Has your feline buddy ever started gnawing on the leaves of a plant you just brought home? While cats may be carnivores, they still enjoy some greens and fiber every now and then. Unfortunately, kitties don’t know what is and isn’t safe for them. More than a few popular houseplants are actually toxic to Fluffy. In this article, a local vet lists a few plants that cat owners should keep out of the house.
Lily
At this time of year, this one is particularly concerning as many people like to include lilies in their spring bouquets. Peace lilies are actually extremely toxic to our feline pals, to the point where even drinking a little of the water could make your kitty extremely sick. Other lilies that are poisonous for Fluffy include the Japanese Show lily, Tiger Lily, Asiatic lily, Day lily, Rubrum lily, and Wood lily, along with many hybrids. Lily of the Valley is also unsafe, though it’s not an actual lily.
Eucalyptus
As you may know, eucalyptus is often used in aromatherapy, and is a popular scent for scented oil and candles. Just keep eucalyptus and eucalyptus products out of reach of your furry friend. Otherwise, Fluffy could develop signs like vomiting, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Devil’s Ivy
Often called pothos, or golden pothos, Devil’s ivy contains insoluble calcium oxades. This plant can really irritate Fluffy’s mouth, and can cause drooling, and trouble swallowing.
Tulips
Another popular spring flower, tulips are also very dangerous to our feline friends. They can cause lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. Hyacinths and daffodils are also unsafe. In fact, you can generally consider anything that has a bulb to be toxic to your cute pet. That includes chives, garlic, onions, and scallions, too!
Philodendron
Philodendrons, along with other plants that belong to the Araceae group, such as oleanders, contain calcium oxalate crystals, a substance that can irritate your kitty’s stomach, mouth, and throat, and can cause respiratory issues.
Tips
If you aren’t certain whether your plants are safe for your cat, check the ASPCA site here. This is also a handy site to pull up while you’re at a plant sale or greenhouse. It’s also good to remember that many plants go by several names. We recommend keeping the number for the Pet Poison Helpline on hand. That number is 800-213-6680. (Charges may apply.)
Please feel free to contact us, your local veterinary clinic in Rialto, CA, anytime. We’re here to help!
