Dangerous Plants and Flowers for Cats

There are certainly a lot of hazards out there for our pets. And toxic plants and flowers make up a big part of that group. Since cats sometimes like to nibble on plants, this can present a real danger. Below, your veterinarian Webster, NY tells you about some common houseplants and flowers that aren’t safe for your cat. 

Lilies 

Many varieties of the lily flower—Easter lilies, day lilies, Tiger lilies, Lily of the Valley, Japanese lilies, and more—can poison your cat. Even ingesting a small bit of these flowers can pose a threat to your cat, and it can even cause kidney failure without treatment. Your veterinary clinic Webster, NY recommends checking all bouquets and floral arrangements in your home, as well as your landscaping outside. Remove lilies if you find them.

The Sago Palm 

The sago palm is a common houseplant, but it’s not very good for our feline friends. Symptoms of sago palm poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding problems, and liver failure, among others. It’s best to avoid these entirely. If you have them in your home currently, play it safe and get rid of them. Learn more about sago palm toxicity in pets by calling your vet Webster, NY.

Aloe Vera 

That’s right—the beloved aloe vera plant can also harm our feline companions. These plants contain toxins called Saponins, which can lead to serious health symptoms. Loss of appetite, lethargy and depression, vomiting, and diarrhea are just a few examples. These symptoms typically manifest in cats between six and 12 hours after initial ingestion, so acting fast is important. If you know or suspect your cat has eaten part of an aloe vera plant, take them to your pet clinic Webster, NY.

Check your home for aloe vera plants, as these are common decorative plants, too. Your vets Webster, NY recommends rehoming these plants or trashing them, just to be safe.

Daffodils 

The daffodil is another pretty flower that’s not so pretty when our cats ingest it. Most of the toxic properties are found in the bulb of the daffodil, but any part of the flower can prove toxic to cats. Ask your vet clinic Webster, NY for more information on the anatomy of toxic plants so you know what to watch out for. 

Symptoms of daffodil poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and heart arrhythmias. Clearly, it’s not a good idea to allow your cat access to daffodils. Check your gardens and landscaping, as well as flowers inside your home, and get rid of daffodils. And let your animal hospital Webster, NY know if you’re bringing your cat in for an exam.

Autumn Crocus 

Like daffodils, the bulb of the autumn crocus plant is the most toxic area, but all parts of it can be dangerous. And with symptoms like irritation in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and liver and kidney damage, you’ll want your cat to stay far away. Keep your veterinarians Webster, NY number on hand to call in the event of an emergency. Remove autumn crocus plants from your home if necessary.

Do your research to find out about other toxic plants and flowers that are common in your area. This list is by no means an exhaustive one. And check with your vets Webster, NY if you’re ever unsure whether a plant or flower is safe to keep in your home.