Top 8 Plants Cats Should Avoid: A Must-Read Guide!

Many of our refined friends have the habit of cultivating fresh flowers in their daily lives. However, many plants and flowers are toxic to cats, and if ingested, they can cause anything from mild vomiting and seizures to severe liver failure and even death.

Hyacinth

Pathogenic Factors: Narcissine alkaloids

Clinical Symptoms: Severe vomiting, diarrhea, hematochezia, and kidney failure

Carnation

Pathogenic Factors: Unknown

Clinical Symptoms: Gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and contact dermatitis

Tulip

Pathogenic Factors: Tulipin

Clinical Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, drooling, and more

Chrysanthemum

Pathogenic Parts: Leaves and stems

Clinical Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, moodiness, decreased appetite, drooling, and more

Hydrangea

Toxicity: Relatively low

Clinical Symptoms: Abdominal pain, vomiting, and weakness

Lily

Toxicity: Highly toxic (contains pollen)

Clinical Symptoms: Severe kidney failure, and even death

Philodendron/Devil's Ivy

Pathogenic Factors: Insoluble calcium oxalate

Clinical Symptoms: Drooling, difficulty breathing, kidney disease, and central nervous system symptoms (excitement, spasms)

Spider Plant/Golden Pothos

Pathogenic Factors: Oxalic acid and asparagine (leaves and fruits)

Clinical Symptoms: Sore throat, vocal cord damage, and potentially lifethreatening

What to Do If Your Cat Accidentally Eats Toxic Plants

To treat a poisoned cat, it's crucial to identify the type of flower consumed. Sometimes, a flower may have various common names in addition to its scientific name, which could lead to misdiagnosis by a veterinarian.

Therefore, it's essential to ensure that the flower you mention is the same as the one the veterinarian refers to.

It is recommended that cat owners bring the flower that the cat has chewed on to the pet hospital for the veterinarian to verify. Alternatively, you can visit a nearby flower shop and ask the clerk or florist to help identify the type of flower.

How to Protect Your Cat

1. Keep toxic plants out of reach of your cat

2. Be vigilant about flowers that have been chewed on

3. Monitor your cat for signs of poisoning