Plants That Are Toxic to Cats

There are lots of garden and house plants that are toxic to felines. Today our vets in Newtown share the most common plants that are toxic to cats and tell you how you can protect your cat and the symptoms you should look for.

Cat Poisoning

It's important to keep toxic plants out of your cat's reach because they love jumping and exploring their environment. 

To help you keep your kitty safe and healthy our Newtown Emergency vets suggest taking the time to learn about the different types of plants you have in your home, and research which plants could be toxic to your cat.

How to Protect Your Cat

The best way to protect your cat is to remove every toxic plant from your home or move them into a room that your cat has no access to. Although, if your kitty does happen to ingest a toxic or poisonous plant knowing the plant's name could help your vet treat your feline friend faster.

If you find your kitty eating any plant that you are not sure about, contact your vet as soon as possible.

The Most Toxic Plants to Cats

There are various plants that are toxic or poisonous to felines. Below we have listed many of the most common plants that are harmful to your cat or kitten:

The Toxic Parts of a Plant

Pollen, needles, seeds, flowers, and leaves can all be potentially toxic for cats. Often cats ingest toxic plant substances while grooming themselves because seeds or pollen can get trapped on their paws or fur.

Also, many cats that get bored think hanging plants are an amusing toy and chew on the leaves or vines while playing.

Signs Your Cat Might Have Eaten 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 affecting the kidneys or heart.

Irritant Symptoms

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

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Other Serious Symptoms

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

What To Do If Your Cat Ate a Toxic Plant

Call your vet immediately if you see your cat eating a plant that you are uncertain about. Although before going to the vet there are several things you should do:

Move Your Cat to Safety

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

Identify the Poison

Take a few seconds to identify the plant that your cat has been eating then call your regular vet, or if it's after hours please call us at Newtown Veterinary Specialists. Let the vet know what has happened and that you will be bringing your cat in for an examination.

Bring a Sample of the Plant With You

Bring along a sample of the plant to show your emergency veterinarian, or if you are unsure 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 diagnosis and treatment.

If you are unable to tell your vet the name of the plant your kitty has ingested, or provide them with a sample of the plant matter, your vet will have to run various tests to find out which type of poison your kitty has ingested in order to provide your feline companion with the appropriate treatment.