Cats And Poisonous Flowers And Plants
The most dangerous plant is the lily – all parts are toxic. However, there are other plants and flowers, both indoors and outdoors, that can be harmful to cats.Will cats eat poisonous plants?Most cats are very wary of eating anything unusual, which means plant poisoning cases taken to the vets are rare. When a cat does become unwell, it is usually because something has brushed on their fur or paws, which they have then ingested while grooming.
Look Out For Lilies: Toxic To Cats
Lilies are at the top of the list. These gorgeous bloomsfound commonly in bouquets and growing in the gardencan be extremely dangerous to cats. They’re such a common threat that Brutlag and her team created the No Lilies for Kitties! campaign to warn cat owners about the dangers of these toxic plants. Varieties of lilies that have been identified as particularly toxic include:
- Asiatic lily, including hybrids
Quick Reference Advice About Plants Flowers And Poisoning
If you’re unsure whether a plant or flower is poisonous to your cat, if you’re keen to find plants and flowers safe for cats, or if you suspect your cat may have been poisoned, we have guidance and vet-approved lists to help you.
To keep your cat safe, we recommend avoiding toxic plants and flowers altogether. Any plants or flowers marked as caution-advised should be kept out of reach, particularly if your cat is a nibbler.
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How To Keep Cats Out Of Plants
Theres no way to ensure your cat wont nibble on your plants, so you should eliminate any toxic ones from your home. If you decide to have a few non-toxic plants around, these tips can help you keep your cat from making a mess of them.
- Place large rocks in the pot The rocks can add a decorative effect and help keep your cat from tipping the plant over or digging in the dirt.
- Use a cat-safe sprayer If you would prefer an alternative to using a cat-safe repellant, you can look into using an air sprayer such as Ssscat®.
- Put plants out of paw’s reach This can be tricky since cats tend to find a way to get at anything when they put their mind to it. Even high mantles or shelves can be problematic. Placing plants up high can tempt your cat to take a big jump and get hurt. However, if you have a safe room that your cat cant enter, it might be a good place for plants.
If you like the look of plants around your home but cant seem to keep your cat out of them, you can always consider using silk or plastic ones.
The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
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Which Parts Of The Plant Are Toxic To Cats
If a plant is poisonous to cats, assume that all parts of the plant are poisonous, even though some parts of the plant may have higher concentrations of the toxin than others.
Toxic doses can vary widely from plant to plant. In some cases, ingesting a small amount can have devastating results, while for other plants, cats may need to be exposed to relatively large amounts of other plants before symptoms develop.
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Symptoms Of Poisoning In Cats
Depending on the plant species that has been ingested, the early signs and symptoms of poisoning can vary greatly.
- Irritants may cause symptoms such as: irritation around the mouth, itchiness, swelling, and red or watery eyes.
- If your cats’ organs have been affected by ingesting a toxic plant, symptoms of poisoning may include: breathing difficulties, drooling, difficulties swallowing, excessive drinking, frequent urination, overall weakness, or irregular heartbeat.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms of poisoning may include: vomiting and diarrhea.
Dont Hesitate To Take Your Cat To The Nearest Clinic Or Veterinary Office
If you are concerned about your cats symptoms and they seem to be worsening, dont hesitate to take your cat into the clinic. In many cases of poisoning, the sooner you get care for your feline, the better. Be sure to take a cutting of the flower you think your cat may have consumed . This will help your veterinarian with diagnostic and care decisions.
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And Which Ones Are Safe
Whether its Valentines Day, Mothers Day or just a random day where you want to treat yourself, its always nice to have a pretty bouquet of flowers in your home.
But the most important question is: Are they actually poisonous to your cat?
The Dodo spoke with Dr. Vanessa Spano, a veterinarian at Behavior Vets in New York City, to find out which flowers you should keep away from your BFF, and which ones are actually safe.
Are Daisy Toxic To Cats
Lauren Cline, DVM, of Queen City Animal Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., says one or two blossoms probably wont be a big deal because daisies arent as toxic to cats as some other flowers. But these flowers can still trigger gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting, diarrhea, and hypersalivation, she adds.
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Are Mums Poisonous To Cats
Mums are some of autumns most widely-grown flowers, presenting in deep orange, burgundy, purple, and yellow. They contain multiple toxic compounds that can cause vomiting, hyper-salivation, diarrhea, incoordination, and even skin inflammation from contact with some varieties, explains Kelley.
Ironically, pyrethrin flea sprays were once made from chrysanthemum flowers, says Bischoff. Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that can cause some skin irritation, increased salivation, nausea, and vomiting in cats, both because of the effects on nerves and because they have a very bitter flavor.
Keeping Your Cat Safe In The Garden
It’s harder to protect your cats outdoors as they will have a greater territory than just your garden. However, thankfully, as cats are discriminate eaters, they are unlikely to try eating anything unfamiliar and will most likely spend their time nibbling on safe grass or watching everything else going on out there.
To help keep your cat safe outdoors:
- Familiarise yourself with outdoor plants poisonous to cats and avoid having these in your garden altogether
- Promptly clear up any prunings
- Keep bulbs such as tulips and daffodils out of reach
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Even Safe Plants Can Pose Dangers To Cats
Wismer suggests that you keep these plants and flowers out of reach of curious cats even though they are considered safe, because there are other dangers to watch out for.
Most cut flowers come with a powdered flower food to keep them fresh, and this can be toxic to cats. Even the vases could pose a problem. Cats especially like to drink from vases, so make sure the cat cannot overturn heavy vases and hurt themselves, Wismer adds. Breakable vases can also be a hazard for your petsand you, when you have to pick up the pieces.
Karen Lawrence, director of The CFA Foundation and manager of the Feline Historical Museum, suggests using hanging planters as a way to keep plants out of the reach of your pets.
How Do You Keep Cats Away From Orchids
3 Ways to Keep Your Orchids Feline-Free and Growing Cinnamon or Cayenne Pepper. You hear a chewing noise. Aluminum Foil. You may love cooking with aluminum foil, but your cat detests it. Double-Sided Tape. Laying down double-sided sticky tape is a great trick to keep your cats off of tables and away from plants.
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Toxic Parts Of Plants
Pollen, needles, seeds, flowers and leaves can all be potentially toxic for cats. Often cat’s ingest toxic plant substances while grooming themselves due to pollen or seeds being trapped in their fur or on their paws. Bored cats may find that a hanging plant makes for an amusing toy and chew the leaves or vines while playing.
Is Fresh Cut Flower Food Harmful To Cats
Generally, flower food contain things like sugar and citric acid, along with little bleach to reduce bacterial growth. They are not terribly toxic to cats but might cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
If youre concerned about your cat drinking the water out of a vase , it is best to avoid it altogether.
Thankfully, if the container/vase that cut flowers are put in is clean, and the water is clean and refreshed regularly, the vase life of the flowers will be just as good.
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Mildly Toxic Plants To Cats
Although there are many types of plants that can be toxic to cats, most may actually be found in or around the home. Here are some of the most common plants poisonous to cats with mild symptoms:
- Philodendron, Pothos, Dieffenbachia, Peace lily, Poinsettia Whether it comes from chewing on or ingesting the plants, all of these can lead to mouth and throat irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Note: Massive amounts of poinsettias must be ingested before symptoms occur.
- Ficus and Snake plants These can result in vomiting and diarrhea, while Dracaena may cause vomiting, drooling, and staggering. Jade carries the same symptoms in addition to depression.
- Aloe plants Can result in vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and staggering.
- Did you know that catnip can be mildly toxic too? While its normal for cats to appear drunk or somewhat wild when nibbling on the plant, too much within a short time can also result in vomiting and diarrhea.
Protecting Cats From Flower Poisoning
Always research the flower youre planning to purchase, whether its an indoor or outdoor plant, recommends Dr. Tina Wismer, senior director at ASPCAs Animal Poison Control Center and a board-certified veterinary toxicologist. It is best to familiarize yourself with the list of toxic plants and keep these types of plants out of your home or garden for the health and safety of your pet.
If you do keep a toxic plant, keep it out of kittys reach. Typically, this includes making a physical barrier, adds Wismer. With some plants, a single exposure could be life threatening.
Cats love to dig through potting soil, says Lund, so pet parents can take steps to make potted plants and flowers unappealing to cats. If you have larger houseplants, sometimes putting rocks or other deterrents on top of the soil can limit cat access and prevent your plants from becoming another litter box.
Even if youre careful about what you plant outside on your own property, you cant control what your neighbors grow. If your kitty spends any time outdoors, keep him away from any flowers that are toxic to cats.
If you suspect your cat has been exposed to a toxic plant , contact your veterinarian, ASPCA Poison Control , or the Pet Poison Helpline .
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Why Are Lilies Dangerous To Cats
Lilies are particularly toxic to cats. Although you might find that your cat is disinterested in eating them, there is always a risk that they may come into contact with the flower’s pollen by rubbing up against it and absent-mindedly licking their fur.Unfortunately there are several types of lilies that are poisonous to cats, including Easter Lily, Tiger Lily and other members of the lily family.All parts of the lily plant are toxic to cats if ingested, and consuming small amounts can result in severe poisoning. The best way to prevent your cat from being poisoned is simply to not have lilies in your home or garden.
If you suspect your cat may have ingested any part of the lily plant, please seek advice from your vet immediately.
Is Lilac Toxic To Cats
Are Lilacs Poisonous to Cats? … While the common lilac plant , such as our Bloomerang® Dark Purple Lilac, is safe for all animals, the Persian lilac of the melia genus is very toxic for cats. The Persian lilac can cause gastrointestinal distress, muscle weakness, tremors, and seizures if ingested.
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Common Plants And Flowers That Are Poisonous To Cats
Many toxic plants are irritants: they cause localized inflammation of the skin, mouth, stomach, etc. Other plants may have a systemic effect and damage or alter the function of a cats organs, like the kidney or heart.
Some common plants that are toxic to cats include:
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons
- Chrysanthemum, Daisy, Mum
- Lily of the Valley
- Pothos, Devils Ivy
You can visit the Pet Poison Helpline to see the Top 10 Plants Poisonous to Pets, or the ASPCA for their extensive list of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants.
The Popular Christmas Poinsettia Might Make Your Cat Sick
The popular, bright red poinsettia can make your kitty sick, no matter how pretty they look on your holiday mantle. Because these are popular gifts during the Christmas season, its important to think about a familys pet members before giving these plants out. If you have cats in your home, avoid keeping poinsettias around because they can cause vomiting and drooling. Other symptoms sometimes include a red rash or pink eye.
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Other Poisonous Christmas Plants For Cats
Taking into account the toxicity of the poinsettia, it is important that you take precautions both with this plant and with other Christmas plants if you have cats. Other poisonous Christmas plants for felines include the following:
- Mistletoe: as with poinsettia, ut is not very toxic, but a large intake of the mistletoe plant can cause harm to a cat. You must place it in an area which is difficult access by the animal.
- Christmas tree : its leaves are rigid and pointed, so they can pierce the intestines of cats.
- Holly: holly is a very toxic plant for cats. Eating its berries can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
If You Arent Sure Watch For Symptoms
One of the most dangerous things about having flowers that are toxic to cats is that you might not know for sure if your pet has ingested some of the plant. Sometimes, you might find your cat lurking around a shelf where you keep your plants and wonder if theyve had a little taste when you werent looking. A cat that has ingested a toxic plant will likely develop symptoms ranging from lethargy and loss of appetite to more serious signs such as coma, internal bleeding, and seizures.
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Common Household Plants That Are Toxic To Cats
Our mission is to help save dogs’ and cats lives through our educational content. To support our efforts, this page may contain affiliate links. We earn a commission for qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
It’s important to know what plants in your home or yard are toxic to cats.
That’s why we have put together this list of popular plants found in many homes. If you have any of these houseplants, don’t be hard on yourself you’re not alone.
Either replace your toxic plant with a safer plant or make sure the plant is well out of reach of your cat.
Some plants, like lilies, are so dangerous that if the pollen blows off the flowers from the breeze coming through an open window, lands on your cat, and they groom it off, they could be in very serious trouble. Read on for which plants to avoid.
Skip to Specific Plant Toxicity
Is Hemerocallis Toxic To Dogs
Although daylilies aren’t toxic to dogs, they’re highly toxic to cats. Symptoms of ingestion can range from mild to severe, including vomiting and loss of appetite to kidney and liver failure. If you’re the proud pet parent of both cats and dogs, it’s a good idea to choose plants that are non-toxic for both species.
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Keep Your Home And Yard Safe For Your Cat
The best approach when it comes to flowers that are toxic to cats is to keep them out of your home and yard. While a bouquet of flowers is a lovely gift, be sure it doesnt contain anything dangerous to your cat before setting it out on the table. If your cat spends time outdoors, do regular walk-throughs of your yard to make sure dangerous weeds or flowers havent cropped up that could put your cat at risk. If you have plants with sentimental value that are dangerous for your cat, be sure to keep them out of reach a task that can be challenging with a particularly curious and agile feline friend!
If your cat consumes babys breath or another toxic flower, dont panic. Monitor them closely, gather information and a clipping of the plant, and consult the experts. Cats will often recover completely from a toxic encounter with plants if treated in time, but diligence is important.
Which Flowers Are Toxic To Cats
One of my favorite things to see as I walk into my kitchen every morning to grab a cup of joe, is a bright, colorful bouquet of flowers on my kitchen island. Ever since I ventured out on my own as an adult, I have made it a point to keep fresh flowers around. I love the vibrancy of them, and they put a smile on my face every time. I buy them for them myself often and appreciate them as gifts from others above all else. There is also a very specific reason that I keep them on my kitchen island, and not on my coffee table though. This is because neither of my cats are capable of jumping onto my kitchen island, not as far as I know anyways. Many cat owners are unaware of the fact that there are several common flowers, houseplants, and garden plants that are toxic to cats. In 2018, the ASPCA logged 3,675 calls to their poison control center regarding cats ingesting toxic plants. The damage done can range from skin irritation all the way to systemic damage of the kidneys and heart. Therefore, we must be cautious when keeping foliage in our furry friends living spaces, be it inside or outside.
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