Are Zz Plants Toxic To Cats Keeping Your Cat Safe
Dr. Lorna Whittemore, MRCVS
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
The ZZ plant, or also known by its exotic botanical name Zamioculcas zamiifolia1, is incredibly resilient. This almost-perfect plant requires very little water and light, in addition to tolerating extreme conditions, aside from the cold. Moreover, it is not prone to disease and is of little interest to insects. But, as a cat parent, you wonder if this beautiful plant is toxic to your beloved feline. The answer to this question, however, is rather nebulous.Indeed, Zamioculcas zamiifolia is not found on any official list of plants toxic to cats. But, on the other hand, if you do a quick Google search, you will find a plethora of sources warning cat lovers against the dangerous toxicity of this plant. So, for your peace of mind and the health of your kitty, lets demystify some of the information circulating about the ZZ plant.
Common Indoor Plants Toxic To Cats
February 28, 2022// by Britt Kascjak//
Cats can be mischievous creatures, interested in exploring their surroundings and everything in them including your indoor houseplants. Unfortunately, many of the most common indoor plants are toxic to cats. As cat parents, its our responsibility to recognize which plants are putting our cats at risk and take steps to eliminate the danger.
This doesnt mean that you cant bring some much-needed greenery into your home! Studies have found that adding houseplants to your home or workplace offers many benefits including boosting productivity, reducing stress, and improving air quality.
Create a happy, healthy home environment for your cat by trading in the following common plants toxic to cats for cat-friendly alternatives.
Symptoms Of Poisoning In Cats
Depending on the plant species that has been ingested, the early signs and symptoms of poisoning can vary greatly.
- Irritants may cause symptoms such as: irritation around the mouth, itchiness, swelling, and red or watery eyes.
- If your cats’ organs have been affected by ingesting a toxic plant, symptoms of poisoning may include: breathing difficulties, drooling, difficulties swallowing, excessive drinking, frequent urination, overall weakness, or irregular heartbeat.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms of poisoning may include: vomiting and diarrhea.
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Why Do Cats Eat Plants
Cats are carnivores, right? So why in the world do they eat plants? There could be a nutritional deficiency in a cats a diet that promotes him to snack on plant material, Dr. Mahaney explains. Cats could also be looking for more moisture in their diet, particularly if they primarily eat dry kibble at meals. Or your cat could be feeling nauseated and looking for plants to help induce nausea on purpose, he says.
Most negative interactions between cats and plants happen when the cat chews on or eats a plant. Skin contact can sometimes cause irritation, as well. Some plants, like the pencil cactus , contain a milky sap that can cause dermatitis upon contact with areas on the body that have reduced hair as a protective mechanism, Dr. Mahaney says. Similarly, just like humans, poison ivy and poison oak might cause itchy, blistering skin reactions in cats if the toxic oils can get through the cats fur.
How Can I Avoid Toxic Plants
As a cat lover, you want to do all you can to protect your furry friend. Thatâs why itâs important to ensure that no poisonous plants enter your home or grow in your garden. The best way to do this is to know what type of plants you have. Scientific names are helpful, because they are used consistently by everyone, as opposed to common names, which can vary by region. Once you have the scientific name of the plant, check it against the ASPCAâs Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List for Cats to make sure it is safe and not poisonous.
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Signs Of Plant Poisoning In Cats
Some plants and flowers are only mildly toxic and others are downright deadly to cats. Mildly toxic plants might cause drooling or stomach upset .
Plants and flowers that are highly toxic to cats can cause drooling and stomach upset, as well as tremors, weakness, difficulty walking, lethargy, lack of appetite, seizures, breathing difficulties, kidney and liver failure, heart arrhythmias , coma, or even death.
Lily Of The Valley Plants
Looking at the petite petals on this overall dainty looking plant, you wouldnt guess the powerfully toxic punch it packs. Although it is different than the previously mentioned species of Lily and does not result in acute kidney failure, it is still quite poisonous and requires quick action on your part if you catch your favorite furry friend partaking in a Lily of the Valley snack.
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Common Plants That Are Toxic To Cats
Many plants are poisonous to cats, but some are more likely to grace a home than others. Lilies are among the largest groups of plants that cause poisoning in cats, so you may want to play it safe and avoid them altogether. These are some popular plants that are poisonous to our feline friends:
While not all Lillies and Ivy plants are poisonous to cats, its probably safer in the long run if cat owners stay away from these species. The plants that cause the most severe irritation are Lillies , Hydrangeas, Sago Palms, and Oleanders.
Which Plants Are Toxic To Cats: Final Thoughts
If your pet eats anything considered toxic for cats, they may experience symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or lethargy. While some symptoms may appear relatively harmless at first, more severe cases can cause your cat to become very ill or even die.
If you suspect that your cat has eaten anything poisonous, contact a vet right away. Alternatively contact the pet poison helpline for advice.
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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.
Common Poisonous Plants For Cats
Plant eating is a common behavior in cats, reflecting an instinctual behavior inherited from their ancestors. Cats like to nibble, chew, and swallow flowers and leaves from various household plants, and even eat grass when theyre outdoors. While its normal for cats to chew on various indoor and outdoor plants, it can be potentially dangerous as some plants are especially toxic and can cause an upset stomach, constipation, and even fatal poisoning in your cat.
If you suspect your cat ate a large or small amount of any type of plant, or theyre exhibiting symptoms of potential plant poisoning, call your veterinarian, the Pet Poison Helpline , or ASPCA Animal Poison Control .
If you keep plants in your home or let your cat roam in the backyard, you need to be able to accurately identify which plants are poisonous to your cat. Here, well discuss which plants to avoid, which plants are safe, and advice on how to keep your cat away from those leafy greens.
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Avoid Plants Poisonous To Your Cat
Understandably, cat owners have good reason to be concerned about the toxicity of some household plants. According to ASPCA Animal Poison Control, in 2020 exposure to bouquets, and indoor and outdoor plants moved up two places on their top toxins lists to make it to one of the top 5 common causes of people calling their poison control center, resulting in more than 9,000 more calls than the year prior.
Which Plants Are Poisonous To Cats A Complete Guide
All cat parents should know the most common plants that are poisonous to cats. Whether in your yard or in your home, youll want to keep certain plants and flowers away from your feline companions. The toxicity of various plants and flowers can range from mild to severe, depending on the poisonous component of the plant.
More than 11,000 calls to the ASPCAs Animal Poison Control Center were logged about plants in 2018, according to Tina Wismer, DVM, DABVT, DABT, the centers medical director. Plants that are poisonous to cats made up 3,675, or about a third, of those calls.
It is best to familiarize yourself with the list of toxic plants and keep these types of plants out of your home or garden for the health and safety of your pet, Dr. Wismer says. For indoor plants, cats are likely to ingest the plants. Make sure to keep all plants out of paws reach. Cats are good climbers, so its best to move plants to a safe place they cannot access and dont underestimate their ability to get at things that are high up.
One plant that is extremely dangerous to cats is the lily.
Lilies are a very big deal because they cause acute, potentially fatal kidney failure, says integrative veterinarian Carol Osborne, DVM, of the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
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Are Houseplants Safe Around Cats
Houseplants are generally safe around cats, but there are some plants that can be dangerous. Some of the most common plants that can be fatal to cats include houseless rue , sorrel , and yucca . These plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause serious injuries if ingested by a cat. Because these plants can also be poisonous to people, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers before adding them to your home.
Is Fresh Cut Flower Food Harmful To Cats
Generally, flower food contain things like sugar and citric acid, along with little bleach to reduce bacterial growth. They are not terribly toxic to cats but might cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
If youre concerned about your cat drinking the water out of a vase , it is best to avoid it altogether.
Thankfully, if the container/vase that cut flowers are put in is clean, and the water is clean and refreshed regularly, the vase life of the flowers will be just as good.
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How Quickly Do Symptoms Of Citrus Plant Toxicity Develop In Cats
Citrus plant toxicity in cats can develop rapidly, with symptoms appearing within minutes to hours after ingestion. The most common symptoms include vomiting, drooling, difficulty breathing, and incoordination. In more severe cases, citrus plant toxicity can lead to seizures, coma, and death. While any type of citrus plant can be toxic to cats, the most common plants involved in toxicity cases are lilies, Sago palms, and yews.
What Are The Symptoms Of Citrus Plant Toxicity In Cats
Cats areunique among animals in their susceptibility to plant toxicity. Many popular house andgarden plants are poisonous to cats if ingested. Some plants, such as sago palmsand lilies, are so toxic to cats that even small amounts can cause serious illnessor death.
Cats can be poisoned by ingesting leaves, flowers, berries, seeds, or otherparts of a plant. They may also be poisoned if they drink water that has beencontaminated with a poisonous plant. Ingesting a small amount of a poisonousplant may cause only mild signs of illness, while ingesting a larger amount canbe fatal.
The most common symptom of citrus plant toxicity in cats is vomiting. Othersymptoms may include diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, anddehydration. In some cases, symptoms may not appear for several days afteringestion. If your cat ingests a poisonous plant, it is important to seekveterinary care immediately.
There is no specific treatment for citrus plant toxicity in cats, and treatmentwill be based on the severity of the symptoms. If your cat is showing only mildsymptoms, it may be treated at home with symptomatic care. However, if yourcat is showing severe symptoms, it will need to be hospitalized and treatedwith intravenous fluids and other supportive care.
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Why Are Certain House Plants Toxic To Cats And Not Other Animals
You might be wondering why some house plants need to be kept far away from cats and not your dog, or yourself for that matter. Whether or not a plant is toxic to us depends on how it interacts with our bodies, and how it is metabolized, explains Dr. Rosen. Bodies of different organisms all metabolize materials in a different way. There are foods like onions and garlic that humans can eat that are dangerous to cats and dogs because of how those compounds are broken down after ingestion. The same goes for items that are deadly to cats, but okay for dogs, Dr. Rosen adds. A dog is not a small human. A cat is not a small dog. It is important to remember that we are all a little bit different.
Plant Safety In Cat Homes
If having indoor plants is important to you, choose plants that are safe and non-toxic to your pets. Check the ASPCAâs Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List for Cats to make sure you choose pet-safe plants.
Place plants where your cat cannot reach them. Cats can reach countertops and window ledges, so these locations are not ideal.
Hanging planters are a good option for indoor plants, because they can be hung high enough that your cat cannot reach them. Attractive and cat-safe foliage ideas for hanging planters include spider plants and many types of ferns.
If you canât find a safe spot for house plants, try artificial plants. Some look very life-like and of course they require no care, except for occasional dusting.
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Toxicity And Symptoms Are Dependent On The Plant
There is a long list of poisonous plants that you should not have in your home if you have a cat. We’ve listed some of the more common ones below.
The degree of toxicity and symptoms your cat may exhibit depends on the specific plant and the amount, as well as the part of the plant your cat has potentially consumed, in addition to your cat’s size, any existing medical conditions, medications they may be taking, and a host of other factors.
It is vital that you contact your veterinarian, Animal ER, or an animal-specific poison control hotlineimmediately if you believe your cat has nibbled on or eaten any amount of a toxic plant or flower.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Cat Consumed Something Toxic
Signs your cat may have gotten into something they werent supposed to, like a toxic houseplant, can include mild signs such as drooling, oral pain and/or lesions, not wanting to eat, vomiting, and diarrhea, says Dr. Rosen. With plants that cause neurological problems, you might see your cat appear drunk, or unable to stand or walk. You might also notice tremors or muscle twitching, she explains. In more severe cases of toxicity , cats can become neurologically depressed, unable to breathe, and can experience organ failure rather quickly, Rosen says.
Any time youre concerned about possible exposure to something toxic, Dr. Rosen recommends contacting the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline immediately. They have the most up to date information on toxicities and treatments for our pets, and will work with your family veterinarian to get a plan together as quickly as possible to treat your cat or dog, Dr. Rosen says. In situations regarding the health of your pet, where every moment counts, contacting the right authority while you head to your veterinarian or clinic helps facilitate a quick, proactive response and avoid delayed treatment.
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Myth Buster: Are Poinsettias Toxic For Pets
Ironically, poinsettias, one of the more well-known holiday plant hazards for pets, may not be as hazardous to pets as once thought. Due to the low level of toxicity seen with poinsettia ingestion, medical intervention is rarely needed unless signs are severe or persistent.
Mild signs of Poinsettia toxicity in pets may include vomiting, drooling, and, rarely, diarrhea. The milky sap can irritate the skin, causing redness, swelling, and itchiness.
Repeated exposure can result in a higher level of toxicity or increased skin irritation.
Symptoms may be missed due to their mild nature, however, they may become apparent within 24 hours of ingestion but repeated exposure may be necessary for more obvious signs to become apparent.
The full list of toxic plants is extensive for both indoor and outdoor plants. You can get the full list from the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control page of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. Hopefully, this article has helped inform you as you go to the nursery to choose your greenery, or even if your cat enjoys spending time outside.
Plants That Are Poisonous To Cats
From houseplants to garden plants, including vegetables and herbs, here is just a selection of plants and flowers toxic to cats:
1. Lilies: People tend to use “lily” as an all-encompassing term, but there are about 90 species in all, including the Asiatic lily, Easter lily and lily of the valley. What do they have in common other than a name? They’re all poisonous plants to cats. In fact, they’re one of the most toxic plants for your feline friend ingestion can lead to immediate kidney failure.
2. Eucalyptus: Though rich in fiber, eucalyptus isn’t part of a healthy diet the leaves are toxic to most animals, except koalas and a few wild bird species.
3. Jade: Succulents, like jade, are the perfect option for those who don’t have a green thumb because they’re low-maintenance and beautiful. Unfortunately, jade is also one of several succulents that are poisonous to cats.
4. Milkweed: Planting milkweed in gardens has become a popular way to support monarch butterfly populations. However, the fruit of the milkweed plant is toxic to both wildlife and humans.
5. Onion: Onions are a staple of dinner tables around the globe, especially in China and India, the top two onion-producing countries. But onions, as well as garlic, leeks, scallions, chives and shallots, are toxic to many animals, including cats and dogs.
6. Tomato: The fruit of the tomato is harmless to your kitty, but its stem and leaves can be toxic. Add this to your list of people food not to give your cat.
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