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9 Common Plants That Are Toxic to Cats

Published by Emily Koo at
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Here at ArticleCats, we love our furry feline friends like they were squealing little pink human babies. And just like when a baby falls mysteriously ill, cat owners feel similarly powerless and guilty – especially if you suspect your own inexperience has landed your kitty in the hospital.

Cats are curious and will often sniff and chew plants both in your house or yard. As a cat owner, it’s important to educate yourself about the types of plants that are toxic to your kitty friend and take steps to remove them from your environment. Here are 9 common plants that are poisonous to cats.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis, or Naked Lady and Saint Joseph Lily as it’s also known, is toxic to cats and dogs alike. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, anorexia, and depression.

Autumn Crocus

If ingested, Autumn Crocus, or Meadow Saffron, can cause bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, oral irritation, multi-organ damage, and bone marrow suppression.

Azalea

Azaleas, also known as Rhododendrons, can cause serious issues even from just a few leaves. Symptoms range from vomiting and diarrhea to hypersalivation, weakness, loss of coordination, cardiovascular collapse, and coma.

Castor Bean

Ricin in the Castor Bean Plant inhibits protein synthesis, and eating as few as one ounce of seeds can be lethal to cats. Symptoms develop between 12 to 48 hours after ingestion and include excessive thirst, weakness, trembling, fever, convulsions, kidney failure, and coma.

Easter Lily

Cats are the only species known to be affected by the Easter Lily. For them, all parts of the plant are extremely toxic and can cause vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure, and even death.

English Ivy

English Ivy goes by many common names, including Branching Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, and California Ivy. Its leaves are more toxic than its berries, and can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhea.

Marijuana

Yes, your weed can make your kitty or dog very sick, so be careful. It can cause prolonged depression, vomiting, low blood pressure or low body temperature, seizures, coma, and death in rare cases.

Mistletoe

Next time you’re decorating the house for Christmas, remember that American Mistletoe is toxic to cats and can cause gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular collapse, erratic behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, low blood pressure.

Tulip

The highest concentration of toxins Tulipalin A and B are located in the bulb of the tulip. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and hypersalivation.

This is just a small sample of the types of plants that are toxic to cats. For a searchable list of both toxic and non-toxic plants, check out the ASPCA’s list. If you think your cat has been poisoned, you can call the ASPCA Pet Poison Control hotline at 888-426-4435, but be aware that you will be charged for the service.

To help you feel more prepared during an emergency, you might even consider signing up for a pet CPR and first aid course, which often discusses what types of plants and other substances are toxic to cats. You can find a class through the American Red Cross or locate a certified instructor.

 

Does anything weird make your cats throw up? Let us know in the comments!

 

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Emily Koo
Emily Koo
Emily Koo is a writer & musician living in Seattle, WA, by way of Randolph, MA. She’s a huge fan of her dog, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia references, and tea tree oil-infused toothpicks. Learn about her mundane life on Facebook.