Every cat owner knows that these independent animals have a habit of walking on window sills and nibbling on potted plants. However, not everyone is aware that it may end tragically for a pet. These are the most common in our homespotted plants poisonous for catsSee our list of flowers to avoid if you have a cat at home, what symptoms of poisoning can be and what to do when your pet is already poison.
Beware of poisonous potted plants!
Many popular houseplants contain harmful substances that, when eaten by a cat, can cause disturbing symptoms or even cause death. It is therefore worth finding outwhich houseplants are poisonous to catsand better remove them from the house. Remember thatonly you can take care of your cat's safetyTherefore, before you decide to buy a new plant, check the table below if it will not pose a threat to your cat.
The toxicity of potted plants for catsresults from the chemicals they contain, which in nature play a defensive role, protecting plants from being eaten. These are glycosides, calcium oxalates, resins and saponins. They give the parts of the plant an often unpleasant bitter taste. Unfortunatelythis does not discourage domestic cats from eating them from potsEach of the substances mentioned causes a characteristic reaction of the body.
Glycosides are highly poisonous chemicals .A large number of them are found in plants such as: clivia, oleander, cyclamen or aloe. Eating a part of these plants by a cat may cause diarrhea, severe vomiting, damage to the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, and in extreme cases even death.
Saponins are compounds similar toglycosides, showing strong foaming properties. They are found in large amounts in anthuriums and cyclamen tubers.After your cat eats a piece of these plants , you may experience vomiting, severe diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmias, and seizures and coma.
Calcium oxalates come in the form ofinsoluble crystals suspended in the sap of plants such as: monstera, cheflera, perennial, diphenbachia and anthurium. Calcium oxalate itself is not toxic, but it causes severe allergic reactions, overloads the urinary system and can damage the kidneys.
Many plant species (including ponisencja, croton, azalea, ficuses) produce resins that areirritating to the digestive system and the cat's skin . Even rubbing against a stem or leaves can cause a severe skin reaction.
Download the tablet in a printable version:
- Poisonous potted plants (PDF)
Individualspecies of potted plants poisonous to catsshow higher or lower toxicity.Low toxicity species are only dangerous for sensitive cats , weakened and allergic-prone and pregnant cats. Most cats will not feel any discomfort after eating e.g. chibora leaves, but some may experience severe diarrhea.
However,highly toxic species pose a threat to all catsand must not come into contact with these plants.Azaleas, clusters and oleanders are especially dangerous houseplants for cats . Having a cat, we should not bring these plants into our home. Eating even a small portion, especially of azaleas, can end up tragically for your cat.
Remember!If you notice any disturbing behavior in your cat after eating any plant, contact your vet immediately.
Finally, it is worth adding thatthere are also a lot of potted plants that are completely safe for cats . Some of them even have a beneficial effect on these animals! You can find a list of such plants here: potted plants safe for cats :-)
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
