Making a location that is secure for both pets and plants is one of the challenges of pet ownership. Thankfully, the majority of succulents are absolutely non-toxic to animals.
Additionally, most animals naturally shy away from succulent food. Simply said, they don’t taste or smell very enticing. Think about Los Angeles, which is covered in untamed jade plants. Jade has a mild toxicity, and there are numerous
2.6 million cats and dogs live in the city, yet pets rarely try to eat it.
There are a few outliers, though, that can be slightly hazardous if ingested. Being a good pet owner
Knowing which houseplants are risk-free and which ones could harm a curious dog or cat is crucial. For all the details, continue reading or watch the video.
Succulents: Are they harmful to 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.
How can I prevent my cat from eating my succulents?
This is the most affordable and practical choice for every pet owner. You can spray your plant with a variety of pet-repellent sprays without causing any harm to it or the pet without buying them from a pet store or nursery.
With vinegar, orange, lemon, cayenne pepper, or chili pepper, you may also prepare a few at yourself. If you prefer, you can combine pepper with water and spray it on your succulents. Citrus fruits can be used in a similar way; simply use diluted lemon juice, orange juice, or white vinegar. If you have essential oils on hand, add 12 to 15 drops of oil to your spray container, give it a thorough shake, and then spray. Pets particularly dislike the scents of peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and lemongrass. The process might need to be repeated two to three times per month as the odor will eventually go away.
What plants are cat-killers?
Common plants that could be fatal to your cat
- Amaryllis are plants that are toxic to cats. Azalea, Aphelandra.
- Cyclamen. Satan’s Ivy (also see Epipremnum aureum) Dieffenbachia. Stupid Cane (also see Dieffenbachia)
- Holly Hypoestes phyllostachya (also see Ilex). Hyacinthus.
- Ornithogalum. Senecio. The Bethlehem Star (also see Ornithogalum)
What succulents are toxic?
Succulents like the Kalanchoe and Euphorbia can be poisonous to people. Even non-toxic succulents should be kept out of the reach of kids and pets as a general guideline for all house plants.
EUPHORBIA SUCCULENTS
Euphorbia succulents are plants that belong to the Euphorbiaceae family. They are the fourth-largest genus of flowering plants and are frequently referred to as spurge plants. They are a blooming plant that is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. Around 1,200 of the family’s more than 2,000 species are succulents. These succulents are renowned for their large, fleshy leaves, blooms, and cactus-like appearance.
SIDE EFFECTS FROM EUPHORBIA SAP
These plants release a milky sap that both people and animals may find harmful. Usually, a succulent’s leaves will have sap on them. It can result in a rash if it comes into contact with any exposed skin. Euphorbia sap can irritate the eyes and cause pain and redness. In order to safeguard your hands and eyes when handling Euphorbia succulents, wear gloves.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET EUPHORBIA SAP ON YOUR SKIN OR EYES
If you touch or come in contact with Euphorbia sap, wash the affected area well with lots of lukewarm water right away. Because the sap is sticky, more water and soap could be necessary. Start cleaning your eye(s) with warm water if Euphorbia sap gets in them. In the event of any plant exposure, it is crucial to contact the Poison Center for further instructions.
KALANCHOE SUCCULENTS
Usually found in adorable pots, kalanchoe succulents can be found in flower stores or garden centers. A little cluster of flowers that typically has one huge bloom atop the stalk is produced by them. Large kalanchoe succulent leaves are typically a vivid dark green. There are up to 125 different species of this kind of plant.
SIDE EFFECTS FROM INGESTING KALANCHOE SUCCULENTS
When consumed, the majority of kalanchoe plant kinds only possibly produce nausea and vomiting. Some Kalanchoe species have a naturally occurring toxin that can harm the heart. The majority of the time, this occurs in grazing cattle and in some animal experiments, although it is unlikely to harm humans.
WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE EATS A PIECE OF KALANCHOE SUCCULENT
If you or someone else has consumed a piece of kalanchoe succulent, rinse your mouth out with water and a soft towel. Call the Poison Center to discuss potential symptoms with a poison information professional. Call your veterinarian straight away or go to an animal poison center for help if your pet has consumed a piece of kalanchoe plant.
Are cats poisoned by jade succulents?
The Ceriman’s tropical appearance makes it one of the most well-liked houseplants.
However, the leaves and stems of this plant are mildly hazardous to cats because they contain insoluble calcium oxalates.
Signs of Ceriman Toxicity in Cats
The tongue, lips, and face may enlarge as a result of severe oral irritation. The signs include profuse drooling, pawing at the face and lips, sobbing in pain, sometimes vomiting, and occasionally having trouble swallowing. If the sap comes into contact with the skin, it may irritate it.
Onset of Symptoms
If a cat bites or chews on this plant, producing oral irritation, symptoms usually appear right away. Up to 24 hours after intake, digestive symptoms may appear.
Cyclamen
a widespread flowering plant that is frequently given as a gift because of its lovely blossoms, which primarily bloom in the winter. But don’t be fooled by their beauty; they are actually quite toxic.
This plant can be fatal to your cat in all parts, especially those below the soil. This is due to the presence of saponins, also known as triterpene glycosides, in cyclamens.
All sections of the Cyclamen plant contain saponins, but the tubers (the underground components), which have the highest concentration, are also the most dangerous.
Signs of Cyclamen Toxicity in Cats
Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea are possible side effects if any portion of the plant is consumed. The chemicals in this plant, particularly the tubers and roots, can cause cardiac issues in cats, including arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), seizures, and even death.
Signs may appear very away (especially if the tubers are consumed) or up to several hours after consumption, depending on the portion of the plant and how much of the plant is consumed.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Like the Hurricane Plant, which is common in homes, this plant is poisonous to cats because it contains insoluble calcium oxalates. If eaten, these crystals will irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause severe burning and irritation to the lips and tongue.
Signs of Dieffenbachia Toxicity in Cats
Extreme mouth irritability can result in facial, tongue, and lip enlargement as well as oral ulcers and blisters. Excessive drooling, pawing at the face or mouth, decreased appetite, oral pain, vomiting, and less frequently difficulties swallowing are symptoms that are frequently present.
If a cat bites or chews on this plant, producing oral irritation, symptoms will appear right away. Up to 24 hours after intake, digestive symptoms may appear.
Dracaena (Corn Plant)
Similar to Aloe and the other plants on this list, this common houseplant also contains the chemical saponins, making it hazardous to cats if consumed.
We’ve shown two different iterations of this plant in the photographs because it comes in numerous kinds.
Jade
The Jade plant, also known as Chinese Jade, is a typical succulent plant seen in homes. If consumed, cats are thought to be toxic, but the toxicity is thought to be moderate and self-limiting (resolves without treatment).
Signs of Jade Toxicity in Cats
The most typical signs include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, and an unsteady walk (stumbling).
Due to the moderate toxicity, symptoms might not be immediately apparent, but they could appear within 14 hours of intake if they are.
Lilies
The poison from true lilies may be the most harmful and lethal one that cats have ever encountered. There are both safe and harmful lily plants, and it’s crucial to understand the difference.
The Hemerocallis and Lilium species (real lilies) are referred regarded as the “dangerous lilies,” and examples include Easter, Japanese display, Asiatic, stargazer, wood, red, western, tiger, and rubrum lilies. The Hemerocallis genera include daylilies, which are likewise quite dangerous.
While benign or less harmful lily cultivars including Peruvian, Peace, and Calla lilies don’t pose the same danger to human life as Lilium and Hemerocallis species do. Instead, they include oxalate crystals that have modest side effects such causing mouth and oral cavity irritation and possibly some drooling.
However, even the tiniest ingestions of the Lilium and Hemerocallis species carry a risk of death.
Signs of Lily Toxicity in Cats
Even the smallest ingestions, such as those of Lilium and Hemerocallis sp., have the potential to be lethal and will almost certainly cause severe, acute renal failure. Increased thirst, difficulty urinating, no urine production (anuria), vomiting, not eating, lethargy, and weakness are possible symptoms. Learn more about the cat toxicity of lilies.
Because any portion of the Lilium or Hemerocallis species is extremely toxic, even a small amount of ingestion can cause severe symptoms that usually manifest 24 hours after ingestion. The earliest symptoms may include increased thirst, nausea, vomiting, excessive drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tiredness. Serious kidney damage is likely to happen if immediate action is not performed. A vet should examine your cat as soon as possible.
Marijuana (THCtetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabis, Pot, Mary Jane)
This product is now more widely available in the medical and recreational markets as a result of recent and ongoing legalization changes. increasing exposure to pets as a result.
The Cannabaceae family includes the cannabis species cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. Most of their effects on people are widely understood. However, toxicity results when dogs consume these same effects.
The effects could range from moderate to severe depending on the product consumed and whether it was mixed with other items like chocolate (as in a brownie) or extremely concentrated (as in an e-cigarette oil).
Signs of Marijuana Toxicity in Cats
Cats are renowned for chewing on live plants or dried goods, however dogs are often more likely to be impacted due to their less refined palate.
Ataxia, dilated pupils, drooling, vomiting, dribbling urine (usually seen in dogs more frequently), a slower heart rate (bradycardia), tremors, and very occasionally seizures are all signs of poisoning.
Depending on the product used, symptoms usually appear minutes after ingestion and may take up to two hours to manifest.
Sago Palms (Cardboard Palm, Cycads, Coontie Palm, Zamias)
Sago palms are not palm trees, despite the fact that “palm” is part of their common name. They are cycads, an ancient seed plant with a thick trunk and a crown of sizable compound leaves. a widespread and potentially lethal plant that can be found indoors, on patios, and is frequently utilized in landscaping.
Signs of Sago Toxicity in Cats
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), vomiting, bloody stools, and increased thirst
Typically, symptoms appear anywhere between 15 minutes and 34 hours after eating. Treatment that is aggressive should start right away. Even with extensive therapy, the chance of survival is at about 50%.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria, Mother-in-law’s Tongue)
This species of stemless, evergreen perennial is well-liked indoor plants. The height of its leaves can range from 2 to 4 feet. Its spongy texture, which has leaves that shoot straight up, can be alluring to your cat but is only minimally harmful.
Sweetheart Ivy
This perennial will flow down from its planter and is well-known for its heart-shaped leaves. So, if you do have one, hang it up where your cat can’t get to it. In North Carolina and the Pacific Northwest, this species has become invasive. More poisonous than the berries are the leaves of Sweetheart Ivy.
Signs of Sweetheart Ivy Toxicity in Cats
Hederagenin, a poisonous component of this plant, can cause profuse drooling, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
While symptoms may appear within 48 hours of intake, they may take up to 12 hours to manifest.
Myth Buster: Are Poinsettias Toxic for Pets?
Ironically, poinsettias—one of the most well-known holiday plants that can be dangerous to pets—might not be as bad for them as previously believed. Medical intervention is rarely required unless symptoms are severe or prolonged because to the low amount of toxicity reported with poinsettia intake.
Pets may exhibit mild symptoms of poinsettia poisoning such as vomiting, drooling, and, very infrequently, diarrhea. The irritated skin may become red, swollen, and itchy from the milky sap.
A higher level of toxicity or increased skin irritation may be the outcome of repeated exposure.
Due to their moderate nature, symptoms may go unnoticed at first, but they may become noticeable within 24 hours of consumption. Repeated exposure may be necessary for more pronounced symptoms to appear.
Both indoor and outdoor plants have a long list of poisonous species. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control website of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants contains the whole list. This article should have provided you with some useful information as you travel to the nursery to select your plants or even if your cat likes to spend time outside.