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WHAT PLANTS ARE POISONOUS TO CATS?

by | Nov 5, 2022 | Health

WHAT PLANTS ARE POISONOUS TO CATS?

Spring is right around the corner! While most of us can’t wait to ditch the cabin fever and breathe some life back into our homes, it’s important to know how to cultivate a safe environment for our cats as well. Here’s a list of 10 common plants that are toxic to cats.

Autumn Crocus

Toxicity – mild to severe

Symptoms – drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea, black tarry stool, organ damage, respiratory failure, seizures, and death

Azaleas/Rhododendrons    

Toxicity – mild to severe

Symptoms –  drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate and heart rhythms, low blood pressure, weakness, tremors, depression, blindness, seizures, and coma

Cyclamen

Toxicity – mild to moderate

Symptoms – drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate/rhythm, and seizures

Cyclamen

Toxicity – mild to moderate

Symptoms – drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate/rhythm, and seizures

Dieffenbachia

Toxicity – mild to moderate

Symptoms – drooling, pawing at the mouth, decreased appetite, and vomiting

Kalanchoe

Toxicity – mild to moderate, rarely severe

Symptoms – drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea

Lilies    

Toxicity – moderate to severe, even fatal

Symptoms – loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and increased or decreased urination

Marijuana

Toxicity – moderate to severe

Symptoms – lethargy, difficulty walking, low heart rate, low blood pressure, decreased respiratory rate, dilated pupils, hyperactivity, vocalization, seizures, and coma

Sago Palm

Toxicity – severe

Symptoms – vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling and/or pain, jaundice, black stools, and death

Tulips/Hyacinths

Toxicity – mild to moderate

Symptoms – drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, and difficulty breathing

If you suspect that your cat has ingested one of these plants, bring them to the vet right away. The sooner they are seen by a veterinarian, the better the chances are that the poisoning can be treated. Keep in mind that there are many other plants that are poisonous to cats that aren’t on this list. For a complete list of plants that are toxic to pets, visit http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons/.