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Are Fuchsias Poisonous to Cats?

Cats – domestic and wild – are carnivores. Although plant-based foods and herbs can be added to their diet, they depend on meat for the nutrients their bodies need to survive.

That doesn’t mean your feline won’t nibble on plants from time to time, just to see what they’re about. The trouble is your kit won’t know the difference between a safe plant and one that’s hazardous to her health.

Are fuchsias poisonous to cats? Thankfully, no, but there are quite a few other house and garden plants that are toxic to cats and you should be aware of what these are, so you can avoid having them around.

There’s nothing wrong with your kit nibbling on safe plants and flowers like oat grass, lemongrass, marigolds and zinnias, some of which may even have nutritional value. If you have an outdoor garden, chances are your kit will snack on a plant or two as she explores it.

Gardens are like a haven for cats – there’s nice, soft soil for doing their business, tasty plants to snack on and nooks and crannies to explore to satisfy their curiosity. Your kit may even find a friend or two (bug, butterfly, lizard) to play with in the process.

Poisonous plants, however, will ruin your cat’s paradise by posing a risk to her health. Fuchsia plants are a good choice for a garden as they’re attractive, easy to grow and safe for your feline pet.

Are Fuchsias Poisonous To Cats?

No, fuchsias are not poisonous to cats, which is a good thing because some cats seem to be attracted to this shrubby evergreen and its lovely flowers. Fuchsias grow best in mild, humid climates and can be planted in gardens or hung from baskets indoors.

As garden plants, they’re often sold as hybrids that produce colorful, exotic flowers. Your kit may be attracted to the flower’s smell or taste or the way it dangles from its stem.

Fuchsia plants pose no risk to your cat’s health. Whether she nibbles on the flower, leaf or stem, she’ll be okay. Fuchsias are edible for people as well and some people grow this plant just for that purpose, as the flowers and berries are highly nutritious.

Many cats show no interest at all in the fuchsia plant but are highly attracted to toxic alternatives like daffodils or azaleas, so you’ll need to use wisdom when choosing plants for your home and garden.

There are literally hundreds of plants that are poisonous to cats, but some are more common than others.

These include lilies, azaleas, tulips, daffodils, sago palms, rhododendrons, orchids and aloe vera, just to name a few. You should also be aware that holiday plants like mistletoe, poinsettias and holly are also toxic to cats and should be kept well out of your kit’s reach if you decide to bring them into your home.

If ingested, toxic plants can cause digestive and respiratory problems for your cat or damage her internal organs.

Why Do Some Cats Eat Fuchsia Plants?

If cats are carnivores, you may wonder why they’d be interested in eating plants at all. The answer is actually quite simple – nibbling on plants is your kit’s way of exploring. Cats, like babies, use their mouths to explore the world around them.

A plant’s scent may initially attract a cat’s attention, giving her greater incentive to taste it. If she likes the taste of a certain plant, she’s more likely to come back for more, whether it’s safe for her to eat or not.

Movement is another reason that a cat may be attracted to a plant. If the wind (or ceiling fan for indoor plants) causes a plant’s leaves or flowers to swish and sway, it could catch your feline’s attention and nudge her to take a closer look.

Once there, she may decide to take a bite out of a leaf or flower to see if it tastes as good as it looks. Cats are inquisitive creatures and have a built-in desire to fully engage in an activity to satisfy their curiosity.

Another reason your kit may start nibbling on a plant is boredom. Imagine you’re off at work for the better part of the day and your feline’s left on her own. She can only sleep for so many hours, after which she’s got to find something to do to relieve her boredom.

By creating a stimulating home environment for your cat complete with scratching posts, food puzzles, climbing trees, cardboard boxes, catnip and squeaky toys, your feline is more apt to leave your plants alone.

Is There Any Nutritional Benefit In Fuchsias To Cats?

The fuchsia plant not only produces beautiful flowers, it makes a tasty, nutritious treat for a cat, if she decides to eat it.

All parts of the fuchsia plant are edible, including the flowers and leaves, but the berries are the best.(The pods that remain after the fuchsia flower has bloomed are actually edible berries). Fuchsia berries are full of antioxidants, Vitamin C and other healthy nutrients.

Although eating non-toxic plants isn’t all that bad for a cat, you may not want your kit chomping on your greenery, particularly indoor plants that add so much beauty to a home. One way to discourage this is to get your feline companion plants of her own.

Cats are especially partial to lemongrass, cat thyme, catnip, peppermint and valerian root, all of which have nutritional value for your pet. They’re also attracted to edible flowers like marigolds, zinnias and Johnny-jump-ups.

If you want to supplement your cat’s meat diet with veggies, parsley, spinach and carrot tops are among many cats’ favorites. They’re also a great source of vitamins A and C, beta carotene, calcium and potassium.

These veggies can be easily grown at home. You can even create an “edible garden” for your cat to give her a special environment she can explore where plant nibbling isn’t a strict no-no.

Conclusion

Are fuchsias poisonous to cats? No, they’re not. They’re a beautiful, exotic plant you can cultivate safely indoors or out. If your feline shows an interest in nibbling on fuchsia leaves, flowers or berries, there’s no cause for alarm. Fuchsias are nutritious, edible plants that both you and your kit can enjoy.