The Cat Clinic of Stillwater - Toxic Household Plants

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Animal Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435

We all know that cats love to nibble plants and for the most part this is an annoying, but harmless hobby. However, there are times when this fetish can result in serious or even fatal consequences. Ingestion of any plant has the potential for producing clinical signs such as salivation, vomiting, anorexia, and diarrhea. Fortunately, for most non-fatal plant ingestions these signs are usually self-limiting. Unfortunately, early symptoms of fatal plant toxicosis begin with similar gastrointestinal signs or have delayed symptoms which prolongs the time it takes to diagnose and institute appropriate therapy. For this reason it is important to know what types of plants and floral arrangements you have in your house and if these plants are potentially toxic. Any new plants and floral arrangements introduced at holidays and special occasions should be identified, especially ornamental plants. Ideally all plants should be placed out of your furry friend’s reach and known toxic plants should never be in the house as a temptation for your cat.

Plants that should be avoided include, but are not limited to:

	Lilies and Day Lilies Eating these plants can cause acute kidney failure and even drinking the water from the vase can be fatal.

	Cycad Palms Toxin is found in all parts of the plant, but the highest concentration of toxin is in the seeds; ingestion leads to liver failure.

	Kalanchoe Can cause cardiac arrest within 24 hours of ingestion.

	Azaleas Eating any part of the plant can cause neurological signs including weakness, uncoordination, seizures, and arrhythmias.

Autumn Crocuses – ingestion of any part of the plant can result in multiple organ failure

Roses –

Potted roses fertilized with organophosphates pose a hidden risk of neurotoxicity.

If you know your cat has ingested a toxic plant:

Identify the plant ingested or place a small sample in a dry container for later identification.
Call the animal poison control center (1-888-426-4435) or a human poison control center.
Call your veterinarian or the emergency clinic.

Any cat known to have ingested a potentially fatal plant should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible even if clinical signs are not immediately evident. Even non-fatal toxicosis can result in dehydration, severe neurological signs, or heart arrhythmias that may require supportive and symptomatic care. Any cat with excessive or prolonged vomiting, diarrhea or other clinical signs such as depression, difficulty breathing, lethargy, blood in vomit or diarrhea, weakness, cyanosis, neurological symptoms, or anorexia requires medical intervention.

For more information on toxic lilies, visit http://www.noliliesforcats.com.