Dangerous House Plants for Cats

Dangerous House Plants for Cats. Cats love munching on greenery. Because they don't know which house plants are dangerous, they need their human parents to protect them from those plants that are poisonous.

Misconceptions

Poinsettias have an undeserved reputation for being extremely toxic to cats. While they may upset a cat's stomach, the real holiday danger is pine needles, which can cause liver damage and even death. The water in Christmas tree stands can also be toxic to cats.

Toxic Types

Zamia, cycas, queen sago and sago palm all belong to the highly toxic Cycadaceae Palm family. Ingesting these plants can result in digestive tract bleeding, leading to liver failure and death.

Lethal Lilies

Eating tiger lily, star-gazer lily and Easter lily flowers can cause acute kidney failure and death in cats.

More Types

Dieffenbachia and philodendron are part of the Araceae family and can produce a toxic reaction in cats very quickly. Ingesting the oxalate crystals and histamine-release stimulators may result in mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and possibly death.

Medical Emergency

A cat who has taken even one bite of a toxic plant should see a veterinarian immediately. Identifying the plant will be easier if you take it to the vet's office with you.

Prevention

Putting plants in hanging baskets will keep greenery-loving cats safe. A large planter with cat grass, catnip and cat mint will give them an alternative to nibbling your house plants.

References

• Cath Health: Toxic Household Plants
• ASPCA Poison Control Center: How Dangerous are Winter and Spring Holiday Plants to Pets