Open in App
Quina Baterna

Lillies, tulips, hyacinth, and other flowers that may be harmful for your cat

2021-01-06

There’s nothing like the scent of fresh flowers to brighten up any home. However, your feline friend might beg to differ. Some of the most beautiful flowers that are commonly used in floral arrangements are actually poisonous to cats.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4Ye1er_0YDvIINz00
Pexels

Many cats love eating grass. Cat parents everywhere will attest to seeing their cat chew up greens, only to vomit it out aftewards. While studies have shown that cats may do this to relieve upset stomachs, many of them seem simply enjoy it. This need to chew on greens doesn't sound immediately like a bad thing, except when they munch on the wrong ones.

Most cats are able to avoid poisonous plants out of instinct. However, some unlucky felines may catch themselves accidentally coming into contact or ingesting them. This can lead to distastrous and potentially lethal consequences.

When it comes to toxic flowers, your cats don’t even have to chew them to get the worst of it. Being meticulously clean, many cats can get sick just from licking off the pollen stuck to their paws. Additionally, many cats experience accidental ingestion when their owners are not at home, so being aware of the symptoms is critical to their survival.

What are the symptoms of flower poisoning for cats?

Poisoning occurs when cats ingest or inhale toxic substances that spread throughout their body. Depending on the type of toxin, different poisonous flowers may affect your cat slowly or very quickly. Symptoms from plant poisoning are similar to other types of poisoning such as those from essential oils.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0NsfVX_0YDvIINz00
Pexels

When a cat has experienced flower poisoning, you can expect the following symptoms:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Seizures
  • Thirstiness
  • Increased heart rate
  • Uncoordinated movement
  • Drooling
  • Collapse
  • Labored breathing

If you suspect that your cat has come into contact with poisonous flowers, don’t think twice about taking action. Here are the various flowers that may cause issues with your cat’s health.

Common Poisonous Flowers for Cats

Here are a few flowers that you should watch out for in your home or garden that may cause issues with your cat’s health:

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1wpln8_0YDvIINz00
Unsplash

Lilies

All parts of the lily are nephrotoxic, which means the toxins will attack your cat’s kidneys. With Lily poisoning, cats often experience symptoms within two hours and lead to kidney failure within 36 – 72 hours. Once your cat experiences kidney failure, its potassium level will increase, leading to heart issues and muscle weakness.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3oItNF_0YDvIINz00
Pexels

Tulips

When it comes to tulips, their bulbs are the most toxic part for cats. Containing an allergenic called lactones tulips can cause your cat to experience vomiting and diarrhea.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0ZqXSU_0YDvIINz00
Pexels

Hydrangea

All parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, and bud contain amygdalin. When metabolized, amygdalin becomes a toxic substance called cyanide. With this, hydrangeas can wreak havoc in your cat’s gastrointestinal system when consumed in large quantities.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4HeMsy_0YDvIINz00
Pexels

Chrysanthemum

While not incredibly toxic, chrysanthemum’s contain pyrethrin. Despite being a common ingredient in many tick and flea medications, pyrethrin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3oFQP4_0YDvIINz00
Pexels

Hyacinth

Similar to the tulip, the most poisonous part of the Hyacinth is in the bulb. When consumed in large amounts, hyacinth poisoning leads to excessive salivation, vomiting, or diarrhea.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3MS6GY_0YDvIINz00
Pexels

Daffodil

While dainty and unassuming, the daffodil can be trouble to your cat. The bright yellow flowers of the daffodil contain an alkaloid that can cause vomiting in felines. However, it is the bulbs that can be lethal, inducing both cardiac and respiratory system issues.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1kAHYh_0YDvIINz00
Pexels

Other flowers that may be toxic to your cat include narcissus, poinsettia, gladiola, cyclamen, autumn crocus, and Birds of Paradise.

My cat ate a poisonous flower. What should I do?

A quick response can mean the difference between life and death for your furry friend. Before symptoms even show up, bring your cat to the vet immediately. Don’t panic. Avoid making them vomit as this might damage their intestinal walls.

Put the suspected flower in question in a sealed plastic bag, and show it to your vet upon evaluation. If you have other pets in the household who may be at risk, throw the poisonous flower in a sealed trash bag or keep it away in a locked room.

What are the treatments for cats poisoned by flowers?

Treatment for cat poisoning will vary depending on the active ingredient and the symptoms present. If you are going to a vet for the first time, bring your cat’s medical history booklet for reference.

When it comes to cat poisoning, vets implement supportive care with tests like blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, and urine. Possible treatments that your veterinarian could prescribe are fluid therapy, anti-seizure medication, muscle relaxants, or activated charcoal.

In general, it’s best to ask your veterinarian for the best course of action based on the specific flower that your cat has ingested. Your cat will likely require several days of hospitalization and monitoring to eliminate the possibility of long-term, permanent damage to its kidneys or other internal organs.

How to Avoid Flower Poisoning in Cats

As with all things, prevention is better than cure. Being mindful about what kind of flowers we allow into our gardens and homes is all it takes to avoid accidental ingestion.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0irqUN_0YDvIINz00
Pexels

Ask Florists to Avoid Dangerous Flowers for Cats

While some florists may know how to tell toxic plants for pets, many florists don’t have this kind of training. Give your florist a list of potentially dangerous flowers for your cat that they should not include. Many florists will be more than willing to make adjustments and offer equally beautiful alternatives.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0Uhw0V_0YDvIINz00
Pexels

Avoid Gifting Potentially Toxic Flowers

When sending bouquets to friends, family, or lovers, we don’t always know if they have pets in their homes. The truth is many furparents don’t realize how some of these flowers can be dangerous for their cats… until it’s too late. Don’t be the cause of unnecessary stress and expensive vet bills by gifting them pet-friendly plants instead.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3AaEGx_0YDvIINz00
Pexels

Don’t Plant Non-Cat Friendly Flowers in Your Garden

If your cat occasionally travels outdoors, make sure that your garden does not include any of these flowers. Instead, you can plant cat grass, catnip, or other cat-friendly plants that would be safer for it.

Keep Your Cat Safe from Poisonous Flowers

Vet bills for poisoning for cats can be expensive. If you do not give the proper intervention right away, the result can be devastating. Flower poisoning in cats can be a painful experience that can either lead to death or lifelong discomfort.

While it may be a little sad to reject a bouquet, it’s well worth it if you can keep your cat from experiencing any side effects. There are plenty of other beautiful flowers that will not do your furbaby any harm.

Expand All
Comments / 0
Add a Comment
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Most Popular newsMost Popular

Comments / 0