Bonsai trees can enhance the beauty of your living space. Best of all, they grow very well in pots, enabling you to place them anywhere around your home. However, for many bonsai enthusiasts, toxicity is a real concern, and for good reason. Like many keen gardeners, you may worry about having certain plants around pets like cats or dogs. If you own cats, you probably have questions like ‘are bonsai trees poisonous to cats?’. The simple answer is, yes, some are, and, it is worth choosing carefully if you have both bonsai trees and cats in your home. Read on to discover how you can still grow these wonderful plants and make your home bonsai tree cat safe.
Why Some Bonsai Trees and Cats Don’t Mix
It’s sensible to know why certain bonsai trees and cats don’t have the best relationship before you purchase one to grow in your home.
Plants can develop defense mechanisms against animals and insects that consume them. For certain bonsai varieties, like the Sago Palm, these defenses come in the form of the toxin cycasin. Cycasin is incredibly toxic to cats. This agent can considerably damage your cat’s liver if ingested.
If you suspect your cat has ingested parts of a bonsai tree, there are a few common signs you should look out for. Some of these signs include the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- irritation or rashes
- Shivering
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Sluggishness
- Unsteadiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
Cats and Bonsai Trees: Identifying Poisonous Bonsai Trees
Caution should be taken with cats and bonsai trees and this applies to whether you choose an indoor or outdoor bonsai tree variety. As cats usually have freedom to roam outdoors, this can expose them more to bonsai varieties that are potentially poisonous plants to your pet cats.
Below, we’ve listed the most poisonous bonsais so that you can protect your pets.
1. Sago Palm
| Common Name | Sago Palm, Japanese Sago Palm, King Sago Palm |
| Botanical Name | Cycas revoluta |
| Family | Cycadaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial shrub, Evergreen |
| Size | 3-10 ft. tall, 4-10 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full, Partial |
| Soil Type | Sandy, Moist, Well-drained |
| Soil PH | Slightly acidic, Neutral |
| Hardiness Zones | 9-10 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Southern Japan |
| Toxicity | Toxic to people, toxic to pets |
As a slow-growing ornamental shrub with glossy, fan-like leaves, sago palm trees are fabulous statement plants. Although sago palms are beautiful, every part of this toxic plant is harmful to cats, including its seeds and fronds. If your cat ingests any part of a sago palm, watch out for symptoms like vomiting, jaundice, drooling, and bloody stools. Please note that without immediate treatment, sago palm poisoning can result in liver damage and even death.
2. Jade Plant
| Common Name | Jade Plant, Chinese Rubber Plant, Dollar Plants, Baby Jades |
| Botanical Name | Crassula ovata |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial, Succulent Shrub |
| Size | 3-6 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full |
| Soil Type | Sandy, Loamy, Free-draining |
| Soil PH | Slightly acidic, Neutral |
| Hardiness Zones | 10-12 (USDA) |
| Native Area | South Africa |
| Toxicity | Toxic to people, toxic to pets |
Jade trees have thick, oval-shaped leaves, broad trunks, and a fine branch structure. Please note that this plant has many other common names, including baby jades, dollar plants, and rubber plants.
Although it’s uncommon for cats to eat these beautiful bonsai trees, prolonged exposure to the plant’s toxins can prove fatal. Keep an eye out for teeth marks on your jade plant’s leaves.
If your cat does ingest any part of a jade plant, look for signs like vomiting and a slower heart rate. Other symptoms include aggression and fatigue.
3. Azalea Bonsai
| Common Name | Azalea Trees, Satsuki Azaleas |
| Botanical Name | Rhododendron indicum |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Plant Type | Evergreen Shrub |
| Size | 3-6 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Azalea bonsai trees are one of the most popular bonsai trees having glossy green foliage and stunning vibrant flowers. This variety is highly toxic to cats and even humans. In cats, you should watch out for symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and tremors. Full, partial |
| Soil Type | Moist, Well-drained |
| Soil PH | Acidic |
| Hardiness Zones | 7-9 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Japan |
| Toxicity | Toxic to people, toxic to pets |
Azalea bonsai trees are one of the most popular bonsai trees having glossy green foliage and stunning vibrant flowers. This variety is highly toxic to cats and even humans. In cats, you should watch out for symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and tremors.
4. Boxwood
| Common Name | Boxwoods, English Boxwoods, Common Boxwoods |
| Botanical Name | Buxus |
| Family | Buxaceae |
| Plant Type | Evergreen Shrub |
| Size | Up to 1-20 ft. tall, 2-8 ft. wide, if not pruned to required size |
| Sun Exposure | Full, Partial |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
| Soil PH | Slightly acidic, Neutral |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-9 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Europe and Asia |
| Toxicity | Toxic to people, toxic to pets |
The boxwood bonsai plant thrives in both indoor and outdoor environments. You can identify a boxwood bonsai from its shallow roots, leathery leaves, and rough bark. Boxwood bonsais have a bitter taste that can deter your cat from consuming it. However, if your cat does chew any part of a boxwood bonsai, it could cause diarrhea and vomiting. In large doses, ingesting boxwood trees can prove lethal for cats.
4. Plum Bonsai
| Common Name | Chinese Sweet Plums, bird plum |
| Botanical Name | Sageretia theezans |
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Plant Type | Evergreen Shrubs |
| Size | 7-10 ft. tall, 9-11 in. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Partial Shade, full sun with protection from midday sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
| Soil PH | Slightly acidic, Neutral |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-9 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Southern China |
| Toxicity | Toxic to people, toxic to pets |
Plum bonsai trees make for appealing indoor plants, having a flaky, reddish-tan bark and small, glossy foliage. Most notably, these bonsai trees have small, purple, plum-shaped fruits. Poisoning from this plant occurs when your cat ingests any part of it. A plum bonsai’s foliage, stems, and seeds contain deadly cyanide. Please note that although plum bonsais are always toxic to cats, they are especially dangerous when they wilt. When wilted, these plants have higher concentrations of cyanide. In cats, look for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and bright red gums.
Other Poisonous Bonsai Trees You Should Know About
Unfortunately, there are many more types of bonsai trees that can harm your cat. Read the following list to ensure you have avoided any other common toxic bonsais that could poison your cat.
- Cherry Bonsai Trees.
- Norfolk Pines/House Pines/Norfolk Island Pines.
- Fig and Ficus Bonsai Trees.
- Wisterias.
- Yew Bonsai Trees.
- Oleander Bonsai Trees.
- English Ivy Bonsai Trees.
A Pet-Friendly Bonsai Tree: Cat-safe Alternatives
Although there are many toxic bonsai trees, cat-safe alternatives are available.
1. Juniper Bonsai
| Common Name | Green Mound Junipers, Juniper Bonsai, Needle Junipers |
| Botanical Name | Juniperus |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Plant Type | Evergreen Trees, Evergreen Shrubs |
| Size | 3-6 ft. tall, 1-3 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
| Soil PH | Slightly acidic, Neutral |
| Hardiness Zones | 3-11 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Toxicity | Toxic to people, toxic to pets |
Juniper bonsais are an extremely popular choice of bonsai tree due to their easy care requirements. As an attractive, non-toxic alternative, juniper bonsai plants have dark green, sharp needle-like foliage. Juniper trees are known for their hardiness and adaptability, with mobile branches that you can easily prune and shape.
2. Maple Bonsai
| Common Name | Japanese Maple Bonsais |
| Botanical Name | Aceraceae |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Plant Type | Tree |
| Size | 60-80 in. tall, 28 in. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Partial |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
| Soil PH | Slightly acidic, Neutral |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-8 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Japan |
| Toxicity | Toxic to people, toxic to pets |
Maple bonsais, or Japanese maple bonsais, are some of the most visually striking trees for bonsai. Maple bonsais are valued for their aesthetic attributes, like their color-changing leaves. This maple’s foliage changes with the season, having brilliant red or vibrant green leaves, depending on your area’s climate. What’s more, a maple bonsai has a broad crown that features layered branching, making them all the more visually appealing.
3. Bamboo Palm
| Common Name | Bamboo Palms |
| Botanical Name | Chamaedorea seifrizii |
| Family | Aracaceae |
| Plant Type | Evergreen perennial, Reed Palm, Cane Palm |
| Size | 4-8 ftft. tall, 1-8 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Partial sun, shade |
| Soil Type | Moist, Well-drained |
| Soil PH | Acidic, Neutral |
| Hardiness Zones | 10-11 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Central America |
| Toxicity | Non toxic |
When it comes to shaping, bamboo palms have limited potential as they are not particularly suitable for excessive pruning or wiring into shape. However, bamboo palms are still popular plants among bonsai enthusiasts. Tip: Most bonsai gardeners use bamboo palms as accent plants. It’s easy to see why these bonsais are popular, as when mature, these bamboo palms have tall, graceful stems that resemble canes. These palms also have luscious, feathered green leaves.
4. Hibiscus Bonsai
| Common Name | Hibiscus |
| Botanical Name | Hibiscus spp. |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Plant Type | Tropical, Evergreen Trees |
| Size | 4-6 ft. tall, 4-6 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Sandy, Loamy, Well-drained |
| Soil PH | Slightly acidic, Neutral |
| Hardiness Zones | 9-11 (USDA) |
| Native Area | China, India and Hawaii, Australia |
| Toxicity | Non toxic |
Hibiscus bonsais are large shrubs with sizeable but vibrant foliage. The most striking feature of a hibiscus bonsai is its large, vivid flowers that come in a range of colors. From red to pink to purple, and even orange, yellow, and white, you can also expect to see gorgeous leaves from a hibiscus bonsai.
5. Peperomia
| Common Name | Shining Bush Plants, Radiator Plants, Pepper Elders |
| Botanical Name | Peperomia |
| Family | Piperaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial, Epiphyte |
| Size | 2-36 in. tall, 4-18 in. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full, Partial |
| Soil Type | Moist, Well-drained |
| Soil PH | Slightly acidic, Neutral |
| Hardiness Zones | 10-12 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Central America, South America, The Caribbean |
| Toxicity | Non toxic |
Peperomia bonsais have elongated, fleshy leaves and thick stems.
The majority of peperomia bonsais have tiny flowers that are packed into their greenish-brown conical spikes.
Peperomias are easy to care for, which is an added bonus for beginners to bonsai gardening.
Other Cat-Friendly Bonsai Trees For You To Consider
Although we’ve explored our favorite cat-friendly bonsai alternatives above, there are a few more safe varieties that are also worth considering.
- Ponytail Palms.
- Prayer Plants.
- Parlor Palms.
- Christmas Cactus
Note that although many consider these bonsai trees as non-toxic for cats, they can still cause discomfort when ingested. If your cat ingests too much of any of the listed, cat-friendly bonsais, they may experience an upset stomach.
Tips to Keep Your Cat Safe From Your Bonsai Trees
If you have your heart set on a particular bonsai tree that is also toxic to cats, there are certain precautions you can take to help keep your pet cat safe.. The following are some valuable tips to help you protect your cat from poisonous varieties of bonsai trees.
- Always consider choosing a pet-friendly bonsai alternative.
- If you have an indoor cat, consider placing a cat-proof barrier around the plant.
- Keep any toxic bonsai trees out of reach of your cat. Try to place your bonsai trees in high positions, like a high shelf or a hanging basket.
- Make sure that there is no surrounding furniture that enables your cat to reach your bonsai plants.
- If you have enough space in your home, dedicate a pet-free room for your bonsai collection.
- Distract your cat with catnip or cat thyme, which is also healthy for all cats.
- Use bitter apple sprays on the base of your bonsais. Bitter apple spray won’t harm your plants or pets and its taste is one that cats and dogs find repellent.
- Be aware, your pet cat doesnt necessarily have to directly ingest toxic plants to become ill. If they groom themselves after coming into contact with a toxic plant this can cause mild to sever symptoms of poisoning.
Are Bonsai Trees Poisonous to Cats? Final Thoughts
Here at Gardeners’ Yards, we hope this article has been useful and you now know more about the pet-friendly bonsai tree varieties, and ones that can be harmful. Hopefully, you will feel more confident when selecting your indoor or outdoor bonsai. Remember if you choose a toxic bonsai type, follow our advice to keep your cats safe. Make sure to frequently check your bonsai trees for teeth marks and your cats for any of the symptoms discussed in today’s guide. If somebody asks you, ‘Are bonsai trees poisonous to cats?’, pass on the information you’ve learned today. Together, we can keep our pets safe from toxic plants. For more advice on plant care, houseplants, and all things gardening, check out our blog!
1. What is the most toxic plant to cats?
You may be surprised to know that the most toxic plants for cats aren’t bonsai trees. Lilies are considered to be the most toxic plant for cats If your cats ingest even a tiny amount of a lily plant, they could face kidney failure and even death.
Are Chinese Elm bonsais toxic to cats?
While Chinese Elm bonsai trees aren’t the most toxic bonsai variety, they are mildly toxic to dogs and cats. For cats, ingesting any part of a Chinese Elm bonsai can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation. Seek immediate veterinary treatment if your cat shows any of those symptoms.
Can you spray bonsai trees with vinegar to keep cats away from them?
Yes, you can use either straight or diluted vinegar to deter cats from your bonsai plants. In fact, you can spray vinegar around the edges of your garden, fences and posts to keep cats away from a particular area within your backyard. Please note that overuse of vinegar can harm your bonsai trees. It is essential not to over-saturate the plant or roots with any vinegar solution.
Which smells repel cats from plants?
Typically, cats aren’t fond of the smell of citrus, garlic, lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus. Using such scents around your bonsai trees could potentially deter cats from going near them. Whichever repellant you use, make sure to do your own research on its toxicity.
