Houseplants and gorgeous gardens are
the pride of many homeowners. We spend hours and lots of money selecting the
perfect plant, tilling the soil and helping them to flourish. Plants inside the
home have been shown to reduce indoor pollutants and freshen the air. Cut
flowers from the florist can show someone that you care and can brighten up the
room. But all of this beauty can be deadly... if you have a cat.
Many houseplants are toxic to both
cats and dogs. Some can cause mild digestive upset while others can cause
irreversible organ damage and death. It is important for all pet owners to be
aware of these toxic plants and avoid having them in your home. Cats are
especially at risk for poisoning, as they are very curious creatures and can
jump up high to reach almost any plant for tasting.
8 Common Toxic Plants:
Lily
Lilies are beautiful and many
varieties make beautiful bouquets and houseplants. Easter lilies are popular
during the spring and Tiger lilies make their debut in the gardens all summer
long. If your own a cat, think again before introducing any variety of lily
into your home or garden. All parts of the lily are deadly if eaten by cats,
including the pollen! Pollen from cut lilies in floral arrangements has been
known to cause death in cats. The toxic principle is still unknown to science
but something in the lily causes acute kidney failure in cats. If you have
lilies nearby and your cat begins to show signs such as vomiting, anorexia,
lethargy and less urination - seek veterinary medical care immediately.
Amaryllis
The amaryllis plant has large, showy
blooms in red, white and other colors. It is a common gift around Christmas and
Easter each year and bloom indoors and outdoors. The leaves and blooms are
toxic to both cats and dogs, causing diarrhea, depression, vomiting, excessive
salivation, abdominal pain, anorexia and seizures.
Oleander
Oleander plants are common in
subtropical and tropical areas as outdoor ornamentals. They have long, slender
leaves and pink to purple blooms. Outdoor cats and dogs can be exposed to
oleander poisoning if they decide to take a quick bite of a bright bloom or
clippings from landscaping crews. Signs of toxicity include heart arrhythmias,
lethargy, hypothermia, vomiting, diarrhea and even sudden death.
Aloe Vera
Aloe is a popular plant to keep at
home as a remedy for minor cuts and burns. Just snip off a portion of the plant
and rub it on your skin... if you're a human! Aloe plants are toxic to cats and
dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, seizures and change in
urine color.
Baby's Breath
A popular tiny white flower often
used in floral arrangements, baby's breath is bite-sized for your curious
kitten. Baby's breath's toxic principle causes vomiting, diarrhea and possibly
dehydration in cats and dogs.
Diffenbachia
Diffenbachia, also known as
"dumb-cane" is a popular houseplant. It is easy to care for and grows
attractive tall, slender and sometimes striped leaves. It also contains a very
irritating substances called calcium oxalate. Cats and small children often
like to nibble on the leaves, causing numbness of the mouth and ulcerations if
a large quantity is eaten. Other signs include excessive salivation, pawing at
the mouth, difficulty swallowing, anorexia and vomiting.
Mistletoe
Christmas just isn't Christmas
without hanging mistletoe. Even if it hangs high in your home, leaves can fall
to the floor where dogs and cats can take a nibble. Kissing under the mistletoe
may make your heart race, but it can cause just the opposite when eaten by your
pets. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, low heart rate, erratic behavior,
diarrhea, low blood pressure and difficulty breathing.
Cyclamen
These hardy potted plants are common
gifts and are easy to care for. Their bright blooms, leaves and especially
roots are toxic to dogs and cats. After ingestion, intense vomiting and
diarrhea occur and some deaths have been reported.
"Curiosity killed the cat" and that is often what happens when cats are around the wrong plants. Taking a nibble here and there is annoying but can also be deadly.
Do your pets a favor by doing a
quick inventory of plants in your house and garden - it could save their life!
Credit: Deborah Shores
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