The lucky feather (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is an attractive, extravagant foliage plant that can be cultivated wonderfully both in the living room and in the conservatory. The evergreen plant with the typical, fleshy leaf ribs and numerous pinnate leaves is considered to be extremely easy to care for and robust. However, the succulent from East Africa has one disadvantage: it is slightly poisonous, both for humans and for cats and other animals.
Cats should be kept away from Zamioculcas
Zamioculcas is only slightly poisonous
Zamioculcas belongs to the Araceae family and, like many of its relatives, is poisonous. The calcium oxalate contained in all parts of the plant causes the mucous membranes to swell and leaves a burning sensation. Medical treatment is usually not required, after all, the plant is only considered slightly poisonous and therefore rather harmless. However, you should not let your cat nibble on the leaves, because - unless the animal is put off by the very bitter taste - excessive consumption can lead to unnecessary pain and discomfort.
Protect cats from poisonous indoor plants
Since cats like to nibble on green houseplants and do not shy away from poisonous specimens, you should either not buy such plants in the first place or place them in such a way that the animal cannot get to them. Do you perhaps have a room that the cat cannot enter? This would be the right location for the Zamioculcas - provided that the other site conditions, especially with regard to the light conditions, are also correct. Unfortunately, the lucky feather, which grows up to one meter and higher, is not necessarily suitable for hanging storage, for example in a traffic light.
tips
Symptoms of poisoning usually appear immediately during consumption and do not last long afterwards. However, if some plant sap gets into your eyes, you should rinse them out with plenty of clear water.