Houseplants and Cats

True to their inquisitive nature, felines are notorious for chewing on leaves and flowers, and digging in the pots of houseplants. Unfortunately, cats are not well versed in what plants are toxic to them, so this can result in some problems for these curious cats.

Many owners are also unaware of the hidden dangers of their lovely houseplants. People who own cats and also enjoy the presence of plants in their home would benefit greatly from learning which plants are toxic to cats, which plants can cause mild illness, and which types of plants are safe to keep in the home.

 Are Poinsettias Deadly?

One of the most popular flowers for the holiday season can cause some damage to a feline’s internal system. For many years, people have discussed the toxicity level of poinsettias with regard to cats. For a very long time, it was believed that these plants were severely toxic to cats, and owners were advised to only decorate their homes with fake plants of this nature.

It is still advised that people who own cats only use fake poinsettias in their holiday season decorations, however it is now reported that these plants are only mildly toxic. Ingestion of this plant will not result in death for the average feline. It can cause some vomiting and diarrhea, however, and cats who are suspected of ingesting this should visit their vet for a quick exam to ensure that nothing is wrong in the aftermath.

 Other Toxic Plants

Lilies are another group of flowers that are extremely toxic to felines. While it is primarily the petals that hold the toxins, it should always be assumed that if any part of a plant is toxic, the entire plant is as well. In this case, the stems and leaves of lilies and other similar plants are also quite toxic to cats.

Chrysanthemums are also among the most toxic flowers to cats, and herbs such as oleander and sago palm can also cause distress.

 Get Immediate Attention

If a cat is suspected of ingesting a plant that may be toxic, it is extremely important that they be brought to a veterinary hospital as soon as it is possible. In the case of poisoning, death can come shockingly quick, so it is best to get the cat checked, even if they seem fine. Some common symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, excessive water intake, and difficulty breathing. It is very important to know what possible plants the cat ate in order to determine treatment, so a list of all houseplants should be brought to the vet as well.