Have you ever brought a plant home, only to have your feline buddy immediately start gnawing on its leaves? Although cats are carnivores, they do enjoy some greens and fiber now and then. Unfortunately, our furry friends don’t know what is and isn’t safe for them. Many popular houseplants are actually toxic to Fluffy. A local vet lists a few plants for cat owners to avoid in this article.
Lily
This one is particularly concerning at this time of year, as many people include lilies in their Easter bouquets. Lilies are extremely toxic to our feline friends. In fact, even drinking a little of the water could make your kitty very sick. Some of the lilies that are poisonous for Fluffy include the Peace lily, Asiatic lily, Day lily, Japanese Show lily, Rubrum lily, Tiger lily, and Wood lily, along with many hybrids. Lily of the Valley, though not a true lily, is also unsafe.
Eucalyptus
As you may know, eucalyptus is often used in aromatherapy, and is a popular scent for candles and scented oil. You will need to keep eucalyptus and eucalyptus products away from your furry friend. If Fluffy ingests it, she could develop signs like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you notice your pet exhibiting these symptoms or suspect an allergy, consider exploring our “Pet Allergies & Veterinary Dermatology” services for professional care and treatment options.
Devil’s Ivy
Often called pothos, taro vine, or golden pothos, Devil’s ivy contains insoluble calcium oxades. The plant can seriously irritate Fluffy’s mouth, and can cause drooling, irritation, and trouble swallowing. Many other plants in the araceae group, including oleanders and philodendrons, are unsafe for the same reasons.
Tulips
Another popular spring flower, tulips are also very dangerous to our feline overlords. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Several other bulbed, flowers, such as daffodils, irises, and hyacinths are also unsafe. In fact, you can generally consider anything with a bulb to be toxic to your cute pet. That includes garlic, onions, chives, and scallions, too!
Tips
If you aren’t sure whether your plants are safe for your cat or not, check the ASPCA site here. This is also a good site to pull up while you’re at a greenhouse or plant sale. Just keep in mind that many plants go by several names. We also recommend keeping the number for the Pet Poison Helpline on hand. That number is 800-213-6680. (Charges may apply.) Interested in more about cats beyond just safety? Discover the rich history and myths surrounding our feline friends in our article on “Feline Folklore.”
Please contact us, your local veterinary clinic in North Miami Beach, FL, anytime. We’re here to help!
