What To Do If Your Cat Chews Or Eats Toxic Plants
If you suspect that your cat has chewed on or ingested a potentially toxic plant in your home or garden, Dr. Zacharias recommends taking a picture of the plant and immediately heading to your veterinarian. It does not matter the quantity they consumedit is better to be safe because the repercussions can be that dire. Plus, the plant does not have to be ingested in order to be poisonous. Simply chewing on the plant can be toxic. Often, the ASPCA poison control hotline can be called en route to the hospital or once the cat has arrived, she adds. How quickly treatment is started often makes a significant difference in the patients health and outcome.
You shouldnt attempt to induce vomiting in a cat by giving hydrogen peroxide or any other over-the-counter emetics such as ipecac, no matter what youve read on the Internet. A veterinarians expertise is needed here.
Its also important to note that cats are very skilled at hiding their symptomsits a defense mechanism that keeps them safe. Call your vet or the ASPCA hotline if you suspect that your cat has eaten one of these poisonous plants even if they arent acting overtly sick. That said, symptoms such as diarrhea, lethargy, and vomiting are all difficult to hide, so be on the lookout for those signs, specifically. Next, review these additional household items that are hazardous to pets.
What Plants Are Toxic To Cats And Dogs
Turns out, hundreds of plants can be poisonous to pets, and many of these are found in and around our homes.
In fact, one of the experts I spoke to says when it comes to pets, there are no “safe” plants.
“When you look in textbooks about the poisonous principles of plants, each plant has the ability to poison a number of different systems in the body,” says veterinarian and vet clinic director Dr David Neck.
Paula Parker, an emergency vet and AVA president, says that although many plants are mild-to-moderate in terms of toxicity and can cause “mild” symptoms like gastrointestinal upset. When pets consume highly toxic plants it can be fatal even if they only have a very small amount.
The following list contains 10 common plants and flowers toxic to cats and dogs. It’s by no means comprehensive, so if you have pets check out this resource from American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals .
Is Peace Lily Safe For Dogs
More than 700 indoor/outdoor plants contain toxic substances that may harm dogs and cats. Asparagus FernAsparagus fern is toxic to dogs and cats. If a dog or cat ingests the berries of this plant, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain can occur.
Corn PlantCorn plant is toxic to dogs and cats. LiliesMany plants of the lily family are considered toxic to cats, and some are considered toxic to dogs.
Recommended Reading: Little Alchemy How To Make Wild Animal
Are Peace Lilies Toxic To Cats What You Need To Know
Most cat owners are aware of the dangers of a cat ingesting Lilies, specifically those from the Lilium and Hemerocallis family. These include the Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show, and daylilies, and even just a small amount one to two leaves may be enough to cause severe acute kidney failure. Even the pollen and vase water are considered dangerous.
But what about Peace Lilies? Are Peace Lilies toxic to cats? While the ingestion of small amounts of Peace Lily may cause oral irritation and stomach issues in cats, it is, at most, extremely uncomfortable, and they will most likely survive the ordeal. Even though this Lily is not as toxic as true lilies, it can still cause pain and injury for your feline, and a trip to the vet is highly recommended.
In this article, we look at the signs of poisoning from Peace Lilies, how to treat it, and other, similar plants to avoid. Lets get started!
Have This Information Ready When You Call The Vet:
- The breed, age, sex and weight of your pet
- The plant your pet has been exposed to
- Specific information concerning the poisoning
- The problems/symptoms your pet is experiencing
- Note: Do not induce vomiting unless told to do so by a vet.
“Calling the vet clinic is the first port of call,” he says. “This allows the clinic to get ready and means you’re minutes ahead when you arrive with your pet. It’s much better for us to know what’s coming than for it to burst in the front door.”
When it comes to handling poisoning in animals, vets generally try to sustain life while the dog or cat deals with the toxin itself.
“There’s rarely such a thing as an antidote they live in the movies,” Dr Neck says. “Instead we focus on supportive therapy.”
This includes things like putting the animal on intravenous fluid to combat shock, providing respiratory support on a ventilator if they’ve stopped breathing, and controlling seizures by anaesthetising the animal.
If it’s safe to do so, vets may induce vomiting to get out the toxins. If not, they can anaesthetise the animal and wash out their stomach .
You May Like: How Much Should 3 Month Old Kitten Eat
First Aid For Poisoned Cats
As well as hazardous plants and flowers, there are items around the house that can cause poisoning in cats. If you can see the poisonous substance, take your cat away from it and call your vet for advice. They may want to see your cat immediately. Making your cat sick may not be helpful.
If you have evidence of what your cat has eaten, take a sample to the vet. Even a sample of vomit may help diagnosis, particularly if it is an unusual colour or contains plant matter.
Most importantly, don’t panic. Seek advice from your vet immediately and they’ll be able to help.
How To Keep My Cat Away From The Peace Lily Plant
Its probably best not to pair these two together, but in case it is unavoidable, here are a few ways you could discourage your cat from playing with the Peace Lily plant:
Also Check: Untippable Cat Water Fountain
Get Quick Veterinary Treatment
If you suspect that your cat has eaten any part of a lily or its pollen or has drunk water from a vase containing lilies, immediately call your veterinarian or a pet poison control center. Depending on the type of lily, it may be a medical emergency and prompt veterinary treatment is critical. Try to bring the lily plant with you to the veterinary clinic . This will help your veterinarian determine if its one of the highly toxic ones.
Peace Lily Plants And Cats
Much like dogs, even cats have a problem with the peace lily plants. Their signs may differ though and have to be dealt with accordingly. The peace lily is not as toxic to the cat as lilies of the genus Lilium and Hemerocallis. Many of the symptoms like excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty swallowing are identical to dogs. In addition, the cats may even keep pawing at their mouths, and they may feel a burning sensation at their mouth and tongues. Though a rarity, at times the affected tissue can become swollen and further lead to the upper airway swelling as well. To aid the recovery and reduce the pain, you can give your cat yogurt or lactose-free milk which are known to alleviate distress. Again, the common sense advice would be to consult a vet if any signs become too severe. A qualified vet can help in the speedy recovery of your pet animal.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for are peace lilies toxic to dogs? Then why not take a look at are pothos toxic to dogs? Or Australian shepherd labrador fac
Kidadl Team
READ THE DISCLAIMER
Don’t Miss: How Much Should A 7 Month Old Cat Weigh
Are Daffodils Poisonous To Cats
While daffodils are a beautiful sign of spring, they are unfortunately dangerous for our feline friends. Daffodil bulbs contain crystals that are extremely toxic to cats if eaten.
The heads and leaves can also make your cat unwell if consumed. Daffodils contain a poisonous substance called lycorine. If digested, this can cause stomach upset, vomiting or wider serious illness.
If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a daffodil, please seek advice from your vet immediately.
Ten Household Plants That Are Dangerous/toxic To Dogs And Cats
- More than 700 indoor/outdoor plants contain toxic substances that may harm dogs and cats.
- If these plants are ingested, signs of poisoning can be mild to severe, sometimes even causing death.
- Most houseplants have multiple names, so it is important to confirm that the houseplants you currently own or may purchase are not toxic to your pet.
Don’t Miss: Lovecrafts Cat
What Should Be Done If A Cat Ingests Peace Lily
When your pet ingests a part of the plant may it be the leaves or the stem the calcium oxalate crystals are released immediately. This is a good thing because it discourages the cat from having another bite. So, dont panic the cat is not going to suffer long-term harm. Here is what you can do
- Remove the irritant from its mouth
- Wash the paws and mouth of the cat with plain water
- Do not induce vomiting
This is an important step as the vet can assess the damage caused. He or she will check the cat thoroughly for any residue irritants and prescribe medication if needed.
If your cat has ingested a larger quantity or if you are unsure of what needs to be done you can always get in touch with ASPCAs Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Note: these are paid services and you might have to pay a consultation fee.
Be Careful This Spring
Spring is a beautiful time of year, and springtime holidays, such as Easter and Mothers Day, are times to celebrate with friends and family. Your feline friends want to celebrate with you. Please do your part to cat-proof your home and garden to keep your cat safe this spring season by choosing safer flower alternatives.
Read Also: How To Draw Pete
What Parts Of The Peace Lily Is Toxic To Cats If Ingested
The entire peace lily is toxic to cats when ingested. Again, the key here is the ingestion part where your cat bits or chews into the plant. This is when the calcium oxalate crystals are released.
In contrast, when the parts of the plant are left in tact and not damaged, there is no risk of poisoning. This is why you and your cat can safety touch the plant without feeling any irritation or side effects.
So, keep your cat away from chewing or ingesting the peace lilys:
- leaves
- flowers
- pollen
Of these, the leaves are often the ones that cause the most damage since they are larger and theyre also the first target of your cat when it comes to consumption.
Houseplants Safe For Cats And Dogs
- Pin
The Spruce / Candace Madonna
Why do cats and dogs eat houseplants? Some people believe they do it to calm an upset stomach or help process hairballs, while others think pets are attempting to remedy a nutritional deficiency. Cats and dogs might even chew on houseplants during play sessions, attacking waving fronds as they would a toy. It can be difficult to keep a houseplant away from a pet that is determined to chew, so it’s up to us to ensure that any plants we grow in the home are safe and non-toxic to cats and dogs. With the exception of edibles like cat grass, it’s always better to keep valued houseplants out of a pet’s reach if you can, but the plants described here are recognized by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as being non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Although it is helpful to know which houseplants are safe for cats and dogs, it is very important to be aware of the houseplants that are harmful to them.
Don’t Miss: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years
How Do I Keep My Cat Way From Peace Lily
If you are worried about your cats getting too close to your plants, you can do the following to help keep them away.
- Place orange peel on the soil cats dont like citrus
- Place gravel in your pots to stop your cats digging
- Spray the leaves of your Mauna Loa lily plant with a blend of water, Tabasco, and cayenne pepper
- Fasten balloons to your plant pots. If these burst, it scares cats away
- Grow plants cats dont like nearby, such as lavender, rosemary, and mint.
A Peace Lily isnt toxic to the extent that it will kill your cat unless there is overexposure, and other pets tend to suffer even less, such as dogs.
You can be safe knowing the answer to the are peace lilies toxic to cats? is no. However, it can make them feel a bit sick, so keep your plants out of reach of your pets.
Read more:
Your Cat Should Survive
Although the ordeal of having eaten part of a peace lily will likely be highly traumatic for your cat, the good news is that your beloved pet should survive the ordeal unscathed.
If your cat is prone to biting, chewing on, or consuming attractive flowers or leaves, you may want to reconsider keeping this and other potentially poisonous houseplants in your home.
And please remember, if your cat eats part of any plant that is not regularly consumed as part of its regular diet, poisonous or not, this may result in an upset stomach due to mechanical irritation.
Has one of your pets taken to nibbling on your houseplants? Please take the proper precautions to provide the best care and a safe environment for your animals, and let us know what some of your favorite cat-friendly plants are in the comments!
Read on for more information about at home:
You May Like: Is It Ok To Leave A Kitten Alone
Lilies Pretty But Dangerous To Cats
The lily is an attractive and fragrant flower, and features in many a bouquet and flower arrangement. However, many people are unaware of the danger they pose to cats. Lilies cause severe kidney damage in cats, but not other species such as dogs. The mechanism whereby this pretty flower is potentially fatal to cats is not fully understood.
Which type of lily causes a problem?
Lilies, specifically all species of Lilium and Hemerocallis are poisonous to cats. It is important to be aware that many plants have lily in their name such as lily of the valley , peace lily and calla or arum lily . These plants may have different toxic effects but it is specifically Lilium and Hemerocallis that are discussed here .
Table 1: Lilies that are toxic to cats
| Scientific name |
Help us spread the word
In the UK, lily intoxication has been identified as amongst the top five serious intoxications of cats, and indeed it currently generates the greatest number of feline toxicological enquiries.
We want vets and cat owners to lobby for the widespread adoption of warning labels and posters at all locations where lilies are sold, to stop cats falling victim to this preventable condition.
To this end, the International Society of Feline Medicine and the Centre for Veterinary Education, University of Sydney have collaborated to produce artwork that can be displayed at the point of sale in supermarkets, florists and other outlets.
Lethal lilies poster
How Much Lily Is Toxic To Cats
It doesnt take too much from your peace lilies to begin affecting your cat. Once they have a couple of leaves in their mouth, this can be more than enough and may cause them to start showing symptoms.
Some lilies, however, are worse than others are, though you do need to know the signs and symptoms if your cats play and chew on your peace lilies.
Each part of the plant may be poisonous such as the leaf, stem, flowers, and pollen. The worst-case scenario of failure in kidneys can take as little as 24 72 hours from cats having parts of the plant in their mouth.
You will see signs in 6- 12 hours, and the very first your cat may exhibit are difficulty swallowing, vomiting, drooling, excessive thirst or not drinking. If they are on their way toward failure in the kidney, cats may appear drunk as they walk, have disorientation, tremors, or they can suffer from seizures.
Peace lilies luckily dont have the same effect as other lilies do, although it does show how careful you need to be when growing these plants in your home.
You will find there is no antidote for lily poisoning, though your vet can run through specific procedures to try to combat the effects of a Peace Lily.
Don’t Miss: Why Does My Cat Rub Her Gums On Me
How To Prevent Lily Toxicity
The best way to keep your feline friend safe is to keep these plants out of your home and yard. But if you find that your cat has already helped itself to the lily in your flower arrangement, seek veterinary attention immediately. Just remember, the sooner the problem is identified and treatment is initiated, the better your cat’s chance of survival.