Let’s face it cats are some of the most inquisitive creatures on the planet and because of this idle curiosity their interest is often peaked to the greenery of the outdoors and even those Indoor Plants that are pleasing to the eye will entice them.
However, this instinctual habit that most of us tend to overlook can be detrimental. When you think of plants and how they add aesthetic to your home and garden it’s quite easy to neglect considering their toxicity especially with how busy we become in our day-to-day lives.
What Pet Owners Should Know About Toxic Plants
Henceforth, if you own a cat you may want to consider the types of plants that are in or around your home and whether they are toxic as there can be dire consequences to your pet if ingested. Even though it was originally thought that only one part of a Plant is toxic Veterinary Experts beg to differ. Meaning if one part of the plant is deemed poisonous then odds are the rest is too.
While these plants may not be harmful to human beings the ramifications of your pet being exposed includes but is not limited to Vomiting, Diarrhea, Lethargy, Drooling, Nausea, Weakness and in some cases death.
As a matter of fact, according to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, about 10% of the calls received by pet owners yearly are for plants that are toxic to not only cats but to dogs as well. Moreover, Veterinary Experts view understanding the types of toxic plants in and around your home as the single most important thing in keeping them protected next to yearly exams and vaccinations. If you are still unsure the types of plants in and around your home that may be toxic, make a list and call your local Veterinarian or Poison Control Center to learn more.
11 Most Toxic Plants
Even so, there are only a handful of plants that experts say you should be overly cautious about including the following. Below you will find a list of these plants and the symptoms to watch out for.
#1 Lillies (Lilium)
This plant is highly toxic to cats especially the flower, and if ingested can cause Vomiting, Lack of Appetite, Lethargy, Kidney Failure, and even Death.
#2 Autumn Crocus (Colchicum Autumnale)
Alkaloid Colchicine is a dangerous or the primary component of the Autumn Crocus can lead to Difficulty Breathing, Bloody Stools, Seizures, and Death.
#3 Azaleas (Ericaceae)
Contains the highly poisonous toxin Grayanotoxin leading to Vomiting, Lack of Appetite, Drooling, Weakness, Tremors, Seizures, Coma, and Death.
#4 Rhodendrons (Ericaceae)
Similar to Azaleas, Rhodendrons contain Grayanotoxin leading to Vomiting, Lack of Appetite, Drooling, Weakness, Tremors, Seizures, Coma, and Death.
#5 Oleander (Nerium)
The chemical compound found in Oleander includes Cardiac Glycoside Toxins responsible for Vomiting, Diarrhea, Drooling, Tremors, Seizures, Lack of Appetite and Coordination, and Death.
#6 Cyclamen (Wadiv Cyclamen)
Also known as the “Persian Violet” Cyclamen contains a compound known as Saponin causing Upset Stomach and Drooling, however if ingested in larger amounts can cause Seizures and Deaths.
#7 Daffodils (Narcissus)
Contains the highly toxic Lycorine that causes symptoms such as Vomiting, Drooling, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, Low Blood Pressure, Difficulty Breathing, and Convulsions.
#8 Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa)
The toxic chemical compound Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be found in Marijuana and if ingested can lead to the symptoms such as Over Excitement, Over Vocalization, Drooling, Low Blood Pressure, Tremors, Seizures, and Coma, and on rare occasions it is fatal.
#9 Tulips (Tulipa)
Tulips have a chemical makeup both in the bulbs of the plant and the flowers known as Tulipanin A and B and cause Vomiting, Diarrhea, Drooling, Depression, and Tremors.
#10 Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia Seguine)
Has the highly toxic Insoluble Calcium Oxalate Crystals that are difficult to digest and causes Irritation of the Mouth, Difficulty Swallowing, Drooling, and Vomiting, however it is not considered lethal.
#11 Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana)
Also known as a Succulent, Kalanchoe or the Mother-in-law Plant as it is affectionately known contains a significantly dangerous chemical known as Bufadienolides and causes Drooling, Vomiting, and Diarrhea.
As you can see in the l that are toxic to your cat some are mildly poisonous while others are lethal. It’s important if you have any of these plants in or around your home to secure them in a place that will keep your pet safe. Keep in mind that if your pet does happen to ingest one of the toxic plants in this list to contact the Animal Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435 or go to your nearest Emergency Veterinary Clinc or Animal Hospital.
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