My Cat Ate Lucky Bamboo What Should I Do?

Has your cat eaten lucky bamboo? Are you worried the lucky bamboo can make your cat sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! It can be scary when our fur babies eat something they shouldn’t.

In this article, we’ll take a look at lucky bamboo and whether or not it can make your cat sick. Let’s get started!

What is Lucky Bamboo?

Bamboo has become a very popular houseplant in the last few years. You may see it in vases filled with rocks and water. The plants are pretty, easy to care for, and can last for years in water, or they can be grown outdoors in the right type of climate.

Did you know that lucky bamboo is not a true bamboo plant? It’s true! The two plants look very similar but are completely unrelated. The plant is known as  “lucky bamboo,” which is actually called the Dracaena sanderiana, or a dracaena plant. Lucky bamboo is actually related to the Lily family.

You may also hear lucky bamboo referred to by other names, including ribbon dracaena, ribbon plant, curly bamboo, Chinese water bamboo friendship bamboo, goddess of mercy plant, or Belgian evergreen.

The lucky bamboo plant is originally from Central Africa and some parts of Southeast Asia.

What happens if your cat eats lucky bamboo? Will it make her sick?

Lucky Bamboo & Cats

Unfortunately, lucky bamboo is toxic to cats. The cat’s symptoms will depend on how much of the plant she’s eaten.

Symptoms of Lucky Bamboo Toxicity in Cats

You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten some lucky bamboo:

• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Seizures
• Coma
• Depression
• Excessive drooling
• Dilated pupils
• Lack of coordination
• Breathing difficulties
• Lack of appetite

If your cat is showing these symptoms, then it’s time to call the vet. Remember, your cat’s symptoms will depend on how much of the plant she’s eaten. For instance, if she’s had only a small nip at a leaf, then her symptoms will be mild. This would not be an emergency; however, it’s still a good idea to call the vet.

On the other hand, your cat’s symptoms will be worse if she’s eaten a large amount of the lucky bamboo. This could be an emergency, so be sure to call the vet right away. It’s best to err on the side of caution and make sure your kitty will be OK.

The good news is that cats who receive medical treatment right away will go on to make a full recovery. Cats who have mild symptoms will also be OK!