As cat owners, we do everything possible to make our homes safe and happy for our furry friends. You play a crucial role in providing your cat with a cozy bed, tasty treats and lots of love. But did you know some common house plants can be very toxic or even deadly for your curious cats? You may enjoy having plants around for their beauty and the fresh feeling they bring to your home, but certain plants can cause severe risks to your pets.
Cats’ inquisitive nature often prompts them to explore their surroundings with their mouths. Generally, cats will stay away from harmful plants, but sometimes, their curiosity and boredom get them to graze on your plants. Even worse, some plants are toxic to cats to even touch. The entire plant, including stems, leaves, flowers, and bulbs, can be harmful to cats. Being a responsible pet owner, knowing the plants that can threaten cats and taking necessary precautions is crucial.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the plants toxic for your cats, to keep your home both beautiful and safe. Read on to learn about toxic plants you should avoid. Let’s dive in and ensure your cats stay safe from harmful plants!
How Will You Know If Your Cat Has Consumed a Toxic Plant?
Depending upon plant species that have been ingested, the early signs and symptoms of poisoning can vary greatly. Many plants are irritants, and most of their symptoms are caused by irritation or inflammation, such as redness, swelling, or itchiness in the eyes, skin, or mouth. Recognizing the symptoms of plant poisoning early can save your cat’s life. Toxic plant poisoning can lead to severe consequences such as kidney failure or cardiac arrest. If you see any of these signs, your feline has eaten a toxic plant, and you should immediately contact your veterinarian or nearest pet hospital.
Here are some common signs to watch for:
- Continuous vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation
- Frequent urination
- Irregular heartbeat
- Excessive drinking
- Drooling
- Difficult swallowing
- Tremors
- Depression or coma
- Excitability
- Sneezing
- Anemia
- Signs of kidney failure, such as polydipsia (increased thirst)
- Signs of liver failure, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- Increased heart rate
- Abdominal pain
- Salivation
- Shock or collapse
Indoor Plants Toxic To Cats:
- Aglaonema
- Arrowhead Vine
- Dracaena deremensis
- Dracaena Fragrans
- Dracaena Marginata
- cut leaf philodendron
- pothos
- jade plants
- sago palm
- corn plant
- snake plant
Common Plants that are Poisonous for your Feline.
- Spring bulbs
- Amaryllis
- Autumn Crocus
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons
- Castor Bean
- Chrysanthemum
- Daffodils
- Dieffenbachia
- English Ivy
- Hyacinths
- Hurricane Plant
- Kalanchoe
- Lily
- Lily of the Valley
- Marijuana
- Oleander
- Peace Lily
- Pothos, Devil’s Ivy
- Sago Palm
- Spanish Thyme
- Swiss Cheese Plant
- Tulip
- Yew
Plants that are safe and non-toxic for cats
- Golden Cane Palm
- Boston Fern
- Calathea
- Echeveria
- Goldfish Plant
- Haworthia
- Hens and Chicks
- Kentia Palm
- Lipstick Palm
- Parlour Palm
- Phalaenopsis Orchid
- Ponytail Palm
- Prayer Plant
- Spider Plant
- Pilea
- Air Plants
How Can You Keep Your Cat Safe from Poisonous Plants and Flowers?
When it comes to owning plants and having pets, especially cats, it’s best to research before buying and only bring home safe plants for your pet. No doubt your cats will love playing with them, too, but it’s essential to be aware that many plants are toxic for feline and can have profound health implications, from mild sickness to even death.
If you already have plants on the list below, consider giving them to a friend who does not have a cat or storing them in a room where your cat cannot access them.
Here are some tips to keep your cat safe from toxic plants
- Pet Proof Your home: Inspect your living area and identify and remove the toxic plants and flowers. And start investing in pet-friendly and non-toxic plant alternatives.
- Creating a cat-free zone: If removing such toxic plants and flowers is not an option, you can invest in cat netting enclosures where your cats will get securely enclosed and cannot get access to touch with poisonous plants and flowers.
- Supervise outdoor time: when you are allowing your feline access to the great outdoors, make sure to keep them under your supervision and discourage them from grazing such toxic plants.
- Seek immediate veterinary care: If you see your cat eating poisonous plants or flowers, remove your cat immediately. Remove plant material from your cat’s hair, skin, and mouth. Keep them confined in a safe environment for close monitoring. If there is any danger, contact your veterinarian immediately for urgent care.
Diagnosis of Plant Poisoning in a Cat
If you inspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. Some plants, while only mildly toxic, can still cause significant health issues in cats, especially if they are particularly susceptible. Your veterinarian will give your cat a physical examination and laboratory tests such as blood, Urinalysis, and Toxicology Screening. It is necessary to determine your cat’s overall health.
This kind of test is especially required if the identity of the poisonous plant is unknown. So, providing a sample of the ingested plant can significantly aid in the diagnosis and treatment process, which helps the vet to choose a course for further treatment.
What is the Treatment for Cat Poisoning?
Treatment of cat poisoning depends upon the types of toxins that they come into contact with. The possible treatment options that your veterinarian might prescribe or perform include:
- Administration of ethanol (in situations of antifreeze poisoning).
- Fluid treatment (to assist flush the poison out of the body).
- Muscle relaxants for tremors
- Antiseizure medications
- Induce vomiting.
- Activated charcoal (a toxin-binding substance that blocks absorption by the body) is utilized in poisonings that cause internal bleeding or esophageal corrosion if vomiting is induced.
Ensure Your Home is Filled with Safe Plants
Keeping curious cats away from plants might be tricky because they usually roam wherever they want to, including work surfaces, tables, and window ledges. Consider growing cat-safe grass and catnip to distract your cats from other plants.
It’s also crucial to be aware of the dangers posed by outdoor plants. Many outdoor plants are poisonous to cats and can cause severe health issues if ingested. To ensure the safety of your pets, avoid planting specific outdoor plants known to be toxic, such as lilies, azaleas, and oleanders. Always research and consult with a veterinarian before introducing any new plants to your home or garden.
Our Mission
At Kittysafe, we are dedicated to providing a safe and secure space for your feline. We believe that we can make a significant difference in the lives of our felines. Our enclosures offer a safe haven for your cats, shielding them from toxic plants and potential hazards. our cat netting enclosure service in perth ensures that both you and your furry companion can enjoy peace of mind, knowing they are safe and sound.
