Plants That Are Toxic to Cats

There are lots of home and garden plants that are toxic to our feline friends, today our knowledgeable Fort Pierce vets share which plants are dangerous for cats and what to do if your kitty eats one.

Cat Poisoning

Cat's enjoy jumping and exploring the world around them which can make keeping toxic houseplants out of your curious cat's reach, a bit challenging.

To help protect the future health of your kitty our Fort Pierce vets suggest taking the time to educate yourself on the names of the plants you have in your yard and in your home as well as which plants could be toxic to your cat.

Keeping Your Cat Safe

The safest thing you can do for your cat is remove any toxic houseplants from your home, or put them in an area your cat can't get into. However, if your feline friend does happen to ingest a poisonous or toxic plant knowing the name of the plant can help your vet treat your cat faster.

If you see your kitty eating any plant you are uncertain about, call your vet as quickly as you can.

Plants That Are Toxic to Cats

There are various plants that are toxic or poisonous to cats. Here, we have listed many of the most common plants that are harmful to our feline companions:

Toxic Parts of Plants

Pollen, needles, seeds, flowers, and leaves can all be potentially toxic for cats. Often cat's ingest toxic plant substances while grooming themselves due to pollen or seeds being trapped in their fur or on their paws. Bored cats may find that a hanging plant makes for an amusing toy and chew the leaves or vines while playing.

Signs Your Kitty Might Have Ingested a Toxic Plant

Different plants pose different health risks to cats, and some are much more dangerous than others. Symptoms of plant poisoning in cats can range from mild skin irritations to serious issues impacting the kidneys or heart.

Symptoms of Irritants

• Itchiness, scratching
• Irritation around the mouth
• Red, watery eyes
• Swelling

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Other Serious Symptoms

• Frequent Urination
• Drooling, difficulties swallowing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Breathing difficulties

What To Do If Your Cat Has Has Eaten a Toxic Plant

Contact your vet immediately if you see your kitty eating a plant that you are not sure about. But before going to the vet there are several things you have to do:

Bring Your Cat to Safety

Calmly remove any bits of the plant from around your cat's mouth, fur, or paws, then take them to a safe confined space (well away from the plant) while you get ready to head to the vet.

Identify the Poison

Take a few moments to identify the plant your cat has been eating then call our Fort Pierce 24-hours emergency vets or your primary care veterinarian. Inform the vets about what has happened and tell them that you will be bringing your cat in for an examination.

Bring a Sample of the Plant With You

Bring a sample of the plant with you to show the veterinarian, or if you aren't sure which plant your cat has been eating consider bringing in a sample of your cat's vomit containing the plant material.

Diagnosing Plant Poisoning in Cats

Being able to identify the plant that your cat has ingested will give your vet a head start when it comes to diagnosing and treating your kitty.

If you can't provide your vet with the name of the plant your cat has ingested, or a sample of the plant matter, your vet will need to run a series of tests to identify the type of poison ingested in order to provide your feline friend with the appropriate treatment.