Are Bamboo Plants Poisonous to Pets?

Bamboo is a food source for many animals around the world. The animal most commonly associated with this plant is the panda. But bamboo has increasingly become a popular houseplant due to its fast growing, easily tended nature. As such, curious house cats are increasingly exposed to this exotic foliage.

  1. Identification

    • There are several types of bamboo to consider, including he bamboo vine, bamboo palm, sacred bamboo and a variety of bamboo known simply as "bamboo" or "golden bamboo."

    Nontoxic Varieties

    • Bamboo vine, or Smilax laurifolia; bamboo palm, or Chamaedorea elegans; golden and "plain" bamboo, or Phyllostachys aurea; are all considered non-toxic to cats.

    Toxic Types

    • Heavenly bamboo, known scientifically as Nandina domestica, is considered moderately toxic to house pets.

    Effects

    • Side effects of ingesting heavenly bamboo include ataxia, weakness, respiratory difficulty or failure, seizures and coma. Death is a possibility, but is extremely rare among pets.

    Prevention

    • Before buying a bamboo plant, find out the scientific name. If you already have a bamboo plant and it is toxic, place it in a room that your pet does not have access to.