HOUSEPLANTS THAT ARE TOXIC TO CATS
Houseplants can be a great addition to any home, providing not only aesthetic value but also air purification and other benefits.
However, if you have a feline friend, it’s important to be mindful of the plants you bring into your home as some can be toxic to cats. In this blog post, we will discuss some common houseplants that are toxic to cats and what to do if your cat ingests one of these plants.
First, let’s start with the symptoms of plant poisoning in cats.
Some common signs to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
If you suspect that your cat has ingested a toxic plant, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. The sooner you get your cat treated, the better the chances of a full recovery.
Now, let’s take a look at some common houseplants that can be toxic to cats.
1. Lilies:
Lilies are a popular choice for bouquets and decorations, but they can be highly toxic to cats. All parts of the lily plant are toxic to cats, including the leaves, stem, and flowers.
Ingestion of even a small amount of a lily plant can cause kidney failure in cats.
2. Dieffenbachia:
Dieffenbachia, also known as dumb cane, is a popular houseplant with large, broad leaves.
It is toxic to cats when ingested and can cause symptoms such as excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
3. Philodendron:
Philodendrons are another common houseplant that can be toxic to cats.
They contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat when ingested.
4. Caladium:
Caladium, also known as elephant ears, is a tropical plant with large, heart-shaped leaves.
It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat when ingested.
5. Sago palm:
Sago’s palm is a popular outdoor plant, but it is also often grown indoors as a houseplant. All parts of the sago palm are toxic to cats and can cause liver failure when ingested.
Symptoms of sago palm poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and yellowing of the gums and whites of the eyes.
6. Poinsettias:
Poinsettias are a common holiday plant, but they can also be toxic to cats.
Ingestion of poinsettias can cause vomiting and diarrhea. While the toxicity of poinsettias is often overstated, it is still important to keep them out of reach of curious cats.
7. Ivy:
Ivy is a popular houseplant that can be toxic to cats when ingested. It can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat, as well as difficulty swallowing.
8. Oleander:
Oleander is a poisonous plant that is often grown as a hedge or ornamental shrub.
All parts of the oleander plant are toxic to cats and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even death.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CAT INGESTS ONE OF THESE PLANTS
Now that we’ve discussed some common toxic houseplants for cats, let’s talk about what you can do if your cat ingests one of these plants.
If you suspect that your cat has ingested a toxic plant, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. The veterinarian may induce vomiting to remove the plant material from the stomach, or they may give your cat medications to help with symptoms.
In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
To prevent plant poisoning in cats, it’s important to keep toxic plants out of reach of your feline friend.
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