This tropical plant, sometimes known as dumb cane, is commonly found in houseplant collections and is grown for its foliage. Chewing on the leaves causes mouth pain and acute burning, as well as copious drooling and swelling, which can make swallowing and breathing difficult.
What if my cat eats a dieffenbachia?
- Milk is thought to dissolve calcium oxalate crystals and decrease harm to the mucous membranes in your pet’s mouth.
- Seek veterinarian help right away if your pet is having trouble breathing or has swelling around the mouth, jaw, or neck.
- After consulting with your veterinarian, asymptomatic animals can be monitored at home.
Are dieffenbachia plants toxic to pets?
This plant, like others in the Araceae family, has calcium oxalate crystals that are insoluble. These crystals are released when you chew or bite into this plant, causing tissue penetration and discomfort in the mouth and GI system. Swelling of the upper airway happens very rarely, making breathing difficult. For more information, see Oxalates (Insoluble).
Is dieffenbachia toxic to dogs and cats?
Although houseplants can add color and life to a room, several kinds are toxic to pets and can even be fatal if consumed. The plants on the following list are poisonous to your pet because of the toxic compounds they contain. Because many of these plants go by many names, it’s important for all pet owners to become acquainted with them. It’s also a good idea to keep a first-aid kit on hand for your pet in case of an accident.
Lilies
Although the Lily family of plants is broad, some of its members are harmful to dogs and cats. Dogs and cats are both harmful to the Mauna Loa, also known as the Peace Lily, but cats are exclusively toxic to the Stargazer and Easter Lilies. In fact, if left untreated, the Stargazer and Easter Lily can be lethal to cats since it impairs the animal’s appetite and kidneys. If your dog or cat eats the Peace Lily, he or she may vomit and have difficulty swallowing due to inflamed lips and tongue.
Aloe Vera
While Aloe Vera is beneficial to people because of its skin-smoothing effects, it is harmful to dogs. The leaves contain a form of gel component that isn’t hazardous to your dog if eaten, but the rest of the plant can cause digestive problems in dogs.
Ivy (Hedera Helix)
We’ve all heard about Poison Ivy, but even normal Ivy, despite its beauty, can be hazardous to a dog. If a dog eats the plant, it may get a rash and/or respiratory problems, but things can quickly escalate because Ivy can also cause a coma or paralysis.
Jade (Crassula Ovata)
Jade Tree, Dwarf Rubber Plant, Chinese or Japanese Rubber Plant, Friendship Tree, and Baby Jade are all names for the same plant. Keep it away from your pet dog or cat, whatever you want to name it. Nobody knows what the precise poisons in this plant are, but swallowing it can cause vomiting, ataxia (lack of coordination), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and/or depression.
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Dieffenbachia is harmful to both dogs and cats and is also known as Dumb Cane, Exotica, or Tropic Snow. The chemicals in this plant can cause mouth and tongue burning and swelling, as well as trouble swallowing, vomiting, and excessive salivation. It can cause breathing problems and even death in some circumstances.
Elephant Ear (Caladium)
Malanga, Via Sori, Pai, Taro, Cape, or Ape are some of the other common names for this colorful plant species. Because the compounds contained in it are comparable to those found in Dieffenbachia, the reactions are nearly identical. This means your pet may experience oral problems, excessive salivation or drooling, vomiting, and swallowing difficulties.
Pothos/Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)
The plant, also known as Satin or Silk Pothos, is toxic to both dogs and cats and can cause mouth and tongue irritation. Additionally, your pet may have vomiting, excessive salivation, and difficulty swallowing. The plant is related to Philodendron and can produce symptoms that are similar.
This exotic-looking plant in all of its forms might cause troubles for your companion dog. The roots, leaves, and even the seeds are included. All parts of the plant are dangerous, and consuming any of them can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and even liver failure.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
This plant isn’t recommended for your pet because it can cause irritated reactions such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Emerald Fern, Emerald Feather, Sprengeri Fern, Lace Fern, and Plumosa Fern are all names for the same plant that is harmful to both dogs and cats. The plant contains a toxin called Sapogenin, which when consumed can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and skin inflammation.
Sowbread (Cyclamen)
This flowering plant will light up any room, but dogs and cats will be poisoned by it. It can cause excessive salivation/drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, and irregular heartbeats and/or seizures if swallowed. In severe circumstances, it might even be fatal.
There are various varieties of plants that are safe for your pet dog to adorn your home with because they contain no hazardous toxins or chemicals. The most well-known and well-liked of these are
Are Fittonia poisonous to cats?
Fittonia albivenis is also known as mosaic plant and nerve plant, which has the sinister sound of something that affects the nervous system. Cats and dogs, on the other hand, are unaffected by this rainforest native with gorgeous white or pink veining on its leaves.
Is dieffenbachia good for indoors?
Dieffenbachia is a tropical plant that thrives in bright indirect light indoors. It can survive in low light, but its growth will be significantly slowed. Dieffenbachia can be grown outdoors in partial shade in zones 11 and 12, where it makes an excellent landscape plant.
Are Chinese evergreen plants toxic to cats?
No, cats should not be around Chinese evergreen plants. Chinese evergreens are deadly to cats, dogs, and horses, according to the ASPCA. This is because insoluble calcium oxalates, a poisonous principle, are present.
What if a dog eats a dieffenbachia?
The dieffenbachia can reach a height of over six feet and has enormous variegated leaves that range from yellow to green in hue. They do have the ability to blossom, however the majority do not yield berries or fruits. Dumbcane, leopard lily, and mother-in-tongue law’s are some of the other common names for dieffenbachia. Dieffenbachia comes in a wide range of colors and variations, so it’s not always evident if the plant in your yard or park is poisonous or not. It’s important to keep an eye on your dog when he’s outside and remove any dangerous plants from your yard. This is especially critical if your dog has a reputation for chewing on anything and everything. If your dog has an allergic reaction, there are hazardous enzymes that can be painful and even lethal. Take your dog to the veterinarian or veterinary hospital right away if you fear he’s eaten a dieffenbachia.
Because of their insoluble oxalate crystals and acid, Dieffenbachia plants are toxic to dogs. The crystals are actually small needle-like enzymes that form in the dieffenbachia’s stem and leaves as a pest deterrent. The crystals are released when your dog chews on the dieffenbachia plant, and they embed themselves in your dog’s mouth, tongue, and throat. The acids and other enzymes that have yet to be identified are likewise hazardous to the rest of the plant. Dieffenbachia are popular houseplants, but they can also be found as shrubs or attractive bushes in the wild.
The calcium oxalate needles and oxalic acid in the dieffenbachia plant can induce stomach upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as blistering and swelling of the mouth. These irritate mucous membranes and can trigger an allergic reaction in some dogs, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Ocular (eye) exposure is uncommon, but it can be quite painful, therefore you should take your dog to the clinic for treatment. Topical (skin) exposure can also induce symptoms, which can be treated at home with soap and water.
What plants are okay for cats to eat?
Fresh flowers and plants can brighten up your home, and outdoor gardening may be relaxing and enjoyable while also boosting the curb appeal of your property.
However, it’s crucial to think about your feline companion’s safety before choosing plants for your home (or your yard or patio, if your kitty goes outside).
Some plants are completely safe for cats, while others are extremely hazardous, if not fatal.
Houseplants That Are Toxic to Cats
Some plants are poisonous while others are not. When in doubt, stay away from plants.
Lilies are number one.
Lilies are perhaps the most dangerous plant for cats out of all the others. That’s because consumption can lead to renal failure, which necessitates immediate hospitalization and, even with care, can be fatal.
Cats are poisoned by every part of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in the vase. So simply brushing near the plant and getting pollen on their fur (which is then consumed while grooming) or drinking the flower water could cause severe renal failure in your cat.
Because the risks are so great, cat parents should avoid keeping any type of lily in their homes.
2. Crocus in the Autumn
In both cats and dogs, this fall-blooming flower can induce tongue irritation, severe digestive distress (potentially involving bloody vomiting), organ damage, bone marrow suppression, and even death.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas
These flowering plants can cause nausea and vomiting, as well as weakness, heart difficulties, central nervous system depression, and even coma and death.
4. Narcissus and Daffodils
Stomach trouble, convulsions, irregular heart rhythms, tremors, and dangerously low blood pressure are all possible side effects of these plants, particularly the bulbs.
Dieffenbachia is a kind of Dieffenbachia.
This plant is also known as dumb cane or tropic snow, and it isn’t usually lethal. However, it contains irritants that can induce a burning sensation in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
Oleander (number 6)
This flowering shrub is a common plant in the garden. If eaten, however, it is hazardous to your cat’s heart. The effects on the heart, in addition to producing stomach trouble, can be fatal.
7. Chives and onions
Onions and chives, while some herbs are pet-friendly, are not. They can induce red blood cell loss and life-threatening anemia in some pets, in addition to stomach distress.
Palms of Sago
Although there are indoor and outdoor versions of this popular tropical plant, it is more often grown outside. Ingestion can harm a cat’s liver, which can be fatal even if treated. Bloody vomiting and diarrhea, weakness/depression, and seizures are all possible side effects.
Tulips, number nine
Tulips can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy/depression, and convulsions if eaten (particularly the bulb, however all parts of the plant are toxic).
Toxic Holiday Plants
Aside from the above-mentioned Easter favorites like lilies and tulips, certain holiday seasonal plants should be avoided.
Poinsettias, number ten
Poinsettias can induce stomach distress if consumed, though their toxicity has been exaggerated.
Holly is number eleven.
Mistletoe is a type of mistletoe that grows in the
This plant can also produce stomach trouble, which can lead to more serious side effects such as an irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, convulsions, collapse, and (in big doses) death.
Symptoms of Toxic Plant Ingestion in Cats
The symptoms of a poisonous plant exposure vary depending on the type of plant your cat ate, so you may not notice all of them. However, any of them is cause for concern following a toxic plant exposure. Your cat may show the following signs:
- Diarrhea and vomiting (which may be mild to severe, and may or may not contain blood).
- Heartbeats that aren’t regular. Because most pet parents don’t monitor their cat’s pulse on a regular basis, this may be more difficult to detect. You may experience faintness, weakness, distress, or collapse as a result of irregular heartbeats.
What to Do if Your Cat Ingested a Toxic Plant
To begin, reduce your hazardous exposure. Remove your pet from the plant and, if possible, remove plant components from their mouth or fur. While some portions of the plant may be more hazardous than others, it’s safest to assume that the entire plant (as well as the vase water) is toxic.
Even if your cat isn’t showing symptoms yet, contact your veterinarian (or an after-hours clinic) right away. Although symptoms may be delayed, timely treatment can make a significant difference and even save lives.
Bring the plant or a piece of it (enough to identify it) to the veterinarian if you’re not sure what it is. Keep it separate from your cat during transport to avoid exposing them to extra toxicity. Different plants require different treatments, therefore your veterinarian should be aware of this.
If you can’t get in touch with a veterinarian right away, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Unless your veterinarian or a pet poison control expert instructs you otherwise, do not attempt home treatments or make your cat vomit.
Plants That Are Safe for Cats
Don’t worry if you have a cat and enjoy gardening. Cat-friendly indoor plants and outdoor plants that could be used to line a catio are among the many plants that are typically considered safe for cats.
Cat Grass (Cat Grass) is a type of grass that
Many cats enjoy munching on grass, though not as much as dogs do. A safe choice for this is “cat grass,” which is often a blend of barley, wheat, oat, or rye grasses. This plant comes in compact grow kits that you can put up like a miniature garden for your animal buddy to enjoy to their hearts delight (in direct sunshine). This may also stop them from nibbling on your other plants.
Catnip, no. 2
Yes, this is the same strange-smelling material that can be found in a lot of cat toys. Your cat may prefer the fresh variety, and you’ll love watching him nibble on the plant or even roll on top of it. While catnip is generally considered safe for cats to eat, excessive consumption might induce stomach discomfort, drowsiness, or hyperactivity but most cats can tolerate it in moderation. Place it somewhere in your home that gets plenty of bright light to keep it flourishing.
Keep in mind that even if your cat eats plants that are safe for cats, he or she may experience gastrointestinal discomfort. This is especially true for cat grass and catnip, which are the two plants your cat should eat on a daily basis.
Additional plants that are safe for your cat, even if he takes a small nibble now and then, are listed below. However, your cat should not eat them on a regular basis because they can cause stomach problems.
3. Violets from Africa
Bamboo Palm No. 4 (also known as Parlor Palm)
Areca Palm No. 5
Air Plants, No. 6
Boston Fern, no. 7
Orchids Phalaenopsis
9. Palm with a Ponytail (also known as Beaucarnea Recurvata)
Spider Plants (nine)
Calathea, for example, is a type of prayer plant.
Hens and Chicks, Haworthia, Blue Echeveria, Peperomias, Bromeliads, and Christmas Cactuses are just a few of the succulents available.
How Do You Know What Plants Are Safe for Cats?
It would be hard to cover all of the plants that grow in a variety of temperatures and situations here. So, keep in mind that this list of plants is not exhaustive, and there may be more plants that pose a risk to your kitty if he or she is exposed. It’s crucial to check whether a plant is poisonous to cats before bringing it into your house.
Many plant names sound similar, especially popular names rather than scientific names. To be on the safe side, do your homework before bringing any new plant into your home or yard where your cat can be exposed. The ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant searchable database is a fantastic place to start.
Setting Up Your Plants So They’re Safe for Cats
Toxic plants should never be brought into the house, but don’t assume your kitty companion won’t be able to access plants on the counter or on high shelves. Make sure you have a cat-proof area for anything you don’t want your pet to have access to.
This will protect not only your cat, but also your new plant’s fronds from tooth marks, as well as from your cat digging up the dirt and making a mess, or knocking over and damaging a vase or pot.
Artificial plants are also a good option if you want to be cautious (plus, they’re super minimal maintenance!).
You may enjoy some greenery and flowers while keeping your kitten safe if you do your homework ahead of time, studying plants and then finding a safe area to put them.
Are aloe plants toxic to cats?
Aloe vera is a typical household plant, not for its beauty but for its medicinal properties. Although aloe juice and pulp can be used to treat a range of human ailments, it is extremely harmful to cats. Aloe-eating cats may vomit, feel drowsy, or have diarrhea.
What flowers can you have with cats?
This non-toxic cottage garden favorite is a safe option for adorning your house. Antirrhinums add height to any arrangement when used with round-headed summer blossoms like scabious and roses (both of which are also non-toxic). Snapdragons supply nectar for bumble bees, which are one of the few insects capable of âopeningâ the bloom.