Is Moth Orchid Safe for Cats?

Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis orchids are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a petal or a leaf is not in danger.

The practical caveat is the growing medium and water: orchids in bark are often stood in water, and a cat that drinks stale plant water can end up with an upset stomach that has nothing to do with the orchid.

What to watch for in the UK

• Sold everywhere, and often given as a gift.
• The bowl of water under a supermarket orchid is the usual problem.
• Fertiliser and 'orchid food' are a separate risk — keep them out of reach.
• Flowers may be eaten; petals on the floor are harmless.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Nothing to do.
2. If the cat drank fertiliser water, phone your vet.

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).