Plants That Are Toxic For Cats

Poisonous Plants In Winter

Mistletoe and Holly are seasonal favourites, which are often brought into peoples homes or gardens over the festive period. They can pose hazards to your pets, especially if the berries are eaten so remember to keep them out of paws reach!

Some plants, such as amaryllis, can grow indoors as well as outdoors at this time of year, so dont forget to check our list below if youre thinking of bringing a new plant into your house.

Plants to avoid:

• Rowan : Also present in summer, autumn and winter.
• Snowdrops : Also present in spring.
• Yew : Also present in summer, autumn and winter.

Why Pothos Plants Are Dangerous To Cats

The leaves and stems that are on the pothos plant both contain something called calcium oxalate crystals. If a cat consumes some of the plants these minerals can be dangerous.

Once they have entered the digestive system, calcium oxalate crystals will enter the soft tissues of areas like the cats mouth, stomach, and throat. Which often leads to developing breathing issues.

While the pothos plant isnt actually considered to be a poisonous plant, it can result in a lethal situation for cats.

Poisonous Plants In Summer

Many of our gardens are in full bloom during the summer, along with harvests of fruit and vegetables. Although a number of these plants are safe for pets, its best to keep your pets off your vegetable patch as some plants can be very dangerous. Allium species, such as onions and garlic, are dangerous at all stages, and tomato and potato plants can be toxic to your pet.

If youre planting your autumn bulbs now, dont forget to keep these away from your pets, too especially autumn crocus bulbs , which can be dangerous!

Plants to avoid:

• Lily of the valley
• Mistletoe : Also present in spring, autumn and winter.
• Oak : Also present in spring, autumn and winter.
• Oleander : Also present in autumn.
• Potato plant : The leaves on potatoes can be toxic. Raw, green or sprouting potatoes can also be harmful.
• Ragwort : Also present in spring and autumn.
• Rowan : Also present in spring, autumn and winter.
• Rhubarb : Rhubarb leaves are poisonous to dogs and cats, whether they are cooked or raw. Also present in spring.
• Tomato : Leaves and unripe fruit on tomato plants are toxic to cats and dogs.
• Yew : Also present in spring, autumn and winter.

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Flowers And Plants Toxic To Dogs And Cats

Our pets love to chew, bite, lick and munch almost anything including plants and flowers! Unfortunately, a large number of common and popular plants are actually toxic to our furry friends. Even flowers in a beautiful bouquet can be poisonous. To help keep your pets safe, weve put together a shortlist of the most common flowers and plants toxic to dogs and cats, along with their signs and symptoms.

What Plants To Avoid If You Have Cats

Some felines have a tendency to nibble plants leaves, stems or roots and many can do them great harm. Whether its due to them seeking out extra vegetation and fibre to help with digestion or just pure curiosity, the results can, in some cases cause extreme sickness or fatalities. Take a note of which outdoor plants are the highest risk, eliminate them from your yard and strike them off your plant nursery wish-list.

The experts at International Cat Care also suggest, Free-roaming cats have access to many gardens so it will be impossible to prevent all possible contact with potentially harmful plants. You can, however, remove the most toxic plants from your garden and make a note of any in your neighbors gardens that are potentially dangerous. List common and Latin names. This list may help your vet if poisoning is suspected.

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Common Plants And Flowers That Are Poisonous To Cats

Many toxic plants are irritants: they cause localized inflammation of the skin, mouth, stomach, etc. Other plants may have a systemic effect and damage or alter the function of a cats organs, like the kidney or heart.

Some common plants that are toxic to cats include:

• Azaleas and Rhododendrons
• Chrysanthemum, Daisy, Mum
• Lily of the Valley
• Pothos, Devils Ivy

You can visit the Pet Poison Helpline to see the Top 10 Plants Poisonous to Pets, or the ASPCA for their extensive list of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants.

Hidden Plant Poisons And Hazards

Its not just poisonous plants that we need to be cautious of grass seeds, pesticides, weed killer and compost bins can be just as hazardous for our pets.

Grass seeds can be a hidden hazard, as they can become lodged in your pets skin, ears or eyes, and can move through the bodys tissues causing serious inflammation or infection.

Its also important to remember that pesticides or weed killer on plants can be toxic even if the plant itself is safe. Its always best to avoid using pesticides or weed killers in your garden. Monitor your pet closely if youre out and about, to check theyre not encountering anything that could be dangerous.

Dont forget that compost bins and piles of leaves or grass cuttings can contain harmful bacteria and mould, so its important to make sure youre clearing your garden waste into a secure bin thats out of paws reach!

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Plants That Are Safe & Non

Cats, like people, seem to enjoy the sights and smells of flora. Sometimes that love for nature also includes eating plants . But Ahna Brutlag, DVM and Senior Veterinary Toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline, says there are several common houseplants, greenery, and succulents cats can coexist with peacefully.

The Benefits And Dangers Of Spiders

Spiders are thought to be beneficial to the environment at large. Their diet consists of pests, and they are particularly effective at keeping rodents at bay. However, it is critical to be aware of the type of spiders that you may have in your home, as some species are dangerous to humans. When you are concerned about the health of your spider plant, give it a deep soak in water and then move it to a cooler, shadier location. If your plant is wilting somewhere in the shade or far away from a window, move it to a more visible location. It is critical to remember that cats enjoy hallucinogenic plants because they are mildly hallucinogenic if your cat tries to eat one, it may simply be enjoying the novelty of it.

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Plants That Are Poisonous Or Toxic To Cats

Cats are curious by nature and love to check out new things. Theyre also notorious for getting into things that we dont want them to touch! We want to keep our cats safe, and that includes not having anything toxic within their reach in the home . Plants are fun to decorate the house and liven up a room with, but many can be harmful to cats. Before we decide to bring that beautiful plant home, as pet owners, we have to make sure its not toxic to our furry companions. Always check first to see if a plant that you want will hurt your pets in any way. Browse this list of toxic plants to see if any that youre considering getting or already own are named. If you think that your cat has ingested any toxic substance, seek immediate veterinary care or call poison control right away. Hundreds of plants are toxic to cats. A more comprehensive list is available, but weve chosen 12 common house and garden plants that you should avoid bringing into or around your home if you have cats. However, no list will be complete, as there are more than 390,000 identified plant species. If you suspect that your cat ate a plant that made them ill, consult your vet right away.

Signs Your Cat Has Consumed A Toxic Plant

There are several reactions cats can have to toxic plants, and you may be able to assist in their treatment by informing the vet of their signs. Well split common symptoms into mild, moderate, and severe so that you have a good idea of their condition. These are the mild indications of poisoning:

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Plants That Are Toxic For Cats

Many plants are poisonous or toxic to cats and kittens. If you notice your furry friend eating any plant that you’re unsure of, call your vet.

Below are just a few of the most common plants that are poisonous for your cat or kitten to eat:

While all of the plants listed above are toxic to cats, perhaps the most dangerous is the lily. Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats who come in contact with the flower’s pollen, then ingest the pollen during grooming.

If you have cut flowers in the house, including lilies, be sure to keep your flowers in a room where they will not come in contact with your cat.

If you suspect that your cat has come in contact with lilies, contact your Santa Cruz vet as soon as possible.

Toxic Plants For Cats

Summer

There is nothing that adds colour like a bunch of fresh cut flowers around your house. They add a lovely welcoming touch to any home. But cat owners should be aware that those lovely flowers can potentially be toxic for cats.

Daffodils, for example, can cause stomach upsets, vomiting, or worse if your cat eats the foliage, flowers or pods. Other plants you may not suspect, like aloe vera, can be toxic for cats as well.

We have listed below some of the many plants that are potentially toxic for cats and should be avoided. Be especially careful with all lilies . All parts of these plants are extremely toxic to cats and have caused tragic deaths.

If your cat eats or comes in contact with any of these plants or any other dangerous items, you will need to seek immediate veterinary assistance. We also recommend that you take part of the toxic plant with you for easy identification to help with treatment.

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Foods That Are Poisonous To Cats

Alcoholic Beverages: These can cause intoxication, coma, and death.

Baby Food Containing Onion Powder: Onions are toxic to cats. If you feed your cat baby food, read the label and make sure it does not contain onion powder. A steady baby food diet will result in nutritional deficiencies in your cat, so save it for treats, or to stimulate appetites in cats that are old or ill.

Bones From Fish, Poultry, Or Other Meat Sources: These can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.

Canned Tuna : Fed regularly, it can cause malnutrition, since it lacks proper feline nutrients, including taurine. Also, it can contain mercury, which can be detrimental to your cats health over time.

Caffeine : Caffeine can affect the heart and nervous system and can be toxic.

Chocolate: In addition to caffeine, chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is toxic to pets. Theobromine is also present in cocoa bean mulch.

Citrus Oil Extracts: Can cause vomiting.

Dog Food: Accidental ingestion of dog food wont cause a problem. Repeated feeding may result in malnutrition and heart disease.

Fat Trimmings: Can cause pancreatitis and contribute to obesity.

Grapes and Raisins: Contain an unknown toxin which damages the kidneys.

Human Vitamin Supplements Containing Iron: Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.

Large Amounts Of Liver: Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.

Can You Stop Pets From Eating Plants

Some people use pet deterrent sprays to repel dogs and cats from eating plants, but Dr Parker explains these products can be overly irritating and often don’t work.

“Generally we try to do positive training rather than negative consequence training,” Dr Parker says.

“There’s not a huge scientific evidence base to show pet deterrents are effective. But there is a big evidence base that support positive-training methods.”

This includes ensuring your pet has enough stimulation throughout the day and providing other objects they can safely chew on.

“Often, if pets are chewing on plants it’s a sign they don’t have anything more appealing,” Dr Parker says.

“That behaviour often tells us they’re bored or there’s something else going on.”

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Are Spider Plants Toxic To Humans

Spider plants are also safe for humans, so there is no reason why you should be concerned about your children being around them. Spider plants, on the other hand, contain chemical compounds that may cause vomiting or diarrhea in pets and humans.

Spider Ivy is a native plant of South Africa that has become a worldwide plant. Spider plants have a few hallucinogenic properties, which cats find to be mild in nature. The reactions are mild, and depending on how cats or individuals react to the plants, they can get quite severe. Spider plants are generally harmless to children and pets and do not pose a health risk to them. They are also attracted to cats because of their hallucinogenic properties and sweetness. Take the time to monitor the behavior and health of your cat or pet after theyve eaten a lot of spider plants.

Are Spider Plants Toxic To Dogs

No, spider plants are not toxic to dogs.

Chlorophytum comosum is a commonly grown houseplant. Spider plants do not pose any health risks to pets, cats, or humans, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Despite the fact that you may be able to eat some of your spider plant, it can still cause vomiting or other side effects in your dog. A dogs urine contains a very high level of nitrogen. It can even cause your spider plant to die. If a puppy digs, he or she can uproot the plant or cause damage. Spider plants can be left near the door of a cat or dog, but they should be placed higher to avoid becoming easy urinals or digging grounds.

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Is Hemp Toxic To Cats

The hemp plant itself is toxic to cats. If ingested, it could cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and stomach irritation. It is safe for ingestion only once the hemp plant material has been properly handled and processed into safe-to-consume products.

One example of the most popular hemp-derived product is CBD, which is both legal and generally safe for cats. While we dont advise letting your cat chew on cannabis leaves, CBD can actually be very beneficial for your feline friend. Experts have found that hemp oil is harmless for cats.

While CBD oil itself does not contain any toxic compounds to felines, it may become harmful if exposed to extreme heat. Substances change when heat is applied, and CBD oil will release peroxide if it gets hot enough. Peroxide is dangerous for cats, so be sure to keep your hemp oil cool.

As a reminder, make sure to only give your cat CBD products that have been specially made for pets! Some products made for humans may not be suitable for felines but ask your vet first just to be sure.

Is The Zz Plant Really Toxic To Cats

The ZZ plant is not on the list of any of the following reputable organizations and websites:

• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

However, this plant is part of the Araceae family which contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing any part of these plants will usually release these crystals, which can then enter the tissues of the mouth or gastrointestinal tract. It is also possible, but very rare, for breathing to become difficult due to swelling of the upper respiratory tract.

This data leads to the conclusion that the ZZ plant can indeed induce some degree of toxicity to cats . However, claims that the plant is extremely toxic to cats have yet to be proven.

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What Parts Of The Plant Are Toxic To Cats

The pollen, needles, seeds, flowers, and leaves are potentially toxic to cats. This means that if a plant is listed as toxic, you should keep it either out of reach or out of the home completely. Which part of the plant is dangerous can also depend on its species.

For example, all parts of the Sago Palm contain cycasin, which can cause liver failure in felines. On the other hand, castor bean seeds pose a greater threat to cats than the rest of the plants parts. Still, we dont recommend putting one of these plants in a space that is easily accessible by your pet.

You can remove the berries from English Ivy, but the leaves are still harmful. All parts of a lily are highly toxic to felines. Pruning leaves or removing seeds are good preventative steps, but the most prudent choice is to keep the plant out of reach from the animal or choose a non-toxic species.

Plants Poisonous To Cats

There are several common plants than can be dangerous to cats. Cats only need meat in their diet, not plants or vegetables. But, being curious creatures, they will sometimes lick, chew or eat plants. This can put them at risk of plant toxicity.

The danger level will often depend on the type of plant and the amount eaten. Cats can also get the pollen or sap from poisonous plants on their skin. This can damage the skin or cause more serious problems inside their body after your cat grooms and licks themselves.

Get to know the signs of plant poisoning in your cat.

Important

Its important to speak to your vet if you think your cat has come into contact with a poisonous plant, even if you didnt see them lick or eat it.

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