As it turns out, a number of common garden plants are, in fact, quite toxic to cats. That’s why it’s very important to be safe and learn which plants could potentially harm your pet and by what degree.
Some could cause the kitty just a little bit of discomfort, and other plants can prove to be downright lethal. The plants outlined here are definitely some of the most popular ones, but they can also pose a threat to your cat.
This, of course, is not an exhaustive list, and you might also refer to the ASPCA’s toxic plants list to make sure your pets stay safe in the garden, but also with any houseplants inside the home.
So if you suspect your cat has eaten any of these plants, even if it doesn’t show any sign of being sick right away, contact your veterinarian.
Azalea
Azaleas are a member of the Rhododendron family. Absolutely all the plants in this family are toxic to cats, including all parts of the plant.
In fact, according to the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, “these ornamental shrubs aren’t so commonly nibbled on, but they can still cause fatal heart issues in dogs, cats, and pet birds.”
The ASPCA Poison Control Center seems to be more guarded about these types of flowers, warning against pet owners who want to plant them. The clinical signs of intoxication include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and cardiac failure.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums (or mums) are very popular perennials that offer a lovely burst of fall color. There’s a wide variety of chrysanthemum species, such as daisies, whose leaves and stems are known to be poisonous to both cats and dogs.
Cats who ingest those parts of the plant are at risk of vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea. You can look for signs of lethargy, stumbling around, lack of appetite, and skin irritation.
Daffodil
The daffodil (or narcissus, jonquil, and paper white) is the old-school, traditional harbinger of spring, right alongside tulips, which are also known to be quite poisonous to cats.
Even if they’re also beautiful, these flowers (with their stems, leaves, and bulbs) can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, and tremors, as well as cardiac arrhythmias, especially if ingested by your feline.
As far as the plants grown from bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, it is in fact the bulb that’s most toxic to pets. If you have these in your own garden, you might have to take some measures to discourage your cat from digging up the bulbs.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are found in plenty of home gardens, especially due to their beauty and immense popularity. However, their toxicity levels to cats should be a reason for concern.
Ingestion results in stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness, especially if the flower heads are ingested. You want to make sure to keep the flowers out of your cat’s reach even when you dry them.
Iris Bulbs
Iris are definitely the most beautiful choice in old-fashioned gardens, where they were once known as “flags.” Technically, they are safe to use in gardening once they’re planted.
Even if all parts of the plant can be dangerous to cats, it’s the bulbs, in fact, that cause gastrointestinal issues. That’s why it’s advised to take precautions, especially if your cat (or dog) loves digging. It can also be a wise choice to keep your cat inside, as you transplant or divide irises.
Ivy
Ivy is quite commonly used as ground cover or simply for shade, as in covering wide surfaces of gazebos or trellises. It’s also quite a popular house plant. Many species of ivy, such as the popular English Ivy and Ivy arum (or pothos), are known to be moderately toxic to cats.
These plants cause gastrointestinal symptoms, burning, or irritation in the mouth, along with breathing difficulty, coma, and death, if a large amount of leaves is ingested. Even if the berries aren’t as poisonous to cats, they’re not super safe, either.
Lily
Lilies often come in many varieties, and they all look quite different from each other. As popular as they can get, unfortunately, these flowers are still on the “least wanted” list of plants in a garden for felines. Moreover, ingesting any part of this plant can rapidly cause kidney failure and ultimately lead to death.
This precaution applies as well to other “lily” plants, such as lily of the valley, and both the orchid and bush that are by the same name. If you want to put safety above anything else, it’s best to avoid any plant with lily in its name.
Ingesting the smallest amounts, such as pollen that gets on a cat’s fur and is then ingested, can be lethal enough, so they should definitely be avoided in all situations when cats are hanging around, such as bouquets, houseplants, and even outdoor gardens.
Marigolds
Marigolds are known to be our favorite sturdy, perky annuals. They are quite colorful and extremely easy to grow, which is also why they are so popular. They have a pungent aroma, which helps keep the insects far away, and they are generally planted near roses to deter aphids.
If your cat eats marigold leaves by chance, or even their stems, it could rapidly suffer from mild mouth irritation, drooling, tummy pain, and diarrhea. Contact with the plant’s sap can also cause skin irritation.
Wisteria
Wisteria is a natural vine, but it also has been trained to grow as a tree by some horticulturists out there. The seeds and pods are basically the toxic part that should pose a concern to pet owners. Cats who eat them are prone to vomiting (with blood), as well as diarrhea, dehydration, and depression.
Bonus: Does your cat have fleas?
If your cat has fleas, it will be impossible not to see them: your cat will be scratching and itching continuously, you will see bits of what seems to be dirt on its coat or the bed, or worst of all, you will get bitten. Fleas can be a natural (and unpleasant) part of life with a cat, but they are also harmful to your pet and household.
Luckily, you don’t automatically have to opt for the strongest, most toxic chemicals to efficiently eliminate or discourage fleas. There are plenty of natural flea treatments for cats, such as lemons, cedar, and various spices, like lavender, that could help treat your flea infestation.
Before you start administering home remedies, we still advise you to have a consultation with a veterinarian. As soon as you have the okay to treat the issue naturally, here are some of the best at-home remedies you can try that will help you get rid of your cat’s flea issues for good.
Cedar chips
It’s well known that fleas absolutely despise the smell of cedar chips. Well, there’s a huge chance your cat might not be too fond of it, either.
You can try spreading cheddar chips around your feline’s bedding or outdoors in your garden. But don’t go with essential oils, since they can be harmful to your cat, especially if ingested.
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