Poisonous Plants for Cats - List of Prohibited Plants
Among the plants that are poisonous to cats are many popular potted and garden flowers. If you're looking to create a safe space for your purring friend, you'll want to check out our list of plants that are harmful to cats.
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Why are some plants dangerous for cats?
Although cats are mandatory predators, they sometimes show interest in plants. If they have the opportunity, they will pierce the grass from time to time. They do this mainly in order to remove the remaining wool swallowed during the cleaning of their fur from the digestive tract. In the event that cats do not have access to the grass, they can nibble the leaves of another plant in the house. In addition, some cats gnaw at random objects, including plants in pots when they are bored. Unfortunately, animals cannot say which flowers are safe for them and which are not.
Many plants contain substances harmful or even poisonous for cats. It is important to note that toxins are in the entire plant - not only in the leaves, but also in the stem, bulbs, roots and colors. Particularly dangerous plants for cats are those that contain compounds such as: glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, calcium and resin oxalates. The cat does not even need to eat a piece of plant. Just bite off the sheet and getting a small amount of juice in the mouth, it can be dangerous.
Poisoning can be accompanied by symptoms such as:
- diarrhea,
- vomit,
- salivation,
- irritation of the skin and mucous membranes on the head,
- unstable gait, lack of balance,
- apathy,
- unwillingness to eat or drink
- The difficulty of swallowing,
- expansion or narrowing of the pupils,
- respiratory disorders,
- Cardiac arrhythmia.
If you notice or suspect that your pet has eaten a plant poisonous for a cat, you should immediately attribute it to the veterinarian. In this situation, every minute on the account. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning when eating some plants. They are often seen not immediately after the toxin enters the body, but only after a few hours, when the chances of salvation of the animal decrease. So it is worth learning to distinguish between plants poisonous for cats and protect your pet from them. It is better not to take them home at all. As an alternative, you can place them in a place inaccessible to purring, or in a room where the animal cannot enter.
Indoor plants poisonous for cats
Here is a list of the most common indoor plants that are poisonous for cats, and the symptoms that they cause:
- Dieffenbachia - contact with the juices of this plant causes a severe itching of the tongue and mouth in the animal. Other symptoms include: vomiting, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, language pain and abundant salivation of the animal, as well as breathing problems, which sometimes can even lead to death;
- Peaceful Lilia is poisonous for cats and dangerous, its eating can even lead to the death of the animal. The main symptoms of poisoning include: severe vomiting, foamy salivation, problems with swallowing and breathing, as well as irritation of the oral cavity, a sharp deterioration in mood;
- Cyclamen is a beautiful flower, popular in many homes, but poisonous to cats. Causes: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and with large consumption - heart problems, convulsions and even death;
- poinsettia - also known as the Star of Bethlehem. Its harmful effects are manifested by: vomiting, salivation, irritation of the oral mucosa, and sometimes skin irritation;
- Aloe - although it is a valuable medicinal plant for humans, but in a cat can cause symptoms of poisoning. Its symptoms include: lethargy, vomiting, irritation of the digestive system and even cramps, breathing problems and problems with movement;
- Sansvieria is poisonous for cats, but not one of the most dangerous plants. Symptoms of poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, as well as irritation of the oral cavity and digestive system.
Cut flowers are poisonous for cats
Potter plants are not the only threat to your pet. Also be careful with bouquets - they often add flowers that are poisonous for a cat. These include:
- Lilia - one of the most poisonous plants for a cat - all its varieties are dangerous. Symptoms of his poisoning include: problems with the digestive system: abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, salivation. If the animal does not provide immediate assistance, the kidney damage occurs, leading to death;
- Lily of the valley - a flower related to the Liley family, and therefore also poisonous for a cat. After its use, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea and disorientation occur, as well as respiratory and heart disorders. Each part of the plant is poisonous, even the water in which the valley were placed;
- Narcissus - as a result of eating parts of the plant, problems with the digestive system can first arise, including vomiting and diarrhea or constipation. With poisoning, breathing problems and severe itching may occur;
- Iris - in addition to symptoms in the form of vomiting and salivation, can lead to diarrhea, sometimes bloody, and severe weakness;
- Amarillis is another of the colors harmful to cats, often used in bouquets. The characteristic symptoms of poisoning include: vomiting and diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure, heart disorders and convulsions.
Flowers are poisonous for cats can be found in many houses, on balconies and in gardens. For the sake of your pet, you must get rid of them from the environment. However, if you do not imagine a house without living greenery, choose safe plants for a cat, for example, orchids, ferns, roses or grassy plants.






