And if you insist on planting some carnations in your garden, make sure to keep your pet well away from the area. Also, when hungry enough, deer will eat almost anything. Having these in your garden may actually convince them to go elsewhere: It is not difficult to identify when rabbits have been eating your plants. cabbage carrots No. Bougainvillea blooms on new growth, so you can prune after each bloom cycle. A variety of delicious, young, green plants that we commonly plant to beautify our yards and streetscapes. Rats eating Bougainvillea (growing, yard, weeds, spring) - City-Data Avoid giving your rabbit starchy vegetables like corn or potatoes, as well as any fruits with seeds or pits. You may be able to find bougainvillea leaves and flowers at a local nursery or garden center. Can I have some information on Brayera anthelmintica? Gardening & Landscaping in the Low Desert. Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design. So let's categorize some plants as "Favorite Food" and "Usually Won't Eat. @media screen and (min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 992px) { It would be nice if there were plants that are truly rabbit-proof, but as with other animals, rabbits can surprise you. McCallion & McCallion Realty : Pest Control! They just cant resist the temptation of this delicious flower! Javelinas generally will eat most tender, new plants, and will dig up plants that they do not eat. The begonias are also toxic and cause different health problems to them. How does one identify rabbit damage and what do they eat? These insects burrow into leaves, causing winding tunnels and giving leaves a bare, skeletonized look before they drop from the plant. Well, we received lots of feedback from island residents who have the same issue with marsh rabbits mauling their beautiful landscapes. Bougainvillea Pests & Diseases - BGI Premium Plant Foods Some flowers, such as daisies and sunflowers, are perfectly safe for rabbits to eat. } Birds love the bougainvillea, but not the leaves. Bromeliad species, and even some types of sod! Where can I find it? Perennials that repel rabbits will come back each year, eliminating the need to replant. Variegated flax lily ( dianella tasmanica ) and flush annual geraniums. Is bougainvillea a deer-proof plant? - Wildlife Damage Management Plants Less Attractive to Rabbits in the Low Desert - University of Arizona Bougainvillea - Wikipedia Plants Less Attractive to Rabbits in the Low Desert, http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/animals/rabbit1.htm, A commonly asked question by homeowners in Arizona is. She is of the Department of Animal Resources, the University of Chicago, IL, USA. Meet the Marketing Secret Weapon at McCallion & McCallion. Pellets should make up only a small portion of a rabbits diet, about cup per day for every 5 pounds of body weight. } The answer is yes, rabbits can eat bougainvillea. (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones), Why is My Phlox Not Flowering? This answer isn't very helpful to anyone trying to put in attractive landscape plants or grow a vegetable garden. Refresh after every rain. The plant also has a high level of oxalates, which can bind with calcium in the rabbits digestive system and cause problems such as kidney stones or bladder stones. .lmyqt63de13cdea00c { In difficult conditions, rabbits will eat almost any plants, but in normal circumstances, there are some plants that rabbits find so tasty that they are drawn to landscapes containing them. Marie's garden writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines nationwide and she has been interviewed for Martha Stewart Radio, National Public Radio, and numerous articles. Bougainvillea is a genus of flowering plants native to South America from Brazil west to Peru and south to southern Argentina. You should also make sure that the plant does not contain any pesticides before feeding it to your rabbit. In difficult conditions, rabbits will eat almost any plants, but in normal circumstances, there are some plants that rabbits find so tasty that they are drawn to landscapes containing them. Look for pellets that are high in fiber and low in sugar. What Planting Zone is Illinois in? What should I do? Do Rabbits Eat Bougainvillea? - Arew - Neeness 24 Can't-Kill Flowers for Beginners 25 Photos Butterfly Garden Flowers 26 Photos You can make your own hot pepper juice by soaking 1 part hot pepper powder in 1-2 parts water for 24 hours. This is the best protection for your garden, according to the University of Illinois. They usually feed on flower nectar which is perfectly fine. Top 8 Giant Rabbit Breeds That Make Great Pets, How to Keep Your Rabbits Warm This Winter. The entire list of plants that rabbits will eat, or at least sample, is too long to list out. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 7, columbine blooms in May and June, reports Fine Gardening. This mineral buildup can block the showerhead's water flow, preventing it from Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? However, we do our best to select alternative plants with similar characteristics of the desired look, shape, and size, that have proven less-appetizing to the pesky rabbits. The best pellets for rabbits are those that are made from Timothy hay and contain no added sugars or artificial ingredients. } However, many plants that are toxic to pets and humans are also toxic to rabbitsand they tend to avoid them. As a result, you should never let your rabbit eat flowers or plants that youve purchased from a florist. Rabbits should have a daily diet of mostly hay, a smaller amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited number of pellets. Is Bougainvillea Poisonous to Dogs, Cats & Other Animals? - LittleHappyPaw A severe infestation can kill the vine. Bougainvillea is not toxic to rabbits, so they can eat it if they like the taste. It is rare for a small wild predator to attack a domestic pet, and virtually unheard of for any human to ever be threatened by one. Yes, rabbits will eat bougainvillea leaves and flowers. Potato greens. To this end they're not considered pests at all. Fuzzy or thorny plants: Deer do not like plants that are fuzzy, such as lamb's ear, or prickly such as spirea or roses, unless they are desperate. Bougainvillea is a genus of flowering plants native to South America. Anything that grows from a bulb should be considered a plant harmful to rabbits. Watering in the morning will allow the plant to dry out before evening, discouraging slugs and snails. Rabbits get much of their water intake through eating new young shoots of plants. Cottontail rabbits eat a wide variety of plant foods including grasses, sedges, sprouts, leaves, fruits, buds, and bark. Tammy Slater is the founder of arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike. Columbine repels rabbits, but attracts hummingbirds, and it requires moist, well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Susceptible natives include: Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), Dune Sunflower (Helianthus debilis) and Powderpuff Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa). Is bougainvillea poisonous to rabbits? } This answer isn't very helpful to anyone trying to put in attractive landscape plants or grow a vegetable garden. Too many pellets can lead to obesity and other health problems in rabbits. .lmyqt63de13cdea00c { One is to plant your garden with varieties commonly classed as being rabbit-repellent; however, these wont necessarily repel all wild rabbits. It should be no surprise that plants with a strong fragrance or fuzzy leaves like lavender and black-eyed Susan are less popular with rabbits. Almost every local professional has had the unfortunate experience of rabbit damage, and has had to creatively adapt their planting techniques accordingly. For a low-maintenance annual that deters rabbits, try verbena, recommends Texas A&M University Extension. There are plenty of common flowers that taste delicious to rabbits, so dont be surprised if your bunny tries to forage for a tasty snack in your garden. Do Deer Eat Bougainvillea? (Answered) - OutdoorAlive Remove scale insects with a twig or scraping tool. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. When you spot the bougainvillea loopers and leaf cutter bees you can remove them by hand or dislodge them from their perch with a jet of water. How much bougainvillea can a rabbit eat? Barriers and other deterrents can keep rabbits out of the garden. Birds wont harm the plant and are likely to get the nectar and fly somewhere else. Rabbits are crafty creatures, and sometimes repellent groundcover or shorter plants are not enough of a deterrent. Cottontail rabbits eat a wide variety of plant foods including grasses, sedges, sprouts, leaves, fruits, buds, and bark. He currently lives with his wife & three guinea pigs in Texas. @media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 768px) { Singapores garden city has long depended on bougainvillea to provide colours to the greenery. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ad0e9deb4298cc7e2e2b547c2f5cdae4" );document.getElementById("c5d3bdb794").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); SmallPetJournal is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.ca. Oak leaves also work well, since these pests dislike the tannin in the leaves. display: block; So let's categorize some plants as "Favorite Food" and "Usually Won't Eat." Favorite Foods: beans ( Fabaceae spp.) They do have their favorite foods and those they tend to. A diet that is high in fiber helps keep a rabbits gut moving and prevents problems such as constipation and enteritis. Youll also find a range of taste repellents at gardening stores, or you might want to try concocting your own recipe at home (only using rabbit-safe ingredients, of course). Lastly, add some color and interest to your yard by planting the appetizing Gardenia shrub, Ti Cordyline, or bromeliads in tall colorful containers. Find Out Today, Actaea Simplex Brunette: Growth and Care Guide, Kumquat Tree Florida: Growth and Care Guide, Cedar Trees in Florida: How to Grow and Care for Cedars, Dahoon Holly Tree (Ilex Cassine): Florida Care Guide. It is a woody shrub that is native to South America but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States. @media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 768px) { Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Protecting your existing landscape, or future landscape upgrade is a chore. Unfortunately, there are plenty of other popular flowers and plants that are toxic for rabbits, including lilies and rhododendron. They do have their favorite foods and those they tend to. University of Arizona Extension: Bacterial Insecticides: Bacillus Thuringiensis, AAPCC: American Association of Poison Control Centers, A member of the four-o'clock family, bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.). Controlling and Deterring Rabbits in the Garden, 31 Best-Deer Resistant Flowers and Plants to Grow, How to Get Rid of Chipmunks Without Harming Them, How to Keep Deer Away From Your Landscape, 10 Best Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Landscaping, list of plants rabbits generally don't eat. This leaves one remaining option as the safest choice: restricting your rabbits access to certain areas of the garden altogether. There are no known risks associated with rabbits eating bougainvillea. As the McCallion familys Landscape Architect, I couldnt help but respond toJims recent, Why, You Wascally Wabbit!, article with my thoughts on this hot-topic! Fresh vegetables should make up about 5% of a rabbits diet by weight. Is bougainvillea poisonous to rabbits? A rabbit can eat a few leaves or flowers at a time. The answer is yes, rabbits can eat bougainvillea. 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 She's also an author of three gardening books, a plant photographer, public speaker, and a former Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator. Bougainvilleas are tropical plants that thrive in dry, hot conditions, and require a. Deer will eat almost any plant thats available to them or placed in their path, including the usually thorny. Tender green shoots will be gnawed off, often right to ground level. Bougainvillea is one of the deer-resistant plants. Water frequently to keep the soil moist, but not water logged or flooded. Recently our primary rabbit resident was hurt and is now hobbling around with a bum leg. But most animals are okay and safe around the plant. Different deer have different taste preferences. Rabbits ate bottom of Bougainvillea, but not native Cocoplum What are they after? Chewing on bougainvillea leaves and flowers can help keep a rabbits teeth healthy. @media screen and (max-width: 767px) { .ibmks63de13cde9f74 { Every day, we are seeing signs of damage on new types of plants formerly thought as, Giant Apostle Iris (Neomarica caerulea Regina), While not all native plants are bullet-proof, or rather bunny-proof, many natives stand a strong chance of survival over succulent exotics. If it is a new,. But despite popular depiction in animated cartoons, carrots are not a principal food for rabbits. } This is an evolving situation, and we are learning new solutions every day. While not all native plants are bullet-proof, or rather bunny-proof, many natives stand a strong chance of survival over succulent exotics. Some other plants that rabbits can eat include alfalfa, clover, and grass. Keep the planting area well-weeded, and mulch with organic matter to prevent new weeds from emerging. There are many people who will tell you that rabbits eat any plant if they get hungry or thirsty enough. display: block; The plant comes in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, orange, and white. Many keen gardeners will attest that sunflowers are a common target for wild rabbits, so it should come as no surprise to find out that these gorgeous yellow flowers are safe for your pet to eat. Mice, rats, and voles can cause a lot of damage beyond eating all your fruits and vegetables. display: block; Do rabbits eat bougainvillea? When feeding bougainvillea to your rabbit, it is important to only give them a small amount at first so that they can get used to it. They also enjoy leafy garden vegetables and houseplants if there's nothing more palatable on the menu. For these reasons, it is best to avoid feeding bougainvillea to rabbits. If youre in doubt about whether or not a particular flower is OK for your pet to eat, the safest choice is to avoid feeding it to your bunny. Repeat weekly until pest is under control. While bougainvillea does not contain any poisonous compounds, it is not particularly nutritious for rabbits. Keep the plant well watered when first planted, but then keep dry for more flowers once established. Bougainvillea are popular ornamental plants in many parts of the world, especially in subtropical and tropical climates, because of their showy flowers. In general bougainvillea flowers are not harmful to animals. @media screen and (min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 992px) { @media screen and (max-width: 767px) { While it seems that some areas on island have higher populations of marsh rabbits than others BEWARE, If you. Grass hay is high in fiber, which . NOTE: This information taken from an article originally published in The Horticulture Communicator, Spring 1996. Rabbits Like deer, most rabbits will try to get a taste of the bougainvillea leaves but they'll likely move on to something else. If you inhale or swallow Bacillus thuringiensis, contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222. @media screen and (min-width: 1201px) { The bougainvillea looper is a species of green or brown caterpillar about 1 inch long that thrives on all species of bougainvilleas, leaving behind heavily scalloped leaf margins. Annual Flowers Many annual bedding plants are favored by rabbits, including: Bachelor's Button ( Centaurea cyanus) Cockscomb ( Celosia argenta cristata) display: block; Around Phoenix, they are all over (dozens on every block) and they have growth all the way down to the ground with no signs of munching. Fresh vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and pellets provide rabbits with the protein they need. Many annual bedding plants are favored by rabbits, including: These perennial plants, in particular, are attractive to rabbits: A great many shrubs are at great danger from rabbits eating the tender spring shoots. They do have their favorite foods and those they tend to avoid, but when food is scarce, they will eat just about anything. However this list must be caveated like others I have seen; deer can't read and when they are hungry, they will eat almost anything. Prune your plant throughout the year, but especially in the late winter before the new growth cycle. Plants Toxic To Rabbits - Learn About Plants Rabbits Can't Eat Bougainvilleas are mainstays in landscape gardens because theyre tough, drought tolerant and produce prolific blooms year round. Use Florida Coontie (Zamia pumila) in place of Green Island Ficus or Cardboard Palm (Zamia furfuracea) Yes, Ive seen rabbits eat Cardboard plant! If youre at all worried that your rabbit has eaten something poisonous, the safest thing you can do is seek veterinary attention straight away. } .mukws63de13cdea057 { Lets take a closer look at some popular flower varieties to find out whether theyre safe for your pet to nibble on. Finally, please note that you should never give your bunny flowers that have been treated with pesticides as the nasty chemicals they contain can be harmful to bunnies. .mukws63de13cdea057 { Flowering groundcovers planted at the base of raised planters or in front of fences that border garden spaces can be an effective rabbit deterrent while still allowing your plants to remain visible. Many people grow deer-resistant plants in their gardens so that deer can't eat them. However, bougainvillea is not a good source of nutrition for rabbits, so it should not make up a large part of their diet. Rabbits dine out all year. A diet that is high in fiber and low in sugar helps keep rabbits healthy and prevents obesity. During the summer months, cottontails primarily eat grasses, legumes, succulent annuals, weeds, as well as the occasional garden vegetable. 20 Plants that are Poisonous to Rabbits - The Bunny Lady Why Rabbits Cant Eat Nuts (Peanuts, Almonds, Pistachios,)? There are two types of hay: grass hay and legume hay. Copyright 2018 - 2020 SmallPetJournal.com. When she's not blogging or spending time with her family, you can usually find her rooting around in the garden or at the hardware store. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); } Animals wont pose a problem for the bougainvillea as it has a defense mechanism that will keep them at bay. Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco) or Green Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) are great alternatives to Green Arboricola. display: block; Spray juice from a mister after filtering out chunks with cheese cloth or a coffee filter. } However, not all rabbits like the taste and smell of lavender, so dont be surprised if your pet turns their nose up at this particular garden treat. So, if youre thinking about planting a bougainvillea in your garden, dont be alarmed if you see a bunny nibbling on it from time to time. Variegated flax lily ( dianella tasmanica ) and flush annual geraniums. University of California Integrated Pest Management Program: Bougainvillea -- Bougainvillea Spp. } @media screen and (max-width: 767px) { By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Plants for a Future: Ageratum Conyzoides - L. Texas A&M University Extension: Verbena - Queen of Summer Beauty, Fine Gardening: Genus Aquilegia (Columbine), How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Why Is My Rabbit Not Pooping In Litter Box, How Long Is The Gestation Period For A Rabbit. My rabbit doesnt seem to be interested in the bougainvillea Im offering. Use bougainvillea as a groundcover to keep rabbits away during the hot summer months. The best type of hay for rabbits is timothy hay, which is available at many pet stores. How can I tell if my rabbit is enjoying the bougainvillea Im giving them? A self-taught DIYer, Tammy loves nothing more than tackling a new project in her own home. According to the Arizona Game & Fish Department, javelina favorites include cactus, succulents, bulbs and tubers, and any plants that drop fruit or nuts. Home Remedies to Keep Rabbits Out of the Garden - SFGATE Hostas are decorative, flowering perennials often used as landscape plants. Well, from the tip of South Seas to Lighthouse Point, marsh rabbits are underfoot. If a rabbit eats too much bougainvillea, they may experience an upset stomach or diarrhea. The plant is very much non-toxic and is safe to be kept around pet animals. 12 Animal Enemies of Your Garden - HGTV Rabbits need hay to help wear down their continuously growing teeth. I have a huge bush that causes rashes. Choose a hay that is high in fiber and low in sugar, such as Timothy hay. Vet Rec Open, vol. It is important for rabbits to have access to hay at all times because it helps them wear down their teeth, which grow continuously. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Water frequently to keep the soil moist, but not water logged or flooded. Feeding Your Rabbit | VCA Animal Hospital display: block; There are some flowers that are poisonous to rabbits or that arent safe for bunnies to eat. Are flowers safe for rabbits to eat? In 2015, Tiffany traded the beltway traffic of Washington, DC, for the sandy, two-lane streets of Sanibel and she hasn't looked back since! You do not need to supplement your rabbits diet with bougainvillea. Consult your landscape maintenance contractor, or experienced professional for recommendations. Bleeding hearts: Dicentra spectabilis may be popular with . As winter is the dry season, freshwater sources dwindle, and rabbits seek out lush new shoots to satiate their hunger and thirst. .mukws63de13cdea057 { Bougainvillea is known for its colorful flowers and its ability to grow in a wide range of climates. "Deer-Proof" Landscape Plants | Archives | Aggie Horticulture However, they wont look good when theyre being attacked by insects and pests. @media screen and (min-width: 993px) and (max-width: 1200px) { Shrubs stems may also be cut off or gnawed down to ground level, and larger branches or trunks may have their bark gnawed off around their entire circumference. 20+ Free or Cheap DIY Rabbit Toys (Easy to Make). 1, 2020. doi:10.1136/vetreco-2020-000402. } link to Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? Also referred to as coneflower, echinacea is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8, and blooms purple flowers all summer long. You can find some lists which state bougainvillea will not be browsed by deer, and others that say it will. There are some animals, like dogs, who might get an irritated stomach if they consume the flower of the plant. .mukws63de13cdea057 { The begonias are also toxic and cause different health problems to them. Though diminishing the beauty of this lovely plant is tough, some pests do a good job by eating its tender green leaves. It seems like the little buggers only attack young plants, established bougainvilleas do not seem to be affected for some reason. They thrive in filtered sun or partial shade. In general, the bougainvillea plant or the flowers of the plant are very much harmless for your cat. Cottontail rabbits eat a wide variety of plant foods including grasses, sedges, sprouts, leaves, fruits, buds, and bark. If a wild animal is hungry, it will eat just about anything so fencing is the first suggestion. The begonias are also toxic and cause different health problems to them. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, Controlling and Deterring Rabbits in the Garden, 31 Best-Deer Resistant Flowers and Plants to Grow, 37 Best and Worst Companion Plants for Tomatoes, How to Grow and Care for Black-Eyed Susan Vine, 25 Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants for Sun and Shade, control them from overrunning your garden, How does one identify rabbit damage and what do they eat, F. Plants and mushrooms associated with animal poisoning incidents in South Africa. Irish Spring soap shavings placed in little drawstring bags around the garden have been said to help keep rabbits away. Rabbits get much of their water intake through eating new young shoots of plants. Rabbits have large incisors, similar to squirrels and mice. The worlds most famous flower is a popular choice with gardeners around the world, and its also perfectly safe for your rabbit to eat. display: block; The type of hay you feed your rabbit is important because it provides the fiber that is essential to their digestive health. They will scrape off of plant tissue easily. It's not just a random date that the food company picked out of thin air. Bougainvillea is an exquisite flowering vine that is most at home in warm, somewhat arid environments. : Help Your Plant Bloom, How Long Does It Take Clover to Bloom? She has 30+ years of experience with year-round organic gardening; seed starting and saving; growing heirloom plants, perennials, and annuals; and sustainable and urban farming. Instead, remove debris from around the base of the plant, as larva and eggs can overwinter there. If your rabbit is not interested in the bougainvillea, you can try offering other plants or vegetables that they may enjoy. Light grazing wont be enough to derail your bougainvilleas growth. Avoid giving your rabbit more than 1/4 cup of pellets per day. With this in mind, its essential to know exactly what flowers are growing in your yard before letting your bunny loose in your garden. Some flowers, such as daisies and sunflowers, are perfectly safe for rabbits to eat. When planted in sunny locations it produces more blooms, but in shady conditions there's more foliar growth. Unlimited, high-quality grass hay, such as Timothy, orchard or brome, should make up the bulk of a rabbit's diet. Bougainvillea is a popular ornamental plant, and is often used as a decoration in gardens or public spaces. The list of insects that feed on bougainvillea include the following: Tiny insects that are usually pale green, aphids are sure to come if your bougainvillea is stressed out or neglected. To this end theyre not considered pests at all. They will devour tender shoots in spring and gnaw through bark in the winter. Rodent-Attracting Plants to Avoid Putting in Your Garden Rabbit damage can obviously be reduced by using plants known to repel rabbits and avoiding those known to be particularly tasty to them, but this can limit you rather severely when it comes to making plant choices. Cottontail rabbits eat a wide variety of plant foods including grasses, sedges, sprouts, leaves, fruits, buds, and bark. Rabbits are herbivores and their diet should consist mostly of hay. Bougainvillea (/ b u n v l i. / BOO-gn-VIL-ee-, US also / b o-/ BOH-) is a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees belonging to the four o' clock family, Nyctaginaceae.It is native to eastern South America, found from Brazil, west to Peru, and south to southern Argentina.Different authors accept from 4 to 22 species in the genus. Prune the potted plant severely before cold weather sets in, and take indoors. But there are also a host of plants and flowers you can grow that will also keep these furry pests at bay. Who can I ask for advice? @media screen and (min-width: 993px) and (max-width: 1200px) { There are no health issues if your cat eats the leaves. Marijuana leaves might be toxic towards rabbits, but the flowers and stems are poisonous and should be avoided.the house rabbit society advises against feeding cannabis. Rabbits are herbivores, which means that their diet consists of plant material. Although they leave your plant looking unsightly they typically wont cause its death. Would these common houseplants be poisonous to my pet rabbit? Camellias prefer similar conditions to rhododendrons, but are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9. Fencing. The expiration date on food is there for a reason. .ibmks63de13cde9f74 { } In general, the bougainvillea plant or the flowers of the plant are very much harmless for your cat.