Plants That Are Poisonous To Cats
From LoveToKnow Cats
We love our feline friends, and we want them to be safe in our households; that's why it is important to know about plants that are poisonous to cats. In some cases, plants and cats just don't mix.
Common Plants that are Poisonous to Cats
You may be surprised to learn that there are so many plants that are poisonous to cats. Even some of the plants we traditionally bring into our homes during the holidays can present a toxic hazared to a curious feline. Sometimes it's the leaves, sometimes it's the berries or blossoms, but some portion of every plant listed below is toxic when ingested by a cat.
Since there are so many different plants, a single list couldn't possibly cover all poisonous varieties. If you're uncertain about a house plant that you don't see on this list, do additional research and check with your veterinarian to make sure it isn't considered toxic.
Common plants to watch out for:
- Almonds (pits)
- Aloe Vera
- Avocado
- Azalea
- Baby's Breath
- Baneberry
- Bird of Paradise
- Black-eyed Susan
- Bluebonnet
- Branching Ivy
- Buttercup
- Cactus (some varieties)
- Caladium
- Calla Lily
- Cherry
- Chinaberry
- Christmas Rose
- Chrysanthemum
- Clematis
- Cornflower
- Corydalis
- Crocus, autumn
- Crown of Thorns
- Cyclamen
- Daffodil
- Deadly Nightshade
- Delphinium
- Easter Lily
- Eggplant
- Elaine
- Elderberry
- Elephant Ear
- English Ivy
- Eucalyptus
- Evergreen
- Ferns
- Flax
- Four O'clock
- Foxglove
- Geranium
- German Ivy
- Heartland Philodendron
- Hemlock
- Holly
- Honeysuckle
- Hyacinth
- Hydrangea
- Indian Rubber Plant
- Iris
- Irish Ivy
- Japanese Show Lily
- Jerusalem Cherry
- Jonquil
- Larkspur
- Laurel
- Lily
- Lupine
- Marigold
- Mistletoe
- Morning Glory
- Mountain Laurel
- Mushrooms
- Narcissus
- Nightshade
- Oleander
- Onion
- Oriental Lily
- Peace Lily
- Peach
- Peony
- Periwinkle
- Philodendron
- Plumose Fern
- Poinsettia
- Poison Ivy
- Poison Oak
- Poppy
- Potato
- Primrose
- Rhododendron
- Rhubarb
- Rubber Plant
- Sweet Pea
- Swiss Cheese plant
- Tiger Lily
- Tobacco
- Tomato Plant (and fruit when it is green)
- Tree Philodendron
- Tulip
- Virginia Creeper
- Wisteria
- Yew
As you can see, there are a large number of common household plants that are poisonous to cats. You may already have a few in your house without realizing it, so check your home against the list above and move forward from there.
Silk Alternatives
One thing you may want to consider is replacing any suspect live indoor plants with silk. Silk plants may still attract a cat that enjoys chewing, but many pets will pass by these impostors. The textures and smells just aren't as enticing as the real thing.
Check Your Landscape
After replacing indoor plants with silk or non-poisonous varieties, your next step should be pulling any poisonous plants out of your landscape. Although your own cats may not be allowed outdoors, it only takes one escape attempt for your cat to be exposed to a toxic substance. Additionally, other cats in the neighborhood may also get into poisonous plants in your flower bed. With so many wonderful varieties of plants and flowers on the market, it just isn't worth the risk.
What to Do if Your Pet Eats a Poisonous Plant
If your cat ingests a poisonous substance, you will usually need to provide some type of immediate treatment at home, and then rush your cat to the vet. Your first step should be to phone your veterinarian or the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center for advice, so be prepared to give the proper name of the plant. It's also a good idea to keep a feline first aid kit on hand for emergencies. You will be given specific instructions on what kind of first response treatment to give your cat in an effort to stabilize the situation. You should then immediately take your pet to the veterinarian, even if it means paying for emergency fees. Some plants are so toxic to cats that they can be fatal or cause severe damage to a cat's internal organs, such as the kidneys. In cases like these, it is better to err on the side of caution and get your pet the help that he or she needs.
There are safe plants for cats. Many local pet stores carry seeds or plants already started that you can purchase and take home. Not only are these plants visually pleasing, but they will satisfy your cat's desire to chew while still keeping him or her safe.
Comments
Hi Linda,
Cats sometimes use plants to self-cleanse, but you have to be careful as so many plants are toxic to cats. All of my cats eat indoor plants. I've never been able to keep them, but like you I prefer the cats to the plants. I would suggest that you try the grass, but I also would not replace the indoor plants for now. Cats are unusual creatures. It's possible that she just realized they could be eaten, but I would keep an eye on her to be sure there isn't any other underlying health issues. If you notice something like lethargy or change in eating or drinking habits, then a trip to the vet might be in order.
-- Contributed by: LoriSoardI have an indoor cat who has suddenly, after six years of being around all my plants, gone absolutely crazy in eating and destroying a good five plants within a matter of only 2-3 weeks. Kia (my cat), is obviously more important than the plants...they can be replaced, SHE can't!!! If I buy some type of cat grass from the pet store do you think that would help, and if so, what type would be best? Do you think that there may also be some psychological issues going on with her? She does not seem to have changed in her behavior, but I am at wits' end with trying to figure this out and get some sound advice. Thank you so very much for your time and help. Sincerely, Linda and, of course Kia!!!!
-- Contributed by: LindaHi Becca,
She may not have ingested enough to cause serious problems. A cat will often throw up Baby's Breath too, which keeps them from ingesting too much. For some reason, most cats seem to want to smell and eat this plant, which can cause problems.
However, any time your cat eats a poisonous plant, you should call your veterinarian. He or she may want to see the cat or may just give you a list of symptoms to look out for. Do not give the cat any over-the-counter medications to induce vomiting as these can harm your cat.
Also, if the cat becomes lethargic, can't stop vomiting or has tremors, take her to the vet (emergency if necessary) immediately.
-- Contributed by: LoriSoardThis page has been accessed 651 times. This page was last modified 17:55, 19 November 2007.
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