Cats are adorable creatures that bring joy and warmth to our homes. However, cats are curious by nature and tend to explore their surroundings, which can sometimes lead them into danger. As a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to identify potential hazards in your home for the safety of your feline friend. One of such dangers is poisonous flowers.
There are many flowers and plants available globally that could be harmful or even fatal when ingested by cats. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common flowers you need to avoid if you have a cat as a pet.
Lily
Lilies are one of the deadliest flowers for cats, especially Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum). Even a small amount of pollen or petals from these beautiful blooms can cause severe kidney damage within 36-72 hours after ingestion. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst/urination followed by dehydration and decreased urine production.
Sago Palm
Sago palms (Cycas spp.) grow well indoors as houseplants but pose significant health risksto pets; their seeds contain toxins called cycasin that can cause liver failure or seizures when ingested in large quantities. Symptoms include vomiting/diarrhea containing blood; abdominal pain/signs of weakness/paralysis due to neurotoxicity – this is an emergency situation requiring prompt medical attention!
Tulips
Tulips belong to the lily family group and possess similar toxic properties like other members mentioned above. The bulbs contain tulipalin A/B which causes irritation in mouth/throat/gastrointestinal system leading up-to drooling/vomiting/diarrhea/depression in cats upon ingestion.
Daffodils
Most parts of daffodils,narcissus bulbs/plants contain toxic alkaloids named lycorine/narcissine/hemanthamine plays havoc on feline digestive systems leading to vomiting/diarrhea/dehydration, abdominal pain/cramping, and possible cardiac arrhythmias if excessive amounts are ingested.
Hyacinth
Hyacinths contain oxalic acid that causes irritation in the gastrointestinal tract when ingested by cats. Symptoms include burning mouth/throat/stomach/nausea/vomiting/diarrhea/salivation/inability to swallow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these beautiful flowers should be avoided if you have a cat as a pet. If your cat accidentally ingests any of them or shows symptoms of plant poisoning after exposure – immediately contact your veterinarian for advice on proper treatment options. Remember prevention is better than cure; so keep these plants out of reach from your beloved furry friends!
