable for your home can be challenging. The fittonia is a beautiful plant with striking patterns that’s easy to care for and completely safe for your cat.
