Baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata) is a popular flowering plant that looks especially lovely when mixed with roses. If you’re the lucky recipient of such a bouquet and you have a cat, it’s probably no surprise that your feline companion is fascinated by the baby’s breath.
However, is baby’s breath toxic to cats?
Yes, baby’s breath is mildly toxic to cats according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Keep reading the article to know more about baby’s breath and how can you keep cats away from it.
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What Is Baby’s Breath?
Gypsophila, often known as baby’s breath, is a Caryophyllaceae (carnation) genus of flowering plants.
Baby’s breath, (genus Gypsophila), a diverse genus of about 150 species of annual and perennial flowering plants in the pink family (Caryophyllaceae) native to Eurasia.
Several varieties are grown for their fine misty effect in rock gardens, flower borders, and floral arrangements.
The annual baby’s breath (Gypsophila Elegans) grows up to 50 cm (20 inches) tall and has narrow bluish-green leaves.
It is widely planted, particularly varieties such as ‘Carminea,’ which has deep rose-red flowers, ‘Grandiflora Alba,’ which has large white flowers, and ‘Rosea,’ which has rose-pink flowers.
Perennial baby’s breath (G. paniculata), which can grow up to 100 cm (40 inches) tall, resembles G. elegant but has a stout storage rootstock and white to pinkish flowers.
Popular cultivars include ‘Compacta,’ which grows densely; ‘Flore Pleno,’ which has double flowers; and ‘Grandiflora,’ which has larger flowers.
A few species are commercially grown for a variety of purposes, including floristry, herbal medicine, and food.
The common gypsophila, G. paniculata, is the most commonly used baby’s breath in flower arrangements such as bouquets. G. elegans is also grown for its cut flowers.
The genus is a source of saponins, which can be used to make photographic film and hemolytic laboratory reagents, among other things. Because of their detergent properties, they can be used in soap and shampoo.
G. rokejeka is used in the production of the dessert halva. Species can also be found in liqueur, cheese, and ice cream, where they add flavour, aroma, and crispness to foods.
Several boron hyperaccumulators can be planted to absorb the element from polluted soils.
Can Cats Eat Baby’s Breath?
No, cats should not eat baby’s breath as it is mildly toxic to them.
It’s something we don’t usually consider, but some common plants in our gardens are toxic to our four-legged friends.
This sweet filler in many floral arrangements appears innocent enough, but it is not so innocent when it comes to your cat’s digestion.
When your cat consumes baby’s breath, it becomes a potentially toxic principle.
Vomiting and diarrhoea are symptoms of your cat ingesting the Baby’s Breath plant.
Unfortunately, both dogs and cats are poisoned by baby’s breath.
Although baby’s breath poisoning is rarely fatal in cats, the flower can cause significant harm if consumed.
It will, however, do no lasting harm to you or your cats. The vast majority of what you’ve been told about the facility is false.
Although the baby’s breath plant is not poisonous, you should exercise caution when in its presence.
According to experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Center, obstruction of the throat in cats is unusual, and most cases of poisoning recover within 24 hours.
If possible, clean the cat’s mouth with water or milk, but consult a veterinarian if the situation appears to be serious.
Keep baby’s breath out of reach of cats. While pruning the plant, pick up any fallen leaves and discard any clippings.
Is Baby’s Breath Cat-Friendly?
No, baby’s breath is not cat-friendly.
The poisons aren’t particularly harmful, but they can be unpleasant and disturbing if the cat takes a substantial amount.
Your cat might start slobbering a lot. She may become ill or have diarrhoea if she ingests parts of the plant.
Because eating baby’s breath plants can cause stomach upset in cats, your cat may vocalize and fret to attract your attention.
She might go somewhere quiet to relax and relieve her sore tummy.
If this happens, you’ll have to track her down and get her medical help; she’ll also most likely dirty her hiding spot, causing a slew of issues for both her and you.
If your cat has eaten baby’s breath or other poisonous plants, some individuals believe it’s a good idea to try to promote or induce vomiting.
Baby’s breath poisoning is usually more of a nuisance than a threat. Baby’s breath, unlike other hidden risks like peace lilies and hyacinths, is unlikely to cause long-term harm, and there is no record of any cats dying after eating them.
Poisoning, on the other hand, might cause dehydration in your cat, which is damaging to his health.
Experts strongly advise you to have your cat examined by a veterinarian; among other things, she could have eaten something more harmful than baby’s breath.
Poisoning from more hazardous plants can present symptoms that are similar at first. Your cat will be in good hands with a medical specialist who understands exactly what to do if something goes wrong.
Nobody likes to believe that their cat ate something poisonous. Baby’s breath poisoning normally causes relatively minor symptoms, but the more a cat eats, the worse it gets.
The easiest way to prevent your cat from getting troubled by baby’s breath is to keep them away.
Your cat is poisoned by all components of an baby’s breath. If your cat nibbles the stalk or the bloom itself, it will most likely become irritated.
Nobody likes to believe that their cat ate something poisonous. Baby’s breath poisoning normally causes relatively minor symptoms, but the more a cat eats, the worse it gets.
How To Keep Cats Away From Baby’s Breath?
You can keep cats away from baby’s breath by following these steps: –
1. Spray Bottle
This is the traditional “training” method for cats. Keep a spray bottle of water available and spray your cat when they get too close to your plants.
Spray bottles are inexpensive and can be found online or at a local hardware store.
While this method is straightforward, it only works if you are home the majority of the time and can keep an eye on your plants.
Some cats will just become more sneaky and cause mischief while you’re not around, while others will acquire an aversion to plants as a result of this and avoid them even when you’re not present.
It’s worth a chance to see how your cat reacts, but bear in mind that this may not be suited for everyone.
2. Repellent Spray
There are a variety of strong-scented products on the market that can make your cat sneeze if it goes too close, or you can manufacture your own with common home items.
A mixture of water and a strongly scented soap (such as lavender or citrus) can be effective, or a puree of garlic in water can be used for a similar but more pungent effect.
For a similar effect, scatter some hot chilli pepper around your plants if you need to get more serious.
Just keep in mind that if the cats get too much in their nose or eyes, it might be uncomfortable. Use with caution.
Because of the strong odour, vinegar sprays are sometimes recommended.
Although vinegar is safe for you and your cat, it is still an acid that will damage your plants’ leaves after a few sprays. This advice should be avoided at all costs.
3. Layer of Pebbles
This is for the diggers. Your houseplants will have plenty of loose dirt for cats to dig in for their potty needs.
Apply a thick coating of hefty pebbles to the dirt’s surface.
It should still enable water to flow through to the soil beneath if it isn’t too firmly packed. It won’t have the same feel as a litter box and won’t be as appealing.
If you want a more decorative effect, you may use huge pieces of polished glass, rough pine cones, seashells, or shattered pottery.
4. Change Of Location
You may have to just move your plants out of the way of your cats, which might be difficult if your cats are really agile and determined.
Hanging baskets that aren’t too close to other pieces of furniture, or even containers that mount straight to the wall (no shelf) and are out of reach, can be useful.
5. Create Unpleasant Surroundings
Giving your cat a good scare can work wonders, and having something loud and surprising happen when they jump up near your plants can be enough to break the behaviour.
This works best with plants on a table or shelf with some additional area to deal with around the pots.
If a few loosely placed tin-foil plates are knocked over, for example, they can make a noise.
Depending on the location of your plants, you may need to be inventive. However, this strategy may need to be refreshed every day.
Another option is to make a sticky surface that your cat won’t want to walk on.
If you don’t leave enough space between the tape and your plant pots, double-sided tape can be a great way to build a barrier.
Frequently Asked Question
Do cats like baby’s breath?
Baby’s breath is not on the list of popular plants that cats dislike or prefer. This can be discovered by planting baby’s breath in your home or garden. Check to see if your cat is purring and walking around the plant. If so, your cat enjoys the baby’s breath.
How to grow baby’s breath?
Growing baby’s breath is easy, and you’ll probably find it useful as a garden specimen. Growing baby’s breath can be a profitable hobby, especially if you sell it to florists and others who make professional arrangements. Growing baby’s breath in full sun is simple if the soil pH is correct. Baby’s breath prefers alkaline or sweet soil. The soil should be well-draining as well. If your baby’s breath plant isn’t doing well, conduct a soil test to determine the alkalinity of the soil. Plant baby’s breath flowers from seeds, cuttings, or tissue cultured plants in the garden.
What are the various baby’s breath varieties?
Several baby’s breath varieties are – 1. Gypsophila Elegans: Although this species is considered an annual, it self-seeds and returns to the garden year after year. When compared to other baby’s breath species, it has noticeably larger, more open blooms. 2. Gypsophila paniculata ‘Bristol Fairy’: This cultivar has double white blooms that are about 1/4 inch wide. It forms mounds that are 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. 3. Gypsophila paniculata ‘Compacta Plena’: A compact variety that grows in mounds that are only 15 to 18 inches tall and wide. Its flowers resemble those of the ‘Bristol Fairy’ cultivar.
Final Words
While baby’s breath is lovely to look at, if you have a cat, you should avoid bringing it inside. Cats are curious creatures who must investigate everything they come across. When it comes to flowers and plants, there are no exceptions.
If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section.
