Plants can add an attractive finishing touch to any home. However, if you have a cat, your beautiful Lily or Daffodil could very well prove to be deadly. In fact, there are many plants toxic to cats that you will want to avoid for your pet’s safety. Should your pet eat all or part of any of these plants, seek veterinary help immediately.
Plants that are Poisonous to Cats
Unfortunately, cats love to chew and even eat plants and since they also enjoy exploring, it can be quite difficult keeping greenery away from them. However, if you know the most common poisonous plants for cats, you can take steps to eliminate them from your home and yard.
Most Common Plants Poisonous to Cats
It is essential to note that the plants listed below are simply the most common poisonous plants for cats. There is a vast array of other plants that can be harmful or fatal to your pet as well. Poisonous plants for cats :
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons
- Autumn Crocus
- Amaryllis
- Cyclamen
- Chrysanthemums
- Castor Beans
- English Ivy
- Kalanchoe
- Lilies
- Marijuana
- Oleander
- Pothos
- Peace Lilies
- Spanish Thyme
- Sago Palm
- Tulips and Narcissus
- Yews
Symptoms of Poisoning in Cats by Plants
While some plants affect the skin or mouth of your cat, others can affect your pet’s organs. As such, the symptoms of poisoning can vary significantly depending on the plant your cat ingested. As such, if you find that your cat has nibbled on or eaten a plant and displays any of the following symptoms, you should rush to veterinarian immediately:
- Redness, Swelling or Itchiness of the Skin or Mouth
- Difficulty Breathing
- Excessive Drooling and/or Swallowing
- Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
- Excessive Drinking and/or Urinating
- Fast, Slow or Irregular Pulse
Do You Suspect Poisoning by Plants In Your Cat?
What to do? If you suspect that your cat has been poisoned by a plant, collect some of the plant and take it and your pet to a veterinarian. If your cat has vomited, try to collect some of it for the vet as well. Your vet will try to identify the plant in an effort to determine proper treatment.
Additionally, a physical exam will be performed and various tests may be necessary to ensure that the organs were not affected by the poison. In many cases, the veterinarian will also give your pet activated charcoal to absorb any toxic substances that may be left in the stomach.
Sucralfate is also typically administered to protect any damaged areas of your cat’s stomach. Finally, if your cat is in distress, IV therapy and anti-inflammatory medication will be required. Hospitalization and monitoring may be necessary depending on your pet’s condition.
If you have a cat in your home, it is essential for you to learn about plants poisonous to cats. There are many plants that can be toxic to cats, and the plants listed above are the most common. Removing these plants from your home and yard can help ensure your beloved pet’s safety.
Now you now the most common plants that are poisonous to cats, it’s good to know more about poisonous plants for dogs if you are owning a dog as well.