I Need Help With Plant Safety! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
I have some questions about product/plant safety for our cat Karlsson.
First, is it safe to handle vitamins and then pet him after or later, even if there could be some stuck on our hands from moisture?
We also have a Schefflera arboricola that had some ‘dried juice’ on its leaves after it. I think, because I didn’t water them for a while, but I am worried it could harm our furry family member.
There’s also deodorant I might want, but not sure if it’s safe in a house with cats. It contains cetearyl alcohol and small amounts of Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil“ – Daniel
Quick Info about Karlsson
Hi Daniel,
When it comes to vitamins, the safest habit is to wash your hands before petting your cat. While most vitamins handled briefly are unlikely to pose a risk, some contain ingredients like iron or vitamin D that could be harmful if residue were transferred to your cat’s coat and later ingested during grooming. A quick hand wash removes that concern, much like after preparing food in the kitchen.
Regarding your Schefflera arboricola, often called the dwarf umbrella tree, this plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates. If a cat chews on fresh leaves or stems, these sharp crystals can cause mouth irritation, drooling, pawing at the face, and sometimes vomiting. The good news is that once sap has dried, the risk of transfer from simply touching the plant or being near it is extremely low, especially if it has not been watered recently and no fresh sap is exposed.
For peace of mind, I would recommend keeping Karlsson from chewing on the plant and washing your hands after handling it, particularly if a leaf is broken. It’s similar to handling chili peppers in the kitchen: as long as you avoid transferring residue to sensitive areas and wash up, there is no harm. The dried juice on intact leaves is very unlikely to pose a risk simply by being in the environment.
Regards,
Dr. Paola