Cats And Toxic Plants

Keeping Cats Safe From Toxic Plants

If you have cats, you know that cats are curious by nature and will need to be supervised around plants.

There are numerous plants that are poisonous to cats, the biggest flower danger to cats are Lilies (all types), Tulips, Daffodils, Chrysanthemums, Hyacinths, Azaleas, and Amaryllis, which can cause kidney failure, GI issues, or worse-death.

Note... Just a small nibble of a lily’s leaves or petals, exposure to its pollen or even a sip of vase water can cause fatal kidney failure in cats.

Highly Toxic (Avoid Completely)

Lilies (All types): Extremely dangerous, even pollen or vase water can cause fatal kidney failure in cats (Easter, Daylilies, Asiatic, etc.) This includes the Peace Lily that causes Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
Tulips and Daffodils : Especially toxic bulbs, causing vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea.
Amaryllis: Can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and tremors.
Chrysanthemums: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and loss of coordination.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and cardiovascular collapse.
Hyacinths: Toxic bulbs that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and drooling.
Mistletoe: can also lead to death. Other symptoms include digestive irritation, low heart rate, and temperature, breathing difficulty, staggering, excess thirst, seizures, and coma.

Mildly Toxic/Irritants (Use Caution)

Carnations: May cause mild GI upset.
Peonies: Can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Hydrangeas: Contain amygdalin, which can cause vomiting.
Gardenia plant: contain geniposides and gardenosides, two toxins that can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal upset in cats.
Iris: Salivation, vomiting, drooling,lethargy, diarrhea. Highest concentration in rhizomes.
Aloe: Can result in vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and staggering.
Norfolk Pine :causes vomiting, depression, pale gums, and low body temperature.
Holy Shrubs: may result in digestive upset and nervous system depression.

Cat-Safe Alternatives for Valentine’s Day and Mothers Day

Roses: Classic and generally safe (remove thorns).
Orchids: Beautiful and non-toxic.
Gerbera Daisies: Colorful and safe.
Sunflower: Cheerful and non-toxic.
Snapdragons: Safe choice.
Freesias: Lovely fragrance, non-toxic.
Zinnias and Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily – not a true lily): Safe options.

Valentines Day and Mother’s Day

When selecting flowers, it’s essential to ask: What flowers are toxic to cats? Unfortunately, many popular Valentine’s and Mother’s day blooms can pose serious risks to your cat’s health. Toxic flowers can cause anything from mild irritation to fatal conditions if ingested. Some flowers not safe for cats include:

Pet Owners: If you can’t confirm a flower is safe, don’t keep it, please keep all bouquets well out of cats reach.

Note.. These flowers should be avoided in the home and in your outside garden.

Lilies: All parts (pollen, stem, leaves, flowers) are extremely toxic to cats.
Tulips: Tulips contain compounds that can be toxic to cats.
Sago Palm: Often used in arrangements and is highly toxic. Causes liver failure and potentially death.
Carnations: Causes vomiting and diarrhea.
Chrysanthemums: Causes vomiting, diarrhea, and incoordination.
Amaryllis: Includes Belladonna, Saint Joseph lilies. Causes vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia, and tremors.
Oleander: Causes gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia, and even death.
Calla Lily: Causes oral irritation, pain, and swelling of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Note … If your cat gets a hold of a toxic plant please immediately cal the Pet Poison Hotline

Link …. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

Learn the list of many toxic and non toxic plants to keep your cats safe indoor and outdoor. Here is a long list by SPCA.

Link… https://www.aspca.org/…/aspc…/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

Here at Pet Vet Corner we encourage you to establish a Pet/Client relationship with your local veterinarian. Do Not wait for an emergency.