Which Flowers are the Most Poisonous?
When choosing plants and flowers to decorate your house or backyard, you have to be cautious of the flowers that pose a risk to your cat. Most cats will instinctively avoid eating things that could harm them, but some plants are hazardous to feline if brushed against or nibbled.
As a cat owner, you have to remain vigilant and protect your furry friend from any harm. We have selected some of the most common foliage in our households that are harmful to your cat.
5 Poisonous Houseplants for Cats
Lilies
Most cat owners may be aware that lilies aren’t any good for cats. Even if your cat is not interested in consuming the lilies, accidental exposure is possible. Your cat could be hiding or playing around the compound and rubs against a lily plant by mistake.
Considering that every part of the lily plant is poisonous to cats, you can see why an accidental touch or ingestion of the plant could be dangerous for your car.
There are close to a hundred species of lilies, and all of them are toxic to felines. That means avoiding anything to do with lilies, even decorative fresh flowers.
Aloe
Aloe plants, such as aloe vera, contain sap inside that we use for medicinal purposes, such as treating topical burns. It also adds a decorative touch to our kitchens or bathrooms. Unlike us, this perennial is harmful to cats.
Saponins are the toxic compound found in aloe that poses a risk to cats. If ingested, aloe may encourage bowel movements and vomiting. Symptoms are generally mild, but if the cat consumes a large amount, it’s fatal.
If you notice your cat exhibiting symptoms such as a change in urine color to red, loss of appetite, depression, or in rare cases, tremor, seek veterinary treatment.
Tulip and Hyacinth
These popular bouquet and garden plants have a sweet scent you would love in your home. All parts of the plant and flower contain harmful compounds, but the bulbs’ alkaloids pose a real danger to cats.
Excessive drooling, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and seizures are some of the symptoms to look out for if your cat ingests tulip. If you already have these plants in your home and can’t let go, protect your cat from tulips and hyacinth with a mesh netting.
Jade
The Jade plant has decorative leaves and flowers and low maintenance, perfect for our homes. Unfortunately, jade is toxic to cats if eaten and can cause dermatitis if contacted.
Cats may vomit or show depressed behavior, including lethargy and loss of appetite after consuming this plant. Sap contained in this plant can cause dermatitis to felines and also cat owners.
If your cat’s skin comes into contact with jade, wash the area thoroughly to remove it before seeking vet services. All parts of jade are considered harmful to cats.
Caladium
Caladium, mostly known to us as the elephant’s ear, can look great in a room that needs filling a space. Their green-heart shaped leaves splotched with some pink can provide a beautiful touch to those empty-looking rooms. Yet, chewing on caladium for any pets, cats included, can cause uttermost irritation and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. Calcium crystals found in the leaves cause soft tissue injury.
Every plant toxin causes different reactions in cats. Be cautious of what plants you keep in the house or within your property. Most household plants are not safe for our feline friends, and the above 5 poisonous houseplants for cats are a great place to start. If your cat gets in contact with a plant and has an allergic reaction, it’s recommended you visit the vet. It is also best to bring along a specimen of the toxin. Remember, prevention is better than the vet.
About the Author
Hey, I’m Amy and I’m in love with my Pets! I have a diverse variety, including 3 cats, 1 dog, 1 rabbit, 1 guinea pig, and a beautiful macaw. I love writing about everything pet-related and spend as much time as I can sharing my personal experiences on my blog. SmartCatLovers.org
