Back in the days when the feline diet was strictly self-caught, cats got their veggies predigested from the stomach contents of their prey. Though it's not quite the same, many modern-day house cats try to supplement their meat-based commercial cat food diets with leafy greens otherwise known as "houseplants." In a study by Melanie Morgan and Dr. Katharine A. Houpt of Cornell University, 36 percent of 122 cats were found to nibble on household greenery.

This habit can prove dangerous. A wide variety of common houseplants can cause everything from mild gastric distress to death. Aloe Vera, Amaryllis, members of the Lily family, Asparagus Fern, Azalea, Corn Plant, Dieffenbachia, many Ivies, Philodendron, Holly and Mistletoe can all cause trouble for cats. If you suspect your cat has been snacking on houseplants and notice symptoms such as abnormal breathing or heart rate, weakness, bloody diarrhea, oral ulcers, severe vomiting, or hyper-salivation, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately (888-426-4435).

Even cat-safe plants such as wheat grass and catnip can cause vomiting. Felines are carnivores and cannot properly digest raw grass or plant matter. Growing indoor grass for your kitty seems like a nice idea but if you do, be prepared to mop up the inevitable foamy green mess from your carpet. A better way to meet your cat's need for plant-based nutrients is to offer fresh alfalfa sprouts, parsley, spinach, grated carrots (raw or steamed), peas, cucumber, steamed broccoli or green beans, or cantaloupe balls. My cats have particularly loved cooked broccoli stems and sweet potato skins! Through trial and error you will discover which foods are appetizing to your cat and also sit well once consumed.

If your cat is a houseplant nibbler, you can try to control the behavior by making the plants less appealing. Commercial repellents that change the taste of the plant may deter some cats. Surprising the cat with flashing lights or obnoxious noises set off by a motion detector on the plant stand may be an even stronger deterrent.

If all else fails, truly toxic plants will have to be re-homed to an animal-free household or hung out of reach in no-pet zones. If your cat is an incorrigible plant nibbler with a weak stomach even non-toxic plants may have to be re-homed. In a choice between the plants or the cat, may the best cuddler win!