With regard to the toxicity of the dragon tree for cats and other small children, there are sometimes contradictory statements in various sources. The fact is that there are actually toxins in the sap of the dragon tree, but their effects do not necessarily have to be dramatic.

Occasional nibbling on the dragon tree usually does nothing for cats

These parts of the dragon tree are poisonous

Basically, all parts of the dragon tree such as the leaves and flowers are poisonous. Although the poisonous plant sap also flows through the thin trunk, this offers little potentially dangerous target for cats and small children. The toxins contained are so-called saponins, which are in fact contained in many different plants. Adults rarely run the risk of poisoning themselves from a dragon tree, as the bitter taste of the leaves inherently prevents consumption. On the other hand, small children with an even less developed sense of taste and animals such as cats, dogs, hares and rabbits can nibble on the long leaves of the dragon tree by mistake.

In this way, cats and other animals can be kept away from the dragon tree

Cats like to play with their paws on the long leaves of the dragon tree and then occasionally nibble, since house cats also depend on certain plant substances for digestion. You should therefore always offer your cats an alternative in the form of fresh cat grass. You can also place the dragon tree on the balcony or generally on an unreachable high wall shelf during the summer months.

If you have these symptoms, you should take your cat to the vet immediately

Many cats show no noticeable symptoms after an occasional nibble on the dragon tree. However, if you eat too much of the leaves, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Vomit
  • diarrhea
  • blood in the stool

If these symptoms occur, you should consult a veterinarian and have countermeasures taken against the suspected poisoning.

tips

Even if cats generally don't really "let themselves be trained", it can always be worth a try. Have a squirt gun or something handy near the dragon tree your incorrigible cat covets. Then send a squirt of water towards the dragon tree as soon as the cat starts molesting it. In some cases, this educational measure has an effect and the cats, so upset, turn their attention to other objects such as a pot with fresh cat grass.

Category:

Indoor plants