While cats may be adorable, they are also curious creatures who won’t stop at anything to satisfy their curiosity. Hence, if they find any new or strange veggies in your kitchen, such as bamboo shoots, they may feel inclined to sniff or nibble at them. Hence, as the pet owner, you should know exactly which foods to keep away from your cat and which ones you can feed it. So can cats eat bamboo shoots? To find out, keep reading!
Can Cats Eat Bamboo Shoot?
Simply put, Can Cats Eat Bamboo shoot as long as it is of a particular type. The bamboo family has several species, which can be misleading as not all of these are true bamboo or even edible. To make it simple, “true bamboo,” which is scientifically called “Bambusoideae,” is the type of bamboo that is safe for cats to eat. It is best to avoid other species as they are toxic to their health.
In this article, we have covered all there is to know about toxic and safe varieties of bamboo and which ones your cat can eat.
Is Bamboo Good For Cats?
Only certain types of Can Cats Eat Bamboo are good for cats. Although the ASPCA or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals states that bamboo is a non-toxic plant for cats, this statement only applies to genuine bamboo varieties.
The non-toxic bamboo shoots are perfectly okay for cats to eat as long as they are given in moderation. True bamboo species such as Bambusoideae are not harmful to pets at all. Moreover, bamboo leaves can prove to be beneficial to cats as they contain up to 22% protein. However, the protein levels in plants vary depending on species and even age.
What Types Of Bamboo Are Safe For Cats?
When we say that Can Cats Eat Bamboo is non-toxic for plants, we are only referring to the true bamboo species, which is “Bambusoideae.” Any bamboo plants that belong to this category are completely safe for your cat to eat or nibble on. The bambusoideae specie of bamboo plants is typically cultivated outside. They can safely enjoy a stroll among these plants without the danger of ingesting anything poisonous or suffering toxic reactions.
Other non-toxic types of bamboo for cats include Phyllostachys aurea, Chamaedorea Elegans, Smilax walteri, and Smilax laurifolia. If your cat ingests any of these bamboo shoots, it won’t suffer any negative consequences as long as it does not eat more than its stomach can handle.
Are Bamboo Shoots Toxic To Cats?
The toxicity of Can Cats Eat Bamboo shoots depends on which species it belongs to. Not all species of bamboo are safe for cats. “Lucky Bamboo” (Dracaena spp) is an example of the toxic variety cats should be kept away from. If you have any lucky bamboo plants in your house, it is recommended to keep them out of reach of your cat. Another common toxic bamboo species is “Heavenly Bamboo” (Nandina Domestica), which can harm your cat’s health.
You should be especially wary of the shoots of these Can Cats Eat Bamboo plants. They are known to harbor saponins and taxiphyllin, which are much more likely to harm your cat.
If you are a cat owner, it is best not to have any of these plants in your house. If you insist on keeping them, they may be positioned in elevated pots or standing shelves to keep your feline away from them. This simple fix keeps your cat content and your plants healthy. However, you don’t need to be too alarmed as cats are unlikely to eat the bamboo plant, much less its shoots.
Is Bamboo Safe For Cats?
Only certain types of Can Cats Eat Bamboo are safe for cats. Bambusoideae is the scientific name for the true bamboo species, which is non-toxic and safe for cats. If you have these plants in your home, you don’t have to worry about your cat suffering any side effects from nibbling on the shoots of these plants. However, toxic bamboo varieties like those mentioned above should be kept out of your kitty’s reach to keep your plant and cat safe and healthy.
Why Do Cats Like To Eat Bamboo?
Cats adore the scent of Can Cats Eat Bamboo, so you might frequently find your kitty returning to it for a sniff or nibble. In between meals, cats like licking the leaves as they help with digestion. Although it is possible for cats to become unwell and vomit if they ingest too much of this plant, don’t worry—even if they do—cats cannot be poisoned by it as long as it is the safe variety.
What To Do If Cat Eats Lucky Bamboo?
Your cat is likely to have moderate signs of toxic poisoning if they accidentally consume a poisonous lucky Can Cats Eat Bamboo plant. Fortunately, a cat’s body is built to eliminate these poisons right away. If the cat’s stomach comes in contact with a hazardous or unpleasant substance, it’ll immediately attempt to expel it from its system. Some poisons can make a cat’s mouth feel like a needle, leading them to spit it out right immediately.
However, for serious cases, look out for the following symptoms and rush to a veterinarian:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Dilated Pupils
- Weakness
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my cat eating bamboo?
Cats are attracted to the scent of bamboo plants, so they may feel inclined to lick or nibble it from time to time. You can keep the bamboo plant out of reach to prevent any negative consequences if it’s a toxic variety.
Is dracaena bamboo toxic to cats?
Yes, dracaena Can Cats Eat Bamboo or lucky bamboo is toxic to cats and should be kept out of reach of its paws. You can put it in an elevated pot or standing shelf, so your cat can’t quickly get to it.
Is black bamboo poisonous to cats?
Black Can Cats Eat Bamboo isn’t known to have any toxic effects, so if you find your cat chewing on it, there is no need to worry. The plant won’t harm your cat’s health in any way.
Is fargesia bamboo safe for cats?
Yes, fargesia bamboo is commonly found in most homes and is entirely safe to keep around pets as it has no reported adverse effects.
Can cats chew on bamboo?
Cats can chew on bamboo as long as it is a safe species like the ones mentioned in this article. To ensure your pet stays safe, the toxic varieties should be kept completely out of reach.
Conclusion
Cats can eat bamboo plants, but only under certain conditions:
- Bambusoideae and fargesia are common bamboo varieties that are safe for cats to eat.
- Lucky bamboo or heavenly bamboo is not good for cats in any way, and it should be kept out of their reach.
- Cats are sometimes attracted to bamboo plants, so you should ensure that only safe and non-toxic species are kept within their reach.
