pets and orchids

[siriusmk]

I have always wanted to adopt a cat or a dog but was fearful that they may ingest my orchids and countless other plants I have in my apartment. I noticed quite a few members have cats and dogs. I was wondering what your experiences have been or do you just keep them in an area where your pets do not have access to your plants?

[Vivienne]

I have 3 cats and 3 teenagers and 70 orchid. The orchids are all indoors and aside from a few (literally a few) nibbled leaves, everyone gets along fine. Knock wood, but right now it's working out fine. Mind you, I have had to hiss at the cats a few times to get the point across.

There are others here with very different stories. Some whose pets haven't caused any problems, and others with pets who have done some serious damage.

My 2 petals worth... get the pet and train them from the start not to mess with the plants. Remember, some plants are highly toxic to animals!!

[sandra]

Originally Posted by siriusmk

or do you just keep them in an area where your pets do not have access to your plants?

EXACTLY siriusmk, way up on the top shelves with no jumping room! I have 2 cats and a doggy. The dog and one cat couldn't be bothered with the orchids and my other little brat cat would snack on all the orchids if she could. I love co-habiting with felines so there's always something that can get worked out with little sacrifice. Don't deny yourself the companionship of any 4 legged creature you may want to bring home. There's always a solution.

[kmarch]

Pets (especially cats - we have 2) sometimes do chew orchids but orchids are not poisonous to cats or dogs.

[prisana]

I got a kitty who's been here way before the orchids did..I had to make clear that orchids are not her playthings. She just likes to catch lizards and bugs and and anything that moves, and is completely uninterested of my orchids but sometimes does knock a couple over in the process...but no harm done and she's much, much careful now. They are smart and learn pretty fast.

[chefatplay]

I have two dogs, one big, one little. Since the big one can't lay on an orchid, he doesn't bother them. As for the little one, if it were in the way of whatever it is he is chasing, it would be knocked over. I keep them out of his way. Co habitation is just fine here.

[robb]

here the plants:cats ratio is about 20:1 a little misting in the cats face when they go near the plants should get them to associate UNCOMFORTABLE with PLANTS very quickly a harmless attention-getting device, those spray-bottles...

[tizzycat]

I have a cat and the only plants she attacks are the ones that resemble grass. I wouldn't be without either (orchids or cat). I think it's great that you are thinking or adopting - I've had lots of cats over the years all adopted or rescued and they've repaid the favour ten fold.