Toxic plants for cats

Plants Toxic to Cats

 Cats will chew on some plants. And, because they love to climb and explore more, it is difficult to keep plants out of their reach. Therefore, if you are going to have plants in your house or balcony, or if you let your kitty out in your yard, you need to be able to accurately identify the plants to which your cat will be exposed. When in doubt, it is best to remove the plant from your home. 

The following list is plants that are toxic to cats (feline), as well as the most commonly encountered toxic plants:

• Amaryllis (Amaryllis sp.)
• Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
• Azaleas and Rhododendrons (Rhododendron sp.)
• Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
• Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum sp.)
• Cyclamen (Cyclamen sp.)
• English Ivy (Hedera helix)
• Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe sp.)
• Lilies (Lilium sp.)
• Marijuana (Cannabis sativa)
• Oleander (Nerium oleander)
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
• Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
• Spanish thyme (Coleus ampoinicus)
• Tulip and Narcissus bulbs (Tulipa and Narcissus sp.)
• Yew (Taxus sp.) 

What to Watch For

Since many of plants are irritants, especially for the gastrointestinal system, most symptoms seen will be the result of irritation or inflammation, such as redness, swelling, or itchiness of the skin or mouth or body.

If the toxic principle directly affects a particular organ of tour cat’s body, the symptoms seen will be related to that organ. For example:

• Difficulty  while breathing (if the airways are affected)
• Drooling or difficulty swallowing (if the mouth, throat, or esophagus is affected by poison)
• Vomiting (if the stomach or intestines are affected)
• Diarrhea (if the intestines or colon are affected) 

Immediate Care 

(you should try to have a healthy cat)

If you see your little kitty eating a plant and you are uncertain if it is poisonous, or if you suspect your cat ate such a plant within the past 1 to 2 hours, you can do the following before you take him to your veterinarian for special care:

1.    Remove any plant material from the hair and skin of your little friend.

2.    If it really important, you can wash the cat with warm water and a little non-irritating dish soap.

3.    The identity of the plant is very significant for determining treatment of your cat. If you don’t know what kind of plant it is and you can bring it with you, do so. Vets don’t receive much training in plant identification, but every effort needs to be made to identify the plant. If your cat has vomited at all, try to collect some it for the doctor.

 Veterinary Care

Diagnosis

The best diagnosis is identifying the plant. Your vet will give your kitten a physical exam, and order such tests as necessary to determine the overall health of your cat. These tests are especially necessary and important  if the plant is known to target specific organs.

Treatment

Once your little kitty or your cat has vomited, your vet may give him activated charcoal to absorb any of the toxic substance that may be in the gut. Your vet may administer medication like sucralfate, which protects the damaged areas of the stomach.

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