Is Bamboo Safe for Cats?

Bambusa and Phyllostachys species

Garden bamboo (Bambusa, Phyllostachys) is non-toxic to cats. A cat chewing a shoot in a bamboo screen is not in danger.

Lucky bamboo, the curly stem sold in a vase of water, is Dracaena sanderiana — a different genus that is toxic to cats. It is also the plant most likely to sit on a desk where a cat can reach it.

What to watch for in the UK

• Garden bamboo and bamboo screens are fine.
• Lucky bamboo is not bamboo — it is a Dracaena, and it is toxic.
• Check any 'bamboo' gift plant before assuming it is safe.
• Bamboo shoot collections on paths can attract cats to chew.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. True bamboo: nothing to do.
2. Lucky bamboo: phone your vet — see the Dracaena warning on the snake plant page.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).