Cats are naturally curious creatures and love to explore their surroundings, which can sometimes lead to them nibbling on plants. However, not all plants are safe for cats, and it’s important to know which ones could be harmful. Many of the commonly kept plants can be poisonous for cats. Ingesting the wrong plant can be life-threatening for your furry friend. While most plants and flowers are harmless, there are some that can be poisonous or dangerous to your cat.
The effects of some plants on cats
Poisonous plants can have different effects on your cat’s body. Some plants may primarily cause local inflammation, such as in the mouth, stomach, or skin.
Other plants can have systemic effects when ingested and directly damage organs like the heart or kidneys. Some common examples of plants that are toxic to cats include cyclamen, amaryllis, hyacinth, lilies, daffodils, and tulips.
However, this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other plants that could be harmful to your furry friend. It can be challenging to keep cats away from plants since they are naturally curious. However, you can take some steps to protect your cat from harmful plants.
Firstly, you can avoid keeping toxic plants in your home or garden altogether. If you do keep plants, make sure they are placed in areas that your cat cannot access. You can also provide your cat with some safe plants to nibble on, such as catnip, and cat grass, which can also aid digestion.
If you suspect that your cat has ingested a poisonous plant, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately. Early intervention is crucial in minimizing the harmful effects of the plant. Finally, when in doubt, it is better to remove the plant in question from your home.
It’s important to know that if a plant is poisonous to cats, then all parts of it should be considered poisonous. Even parts that are less toxic can still cause harm if ingested. Therefore, it’s important to keep all plants that are known to be poisonous to cats out of their reach.
Symptoms of plant poisoning in cats
If your cat has ingested a poisonous plant, there are some common symptoms to watch for. Swelling, redness, or itching around the eyes or mouth may occur. Additionally, the stomach or intestines may become irritated, causing vomiting or diarrhea. More serious symptoms may include difficulty breathing, swallowing, drooling, weakness, a change in heartbeat, or excessive drinking or urination.
Balance problems can also occur. If you suspect your cat has ingested a poisonous plant, it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately. You should also try to remove any residue from the plant that may be on your cat’s mouth or body. Follow your vet’s instructions carefully and keep a close eye on your cat to monitor their condition.
Treatment
When a cat ingests a poisonous plant, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Accurate information about the plant the cat ate, or a sample of the plant, can help with diagnosis and treatment. A vet will examine the cat and run tests to assess its overall health and determine the best course of treatment.
Different therapies may be used depending on the type of plant the cat ingested. If the ingestion occurred less than two hours ago, the cat may be induced to vomit to minimize the amount of the toxin absorbed. Activated charcoal may be used to bind the toxins if more time has passed since the ingestion. In most cases, gastric protection therapy is also initiated. Supportive therapy with painkillers or anti-inflammatories may be necessary to manage the symptoms.
If the cat has ingested a large amount of the poisonous plant or if treatment is started very late, ingestion of the plant may result in death despite intensive therapy. Therefore, it’s important to follow the veterinarian’s instructions and ask for information and guidance. The best way to protect your cat from poisonous plants is to remove them from your home or yard. It’s also important to keep an eye on the health of your outdoor cat.
Here’s a small list comprised of common poisonous plants for cats:
- Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp.)
- Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
- Azaleas & Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.)
- Castor bean (Ricinus communis)
- Chrysanthemums/Daisies (Chrysanthemum spp.)
- Cyclamen (cyclamen)
- Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
- Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)
- Common ivy (Hedera helix)
- Garden hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
- Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.)
- Lily (Lilium sp.)
- Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)
- Hemp (Cannabis sativa)
- Oleander (Nerium oleander)
- Sheath Leaf/Flat Leaf (Spathiphyllum sp.)
- Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
- Japanese sago cycad (Cycas revoluta)
- Mexican Oregano (Coleus ampoinicus)
- Tulip (Tulipa spp.)
- Yew (Taxus spp.)
