Every cat owner is willing to go that extra mile to ensure their feline’s health. Pet owners will buy obscure food blends, rush to the vet, or run out into the lightning storm in search of a missing cat. Yet there are many common plants on display in people’s homes that are actually toxic to felines. Take a look at the list below to see if you’ve unknowingly placed a potentially harmful plant within munching distance of your favorite four-legged friend:
1. Amaryllis
A popular winter time houseplant. The Amaryllis features lycorine, a toxic alkaloid. In pets, lycorine can cause diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, tremors, and depression, among other things.
2. Azaleas
A subspecies of the more woody Rhododendron. These small plants are less toxic than their larger cousin, but can still be dangerous in large doses. Ingestion negatively affects the sodium channels in cardiac and skeletal muscles due to a chemical called grayanotoxin.
3. Daffodils
These bright, vibrant flowers contain lycorine, as well as various irritants coating the exterior. However, compared to other plants on this list, daffodils have a pet toxicity level that’s fairly mild. This is a good thing considering how popular they are.
4. Lily
Lilies come in a wide variety of types, many of which are quite toxic to cats and other pets. In extreme cases, two leaves can trigger kidney failure in up to three days if left untreated.
5. Peace lily
A subspecies of lily. While ingestion of these plants will not affect your cat’s kidneys they can still be quite toxic. This is due to small crystals that irritate the tissue of the mouth and digestive tract, leading to stomach problems or breathing issues.
6. Pathos
Not to be confused with pathos. Pothos is also known as Devil’s Ivy. It’s leaves contain calcium oxalates that are insoluble. Can cause swelling, irritation, or intense burning in the oral region.
7. Tulip
Much beloved by humans this plant still presents a potential danger to pets. They contain lactones, another toxic alkaloid, with especially high concentrations located in the bulb of the plant.
8. Other toxic plants for cats
Along with the tulip, peace lily, and pathos there are a host of other plants with notable pet toxicity threats that should be avoided in your house if you have cats:
- Castor bean
- Chrysanthemum
- Daisy
- Cyclamen
- Dieffenbachia
- English ivy
- Hyacinth
- Kalanchoe
- Lily of the valley
- Marijuana
- Oleander
- Pathos
- Sago palm
- Spanish thyme
- Yew
With some plants only large amounts will cause a reaction, while others can trigger a major reaction after only mild exposure. Typically, if a plant is toxic then there is no safe section for your animal to rub or chew on. Instead, toxic elements will be spread throughout the plant to varying degrees.
If you ever think your cat may have come into contact with a harmful plant keep an eye out for these symptoms. Most plants are irritants, so negative reactions will include things like redness, inflammation, or excessive itching in the area of the mouth, eyes, or nose. If the toxic plant have been swallowed and entered the digestive tract this irritation can cause bouts of diarrhea or vomiting. Other symptoms may depend on the point of contact with specific organs. Issues could include drooling, excessive drinking, weakness, difficulty breathing, or irregular heartbeat.