What Houseplants Are Not Safe For Cats

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Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia amoena)

  • Aloe.
  • Philodendron with cut leaves
  • Pothos in gold.
  • Jade Tree.
  • Golden Pothos with Snake Plant: Part 2 of Reducing Indoor Air Pollution with Houseplants. Master Gardeners from Santa Fe Extension.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Sago Palm.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control. English Ivy.
  • Magill, Alan J., and others

Which indoor plants are safe for cats?

The ASPCA has provided the following list of plants that are safe for dogs and cats.

  • black violets
  • Palm areca
  • little rubber plant
  • infant’s tears (can cause mild vomiting and diarrhea)
  • fern of Boston
  • Holiday cactus
  • Palm parlor
  • palm a pony
  • prayer tree
  • Succulents (While some are poisonous (see above), many others, such as blue echeveria (also known as hen and chicks), burro’s tail, Mexican rosettes, copper rose, plush plant, tree cactus, and wax rosettes, are safe for pets.)
  • wax tree

Given their playful personalities and inquisitive natures, cats make for an interesting companion in life. Change your indoor flora to restore serenity to your home if your houseplants are the focus of their excursions.

Feed your cat a diet that maintains the balance of their gut ecology so they may better absorb essential nutrients and maintain a strong immune system for a healthy, content cat. All of NutriSource’s pet meals are created using the ground-breaking Good 4 Life approach, which promotes intestinal health. You can get NutriSource from a neighborhood, independent pet store.

What plants should I not grow while I have cats?

Numerous plants are hazardous or harmful to cats and kittens. Call your veterinarian if you find your pet eating any plants you’re not sure about.

Some of the most typical plants that are harmful for your cat or kitten to consume are listed below:

  • Easter tulips
  • Amaryllis
  • Fall crocus
  • Rhododendrons and Azaleas
  • Cane toad
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Daffodils
  • Dieffenbachia
  • British Ivy
  • Hyacinths
  • Kalanchoe
  • Lily
  • Lysimachia of the Valley
  • Marijuana
  • Oleander
  • Calm Lily
  • Devil’s Ivy with Pothos
  • Palm Sago
  • Latin Thyme
  • Tulip
  • Yew

All of the aforementioned plants are poisonous to cats, but the lily may be the most hazardous. Cats that come into contact with the pollen from lilies and ingest it while grooming can develop kidney failure.

Make sure to keep your cut flowers, particularly lilies, in a room where they won’t come into contact with your cat if you have any in the house.

Which of the following indoor plants can harm animals?

Household plants may undoubtedly add life to a space, but some of them are actually harmful to your dogs and even deadly if they consume them. The plants on the list below are dangerous to pets because of the toxic compounds they contain. All pet owners are advised to become familiar with these plants because they go by many different names. Additionally, it’s a smart idea to keep a first-aid kit on hand for your pet in case of any accidents.

Lilies

Although the Lily family of plants is highly diverse, some of its species are poisonous to dogs and cats. While the Stargazer and Easter Lilies are poisonous to both cats and dogs, the Mauna Loa, also known as the Peace Lily, is poisonous to both. In fact, cats may not survive if the Stargazer and Easter Lily are left untreated since it affects the cat’s kidneys and appetite. As for the Peace Lily, if it’s consumed, your dog or cat can start vomiting and struggle to swallow because of irritated lips and tongue.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a beautiful plant for people because of its ability to smooth skin, but it has the opposite effect on dogs who are kept as pets. The plant’s other parts can impair a dog’s digestive tract, but the leaves contain a form of gel substance that won’t hurt your pet if it is consumed.

Ivy (Hedera Helix)

We’ve all heard of poison ivy, but even common ivy, which is rather attractive, can be hazardous to dogs. If the plant is consumed, a dog might get a rash and/or have respiratory issues, but things might become lot worse because poison ivy can also cause paralysis or a coma.

Jade (Crassula Ovata)

The Jade plant is also known as Baby Jade, the Friendship Tree, the Dwarf Rubber Plant, the Chinese or Japanese Rubber Plant, and the Jade Tree. Whatever you choose to call it, make sure to keep your pet cat or dog away from it. Although the precise poisons in this plant are unknown, eating it can cause vomiting, ataxia (loss of coordination), bradycardia (slow heartbeat), and/or sadness.

Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)

The poisonous plant Dieffenbachia is also known as Dumb Cane, Exotica, or Tropic Snow, and it is toxic to both dogs and cats. The poisonous chemicals in this plant can cause vomiting, trouble swallowing, burning/swelling of the mouth and tongue, as well as excessive salivation. It may occasionally result in respiratory problems or even death.

Elephant Ear (Caladium)

Other popular names for this vibrant plant species include Malanga, Via Sori, Pai, Taro, Cape, or Ape. Because the compounds in it are comparable to those in Dieffenbachia, the reactions are practically identical. As a result, your pet may experience oral issues, increased salivation or drooling, vomiting, and swallowing issues.

Pothos/Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)

The plant, also known as Satin or Silk Pothos, can irritate the mouth and tongue and is poisonous to both dogs and cats. Your pet may also experience nausea, increased salivation, and trouble swallowing. The plant can produce symptoms that are similar to those of Philodendron.

This strange-looking shrub can harm your dog in all of its parts. This applies to everything—leaves, roots, and even seeds. Every portion of the plant is deadly, and eating any of it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even liver failure.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)

Your pet shouldn’t consume this plant because it may cause irritated reactions like diarrhea and vomiting.

This plant, also known as Emerald Fern, Emerald Feather, Sprengeri Fern, Lace Fern, and Plumosa Fern, is harmful to both dogs and cats. If the berries are consumed, the plant’s sapogenin toxin, which is present in the berries, can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and skin inflammation.

Sowbread (Cyclamen)

This flowering plant will add color to any space, but dogs and cats should avoid it. When ingested, it may cause excessive salivation and drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat, and/or seizures. In extreme situations, it may even be fatal.

There are a number of plant varieties that are suitable for your pet dog to use as decorations in your home because they don’t contain any toxic chemicals or toxins. Hens and Chicks, Burro’s Tail, Blue Echeveria, Ponytail Palm, and Bamboo are the most prevalent and well-liked of these.

Severely Toxic Plants to Cats

Any of the following plants can be extremely toxic:

  • All lily species, with the exception of the peace and calla lilies, pose serious health risks to cats and can result in kidney failure and even death. Poisoning can occur with just a tiny dose.
  • A cyanide-like poison found in hydrangea plants can cause rapid oxygen deprivation and death.
  • Sago palms are thought to be poisonous in all of their components, with the seeds (also known as nuts) being the most hazardous. Ingestion causes severe liver failure, tremors, and immediate gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Even little amounts of oleander might be fatal to your cat. The extreme toxicity of all parts causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, depression, and death.
  • Death can also result from mistletoe. Additionally, people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, low heart rate and temperature, breathing issues, stumbling, excessive thirst, seizures, and coma.
  • The skunk cabbage plant can make you feel like you’re suffocating and cause your mouth to burn and swell in small amounts, even just a couple nibbles. In extreme circumstances, eating a lot of the leaves can be lethal.

Don’t wait for severe symptoms to show before avoiding any of the plants listed above that are extremely harmful to cats. As soon as you can, take the plant and your cat to the veterinarian. Additionally, bear in mind that symptoms will differ from cat to cat according on size and the portions or amounts of the plant consumed.

Cats and snake plants – okay?

Sansevieria trifasciata, sometimes known as the snake plant, is a very common indoor plant since it requires very little maintenance. The ASCPA cautions that cats are poisonous when using it. When swallowed or chewed, the chemical components in snake plants known as saponins cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats.

What to do: Snake plants are less hazardous to cats than aloe, so avoid them. If your cat is displaying symptoms and you feel they are related to chewing on or eating a snake plant, call your veterinarian or a helpline right once. Instructions will be given to you in accordance with how serious your symptoms are.

Change it: The caeroba is a non-toxic plant with a snake plant-like appearance. It’s even occasionally referred to as a “rattlesnake plant.” It still has that lovely winding aspect, but it’s less thick and more billowy than sturdy and straight.

Are cats able to consume spider plants?

Although deemed safe for cats, spider plants are not always safe from cats. Many felines simply can’t help themselves, as was already explained. There is a valid justification for this. Chemicals identified in spider plants are comparable to those in opium. Our feline friends experience a moderate psychedelic impact from these substances. Now that you know why Fluffy often appears fairly wide-eyed after consuming these plants, you can stop wondering.

Cats and poisonous flowers and plants

The lily is the most hazardous plant because all components are poisonous. Other flowers and plants, both inside and outside, can, nevertheless, be dangerous to cats.

Since the majority of cats are quite cautious about consuming anything strange, clinic visits for plant poisoning are uncommon. When a cat does get sick, it usually happens because something brushed against their fur or paws and they ate it while grooming.

Quick reference advice about plants, flowers and poisoning

We provide advice and lists that have been approved by veterinarians to assist you if you’re confused whether a plant or flower is dangerous to cats, if you want to find plants and flowers that are safe for cats, or if you think your cat may have been poisoned.

We advise avoiding all hazardous plants and flowers altogether to keep your cat safe. Keep out of reach any flowers or plants with a “caution advised” label, especially if your cat likes to chew on them.

Can cats safely consume aloe vera plants?

A common house plant poses a risk to your cat if it is consumed. In fact, some of the plants you keep inside pose a risk of death if consumed.

Unfortunately, cats are more stubborn than you’d like, and if they get into your houseplants, the combination of their innate curiosity and propensity for mischief can have disastrous effects.

Here is a list of common houseplants that are poisonous to cats, instructions on how to keep your cats away from them, and information on how to recognize the signs of accidental poisoning in cats. Call your veterinarian right away for assistance if you ever have any suspicions about poisoning in your cat.

Because of its health advantages rather than its aesthetics, aloe vera is a common houseplant. Although aloe juice and pulp can be used to cure a number of ailments in humans, cats are extremely toxic to it. Keep aloe plants out of the reach of cats, such as on your refrigerator or in your bedroom, and sprinkle them with vinegar to make them taste less appetizing to intrepid felines.

Aloe can make cats feel sick, lethargic, or have diarrhea. If you suspect your cat has consumed any aloe plant material, contact your veterinarian right once.

If you enjoy growing tomato plants indoors and you also have cats, you might want to reconsider. Toxic to your cat’s delicate system include tomato stems, leaves, and even unripe tomatoes.

With your veterinarian’s approval, ripe tomatoes can occasionally make a tasty treat for your cat, but the rest of the plant can make them sick. Keep tomatoes away from your cat in the garden or in a dedicated greenhouse.

This aromatic plant is a regular fixture in many houses since it has a lovely appearance and an opulent scent. Eucalyptus, whether dried or fresh, is harmful to your cat. After swallowing this strong houseplant, your cat may exhibit symptoms including salivation, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion, among other unsettling signs. Use eucalyptus essential oil in a sealed container in place of fresh or dried plants to keep your cats safe.

Don’t wait for the symptoms to show before taking your cat to the vet if you have any suspicions that they may have eaten eucalyptus. When poisoning occurs in your cat, it may take hours for symptoms to appear as it passes through their kidneys and other important organs. Waiting until your cat shows symptoms of illness can be devastating.

Christmas trees, or their limbs, needles, and pine cones, are a common addition to winter and fall house décor. Despite not being the most dangerous indoor plant on the list, Christmas trees should still be kept away from cats (and dogs). The most hazardous materials are pine needles and sap.

Cats’ stomachs can experience a little upset from Christmas trees. Additionally, pine needles can become choking hazards, so keep an eye out for indications of concern in your cat while they’re around your decor, such as:

  • Gagging
  • Choking
  • Salivation
  • enlarged eyes
  • Running in terror

Call your veterinarian right away if you think your cat is choking or showing other signs of poisoning after being around your Christmas tree or its needles. In order to prevent mishaps in the house, it is best to keep cats away from decorative items.

If you believe your cat has been poisoned, your vet can treat them immediately. Call our veterinary staff at Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach right away if you have indoor plants and are unsure about keeping them near your cat. On how to keep your cats secure in your home, we can offer suggestions.

Succulents—are they safe for cats?

Are succulents harmful to animals? Hopefully your pets aren’t damaging your plants by chewing on them or digging them up for pleasure. If they do, though, should you be concerned about poisoning or toxicity? Fortunately, the majority of succulents are thought to be non-toxic and safe for pets to consume.

Some can cause mild symptoms when consumed, while others contain skin irritants that might cause minor skin irritations. However, some succulents can be deadly if consumed in high quantities.

The following list of 9 succulents can be toxic to pets:

A big and well-known genus called Aloe contains small dwarf species and giant tree-like species that can reach heights of up to 30 feet (10m). They feature large, fleshy leaves that range in color from green to bluish green. On the stem surfaces of some kinds, there are white flecks.

Aloe vera is harmful to both cats and dogs when consumed, despite the fact that it is well known for its many medical and useful benefits for people. Aloe’s principal toxin, saponin, which is a substance found in it, can seriously harm your pet’s health.

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