Introduction
Feline friends love exploring the great outdoors, but many common household and garden plants can be dangerous or even deadly if ingested by cats. While cats tend to avoid plants that are poisonous or distasteful, accidents still happen. As a cat owner, it’s important to educate yourself and take precautions to keep your curious kitties out of harm’s way.
Plant poisoning is one of the top reasons cats are rushed to the emergency vet every year. Some poisonous plants for cats are extremely toxic, leading to serious conditions like liver failure or neurological problems if a cat consumes even a small amount. Knowing which plants are dangerous for cats and ensuring you limit your cat’s exposure is crucial to keeping your pet happy, healthy, and safe.
Most Common Poisonous Plants
Some of the most common house and garden plants that are toxic to cats include:
- Lilies1 – All parts of lilies are extremely poisonous to cats, even the pollen. Ingestion of any part of a lily can cause kidney failure.
- Sago Palm2 – All parts of the sago palm plant, including the seeds, are toxic. Eating just a few seeds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure and potentially death.
- Tulips3 – The bulbs of tulips contain toxins that can cause mouth irritation, hypersalivation, vomiting and diarrhea in cats.
- Chrysanthemums1 – Chrysanthemum plants contain pyrethrins that are toxic to cats. Ingestion can lead to dermatitis, hypersalivation and oral ulcers.
- Aloe Vera2 – Aloe vera gel and juice are safe for cats but the plant itself contains saponins and anthraquinones that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if eaten.
Symptoms of Plant Poisoning
When cats ingest poisonous plants, they can show a variety of concerning symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of plant poisoning in cats include:
Vomiting – One of the first signs of plant poisoning is vomiting. Cats may vomit repeatedly after eating toxic plants. According to The Healthy Pet Club, vomiting is a key symptom of plant poisoning in cats.
Diarrhea – In addition to vomiting, diarrhea is another common symptom of plant poisoning. Cats may experience severe, watery diarrhea after ingesting toxic plants.
Excessive drooling – Poisoned cats often excessively drool or foam at the mouth. If you notice your cat drooling without a clear cause like dental disease, it could be a sign they ingested a toxic plant.
Difficulty breathing – Some poisonous plants like sago palms can cause breathing difficulties, wheezing, and respiratory distress in cats. Watch for signs of labored breathing after potential plant ingestion.
Toxic Parts of Plants
Different parts of plants can be poisonous to cats. Here’s an overview of the main plant parts that may contain toxins:
Stems
The stems of many plants contain saponins, which are toxic to cats. Saponins cause vomiting and diarrhea. Examples of plants with poisonous stems include dieffenbachia, philodendron, and yucca.
Leaves
Toxic leaves are one of the most common sources of plant poisoning in cats. Toxins found in leaves can cause anything from mild stomach upset to kidney failure. Some plants with poisonous leaves include lilies, azaleas, hydrangeas, and foxglove.
Flowers
Many flowering plants contain toxic pollen or sap that can sicken cats if ingested. Examples include daffodils, tulips, rhododendrons, and oleander. Just small amounts of these flowers can lead to intense vomiting, diarrhea, or heart problems.
Seeds
The seeds or pits of plants often contain cyanide, which is extremely poisonous. Apple seeds, peach pits, and cherry pits can all be toxic. Even a small number of seeds can cause cyanide poisoning in cats.
Bulbs
The underground bulbs of plants like daffodils, tulips, amaryllis, and lilies are especially poisonous to cats. They contain toxins that can rapidly cause kidney failure. Even small exposures to the bulbs can be fatal.
Why Plants are Harmful
Many plants contain toxins that cats cannot properly digest. These toxins can cause significant harm to a cat’s internal organs such as the kidneys and liver. Specifically, toxins like solanine, tannins, saponins, and glycoalkaloids can wreak havoc on a feline’s digestive system and lead to acute poisoning.
When ingested, plant toxins directly damage the cells of a cat’s kidneys and liver. This causes disruption of normal organ function, inflammation, and potentially even liver failure or renal failure. The kidneys and liver are unable to process the toxins efficiently which allows them to build up to dangerous levels in the body.
Furthermore, some plant toxins are neurotoxic to cats. They contain chemicals that overstimulate and disrupt normal nervous system signaling. This can cause symptoms like dilated pupils, trembling, difficulty walking, seizures, coma and even death in severe cases. https://www.petmd.com/cat/emergency/poisoning-toxicity/e_ct_poisonous_plants
In summary, plants can pose serious health risks to cats because they contain toxins that damage vital organs like the kidneys and liver. They also disrupt normal neurological function which can have life-threatening consequences.
Prevention Tips
The best way to prevent plant poisoning in cats is to research plants thoroughly before bringing them into your home. The ASPCA has a complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants that is a great reference. Only choose plants that are completely cat-safe.
It’s also important to keep all plants out of your cat’s reach, either placing them in areas your cat can’t access or putting them up high where cats can’t jump. Cats are natural climbers though, so you may need to take extra precautions like covering the soil with stones so they aren’t tempted to dig around toxic plants.
Pay attention to any plants your cat tries to eat or chew on. Remove immediately and replace it with a cat-safe alternative. It’s not worth the risk of poisoning.
You can cite the ASPCA plant list here: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
What to Do if a Cat Eats a Toxic Plant
If you suspect your cat has eaten a toxic plant, it is crucial to act quickly to prevent serious illness or death. The first step is to contact your veterinarian immediately. Describe what you saw your cat ingest and how much, as well as any symptoms you are observing.
If ingestion just occurred within the last hour, your vet may advise you to induce vomiting at home by administering 3% hydrogen peroxide. Give 1 teaspoon per 5 lbs of body weight, up to 3 tablespoons max. This clears any remaining plant parts from your cat’s stomach. However, only do so on your vet’s recommendation, as inducing vomiting can be dangerous in some situations.
When you contact or visit the vet clinic, be sure to bring along the plant itself or a photo to aid in identifying it. Correctly identifying the toxic plant will help determine proper treatment. Some plant poisonings require activated charcoal, intravenous fluids, anti-seizure medications, or other therapies. Early identification maximizes the chances of successful recovery.
According to Poison Control, contacting them for guidance can also be helpful in instances of possible plant poisoning. Their animal poison experts can provide first aid instructions and help manage exposures at home when possible. Having the plant name and access to images helps them determine toxicity levels and treatment options.
Long-Term Outlook
The long-term prognosis for a cat after eating a toxic plant depends on the specific plant consumed and how much of it was ingested. Some plants like lilies are extremely toxic and can quickly lead to irreversible kidney failure, while other plants may only cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Kidney or liver damage may occur in some cases if a highly toxic plant was eaten. Acute kidney injury is seen in about two-thirds of cats after eating lilies. But studies show that early and aggressive treatment with fluids and other supportive care can allow for recovery of kidney function in many patients [1].
For less toxic plants, studies show that most cats make a full recovery within 24-48 hours if properly treated [2]. However, without prompt veterinary care, the toxins can continue to cause damage, so immediate treatment is vital.
Overall, the prognosis is generally good in cases of plant poisoning if caught early and treated aggressively. But prevention is key, as some plants can quickly cause irreparable organ damage if a large amount is ingested.
Safer Plant Alternatives
There are several plants that are safe for cats and provide an attractive alternative to toxic varieties. Three top options are spider plants, Boston ferns, and pet-safe succulents:
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are excellent indoor plants that are non-toxic to cats. They have long, thin leaves that cascade down and make an interesting showpiece. Spider plants are easy to care for and tolerant of a wide range of light conditions.
Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) are a classic cascading fern with arching green fronds. They thrive in humid conditions and bright, indirect light. The leaves are soft and rounded at the ends. Boston ferns are perfectly safe for cats and help purify indoor air.
There are also many types of succulents that are non-toxic for pets, such as jade plants, aloe vera, and echeverias. Succulents come in a huge range of shapes, colors, and textures to complement any decor. They store water in their thick leaves so only need occasional watering. Succulents are low maintenance and visually interesting.
Opting for spider plants, Boston ferns, or pet-safe succulents allows cat owners to enjoy attractive indoor plants without risk of poisoning. These plants add visual interest and greenery without posing a hazard.
Conclusion
To summarize, many common houseplants and flowers are toxic to cats if ingested, including lilies, poinsettias, and azaleas. Consuming even small amounts can cause serious harm. Symptoms range from drooling and vomiting to kidney failure. While the toxicity varies by the specific plant part and amount ingested, prevention is critical.
Cat owners should research any plants they bring into the home to identify toxicity risks. Keep all houseplants out of reach of cats. Supervise cats closely when exploring outdoors to prevent nibbling on poisonous plants. Protect flower gardens and houseplants with deterrent sprays made for pets.
If poisoning is suspected, immediately contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center. With prompt treatment, many cats fully recover. To learn more about protecting cats from plants, consult additional resources like the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant lists.