Plants that can kill your cat

They grow prettily in our garden or are given as gifts, but which plants and flowers are capable of killing or causing serious injury to your cat? Carrol Baker learns more.

Fresh spring flowers and leafy plants bring beauty and colour the garden and your home. But unfortunately, not all flowers and plants are safe for cats to be around — and some can even prove to be deadly to them if they are chewed or ingested.

The toxins in plants can affect cats in varying degrees. For example, if your cat nibbles on a geranium it can cause itchiness and mild dermatitis; drinking the water in a vase full of chrysanthemums may cause tummy upsets; and other plants like the peace lily can cause kidney failure and eventual death.

Unfortunately, kittens may be most at risk. They have boundless energy and love to get up to mischief and nibble things they shouldn’t, and unlike adult cats, they don’t have a fully developed immune system. Kittens love to explore, play and chew.

Toxic plants
These are the five most common plants that are toxic to cats:

1. Lily: These are extremely toxic to cats. Avoid all species of Lily as all parts of them are poisonous to cats.
   Symptoms can include depression, vomiting, and being unable to urinate.
2. Sago Palm: These grow in tropical-style gardens and are highly poisonous, with most of the toxicity in the seeds. If even just a couple of seeds are eaten, it can lead to seizures, liver failure and death.
3. Oleander: All parts of this pretty
   flowering plant are toxic to cats. If eaten, a cat may drool, have muscle tremors and difficulty breathing, and could die.
4. Autumn Crocus: This flowering plant is extremely poisonous. Symptoms can include drooling, vomiting and shock, and damage to internal organs.
5. Daffodils: These popular spring flowering plants (particularly the bulbs) are very dangerous. Symptoms may be pain, vomiting and convulsions. Other common harmful species can include Azaleas, Cyclamen, Hydrangea, Morning Glory, Mother-in-law Tongue, Tulip, Poinsettia, Asparagus Fern and Iris.

For more information about which plants can be harmful for your cat there is a comprehensive list at cfa.org/Owners/CatCare/HouseholdHazards/ToxicPlants.aspx

The original article was published in PETS magazine issue 60. For more pawsome advice and care tips, subscribe to our magazine here.