Poisonous Plants for cats
Cats are pretty elusive, agile, and quick. They like to climb stuff and there is no way of keeping them inside the house all the time. They will also chew on plants, sometimes poisonous plants for cats, so it is important that you try to keep some toxic plants for them out of their reach in the measure of the possible.
Let us first take a look at the most common poisonous plants for cats, the symptoms, and ways to deal with toxic poisoning.
The Most Common Poisonous Plants for Cats
The most commonly found toxic plants for cats are:
- Amaryllis (Amaryllis sp.)
- Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
- Azaleas
- Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
- Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum sp.)
- Cyclamen (Cyclamen sp.)
- Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus)
- Dieffenbachia
- English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe sp.)
- Lilies (Lilium sp.)
- Marijuana (Cannabis sativa)
- Oleander (Nerium oleander)
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
- Spanish thyme (Coleus ampoinicus)
- Tulip and Narcissus bulbs (Tulipa and Narcissus sp.)
- Yew (Taxus sp.)
Symptoms of Poisoning
Most of these plants are irritant and the first effects will happen at the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. The most obvious symptom are redness, swelling, and mouth or skin itchiness.
Depending on what other organ is affected, the following are some signs that you should watch for if you suspect that your cat has poisoned himself:
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficult breathing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drinking and urination
- Irregular heartbeat
What To Do
If you suspect that your cat ate a poisonous plant and you can locate the event within 1 or 2 hours, then there are some things you can do as first aid.
- Remove any plant residues from mouth and skin.
- Wash your cat with warm water and some mild soap.
- Try to identify the plant that the cat ate. If you do not know what is the name of the plant, bring a sample to the veterinarian. If your cat has vomited at all, bring a sample of the vomit to the vet as well.
- Take your pet to the veterinarian.
In Dogalize we have useful contact information for the veterinarian closest to you. Besides this, we have amazing information and resources for you to check out. Visit us to learn more.