I currently own a Hobbit Jade but just found out it's toxic to my cats. I've really grown fond of its unique bonsai-like shape and am wondering if there are any similar plants that are safe for cats. As an alternative, could I use a glass dome to protect the plant from my cats, or would that harm the plant?
3 Answers
A dome is definitely not the best option. It will trap humidity, which can really impact your plant's health. If you're concerned about your cats getting to the plants, just put them where they can’t reach, or get some hanging baskets. As for your cats’ interest, if they’re just nibbling and not determined to eat them, I wouldn’t stress too much. I've had many succulents in reach of my cats without any problems; they generally find them uninteresting!
You know, I've heard that the toxicity of Crassula isn't as severe as some people make it out to be. My dog used to munch on my jade plants with no adverse effects. Have your cats shown real interest in chewing the plants? If they haven't, it might not be as big of a deal as you think. But just to be on the safe side, look for alternatives like a small string of hearts or a baby rubber plant — they both have a cute shape! Good luck!
I wouldn’t recommend using a glass dome; it traps moisture and can lead to issues with lighting, potentially harming the plant. Instead, I usually hang my at-risk plants or use a bird cage. I had a cat once who ate my jade, and it gave me quite a scare, but he was fine in the end. Might be worth considering alternatives that keep them out of reach, like higher shelves or hanging baskets!