Introduction
Nearly 5% of cat owners report plant poisoning as a reason for visiting the vet emergency room, according to the ASPCA
This article will examine common poisonous houseplants, symptoms of poisoning, and the speed at which a cat may react when ingesting toxic vegetation. We will also overview diagnosis, treatment, and prevention tips to keep your feline friends safe.
Common Poisonous Plants
Some of the most common house and outdoor plants that are poisonous to cats include:
- Lilies – All parts of the lily plant are toxic to cats if ingested, including the leaves, flowers, pollen, and water in the vase. The toxins can cause kidney failure.
- Sago palms – The seeds and leaves of sago palms contain cycasin, which is toxic to cats and can cause liver failure if ingested.
- Tulips/Narcissus – The bulbs of tulips and daffodils contain toxins that can cause mouth pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and heart arrhythmias in cats.
- Azaleas and rhododendrons – These flowering shrubs contain grayantoxins that can cause vomiting, drooling, weakness, and trouble breathing if ingested by cats.
- Aloe vera – The sap contains chemicals called anthraquinones that are purgatives and can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats.
- Chrysanthemums – All varieties contain pyrethrins that are toxic to cats if ingested, causing salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and lack of coordination.
Many of these plants contain insoluble calcium oxalates, alkaloids, glycosides, or other toxins that can irritate the mouth, esophagus and stomach. Even small ingestions can cause pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver damage, respiratory distress, collapse, or death in cats.
Initial Exposure
Cats most often come into contact with poisonous plants through ingestion or skin contact. Cats are notoriously curious creatures and will explore their environment with their mouth and paws. They may chew or lick an unknown plant out of curiosity. Cats may also brush up against plants, resulting in skin contact with the leaves, stems or sap. According to the ASPCA, lilies are the most dangerous plants to cats, as ingesting even a small amount can lead to kidney failure 1. Other common poisonous plants that cats may ingest include philodendrons, azaleas, oleander, sago palm and tulips.
Some key curious behaviors that can lead to a cat’s exposure to poisonous plants include chewing on houseplants, drinking water from vases containing flower arrangements, brushing up against outdoor plants and flowers when exploring the yard, and lounging or rolling around in potted plants or flower beds. Kittens are especially prone to tasting and mouthing unknown objects as part of their natural development and learning. Keeping poisonous plants fully out of reach and closely supervising cats when exploring new environments can help prevent accidental exposures.
Route of Exposure
Cats can be exposed to toxins from plants through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin or mucous membranes. The most common route of exposure is ingestion, where a cat eats or licks part of a toxic plant. Cats are notorious for chewing on houseplants, which can expose them to toxins if the plant is poisonous. Cats may also ingest toxins by grooming contaminated fur after brushing against a toxic plant. According to the ASPCA, over 90% of poisoning cases in cats are the result of ingestion.
Inhalation is another potential route of exposure, though less common. If a toxic plant releases harmful volatile oils or other airborne particles, a cat may inhale these toxins and develop poisoning. Finally, some plant toxins like essential oils can be absorbed through the skin. Dermal contact with certain plant leaves or saps may be enough to cause toxicity in cats.
Overall, ingestion accounts for the vast majority of plant poisonings in cats. Cats should be prevented from chewing on or eating any part of an unknown or potentially toxic plant. Inhalation and dermal absorption are less frequent routes of exposure, but may still cause illness in some cases.
Speed of Reaction
The speed of a cat’s reaction to a poisonous plant depends on a few key factors, including the type of plant, the amount ingested, and the cat’s individual sensitivity. However, most reactions occur quite quickly, usually within 0-2 hours after exposure.
According to Gallant, cats can begin showing signs of poisoning in as little as 30 minutes after ingestion. Common early symptoms include vomiting, drooling, and lethargy. More severe reactions like tremors, seizures, and respiratory distress may begin within 1-2 hours.
The Cats Protection charity states that cats can become ill within minutes of ingesting a poisonous plant. Vomiting often starts very quickly as the cat’s body tries to expel the toxin.
According to CVETS, the onset of symptoms ranges from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the amount ingested and individual variation between cats. However, many toxic plants can begin to cause vomiting, lethargy, and dilated pupils within the first 1-2 hours.
In summary, most cats will react quite quickly after ingesting a poisonous plant, with symptoms often appearing within the first 0-2 hours. However, the exact timing depends on the type and amount of plant, as well as the individual cat’s sensitivity.
Mild vs Severe Reactions
The severity of a cat’s reaction to a poisonous plant depends on the toxicity of the plant itself as well as the amount ingested. Mild reactions tend to result from ingesting small amounts of mildly toxic plants like philodendrons, pothos, or poinsettias [1]. On the other hand, severe reactions are more likely from highly toxic plants like lilies, sago palms, or azaleas, even in small doses [2].
Common symptoms of mild poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and mild abdominal discomfort. Severe reactions can lead to more dangerous symptoms like difficulty breathing, seizures, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Severe poisoning requires immediate veterinary treatment, as it can be fatal if left untreated [3].
Overall, the milder the toxic properties of the plant and the less amount ingested, the milder the cat’s reaction will be. But even small ingestions of highly toxic plants can provoke a severe, life-threatening reaction.
Diagnosis
Veterinarians will diagnose plant poisoning in cats based on the cat’s symptoms and history of possible exposure to toxic plants. Diagnostic tests that may be used include:
- Physical exam – The vet will check for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, abnormal heart rate.
- Blood tests – To check for abnormalities in red blood cell counts, liver enzymes, and electrolyte balances that can indicate poisoning.
- Urinalysis – To check for toxins being filtered out by the kidneys.
- Endoscopy – A camera inserted down the throat to visualize irritation or foreign objects.
- Biopsy – Taking a tissue sample from the stomach or intestines to check for inflammation.
- ECG – To monitor heart rate and rhythm for abnormalities.
If the cat has visible plant material in its mouth or on its fur, the vet may try to identify the plant. Knowing the specific toxic plant involved can help guide treatment. However, treatment usually begins immediately based on symptoms, rather than waiting for test results.
Treatment
If you suspect your cat has ingested a poisonous plant, the first step is to call your veterinarian or pet poison helpline immediately. They can advise you on any first aid steps to take at home before bringing your cat in.
To help identify the plant, bring a sample or photo of the plant with you to the vet clinic. Be prepared to provide details on when and how much of the plant your cat ingested.
Upon examination, the vet will look for symptoms of poisoning like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, or abnormal heart rate. Tests like blood work, urinalysis, and x-rays may be done to check for organ damage.
Treatment depends on the type and amount of toxin, and how severe the poisoning is. For mild cases, the vet may induce vomiting and give medication for gastrointestinal upset. Activated charcoal may be given to absorb toxins.
For severe poisoning that has caused seizures or organ damage, hospitalization with aggressive treatment like IV fluids, anti-seizure medication, and oxygen therapy may be required. The antidote atropine may be used for deadly nightshade poisoning.
In very severe cases where a highly toxic dose was ingested, the damage may be irreversible even with prompt veterinary treatment.
Prevention
The best way to protect cats from toxic plants is to prevent exposure in the first place. Here are some tips pet owners can follow:
- Identify and remove any poisonous plants from the home or yard. Common indoor toxic plants include lilies, poinsettia, and philodendron. Outdoors, watch for oleander, azaleas, rhododendrons, and Japanese yew.
- Place all houseplants out of reach of cats, either in hanging baskets or on high shelves. Cats are natural climbers and will get into anything they can.
- Make plants unappealing by spraying leaves with lemon juice, orange oil, or a commercial bitter apple spray [1].
- Cover bare soil in pots with rocks so cats aren’t tempted to dig.
- Keep lilies out of flower arrangements. Even pollen on the petals can poison cats.
- Inspect the yard before letting cats outside and remove or cover any toxic plants.
- Closely supervise cats when exploring new areas to prevent nibbling on unknown plants.
Taking preventative measures can help avoid emergency situations. However, accidents still happen. Being prepared and knowing what to do next is key to getting prompt treatment.
Conclusion
The timing and severity of a cat’s reaction to poisonous plants depends on several factors. The most common poisonous plants for cats include lilies, sago palms, and azaleas. Initial symptoms can appear within 1-2 hours of exposure. The route of exposure also plays a role – ingestion leads to faster absorption and more severe effects compared to skin contact. Reactions can range from mild nausea and vomiting to severe kidney failure and death within 24-48 hours.
If poisoning is suspected, immediate vet care is essential. Treatment depends on the toxin, but may include induced vomiting, fluids, or medicine to protect the kidneys. While reactions can develop rapidly, prompt treatment greatly improves the chances of recovery.
Prevention is key. Keep all poisonous plants out of reach of cats and monitor them closely when exploring outdoors. Being aware of common toxins and symptoms can help owners act fast at the first signs of trouble. While the timing varies, a cat’s small size makes poisonous plants a serious risk.