Watch out for these Plants do not Poison Your Cat

September 11, 2018

These following plants are toxic to cats, cats love to explore eat and climb therefore be aware of these poisons as lovely as they are. These can affect organs like kidney or heart and can cause inflammation of the skin, mouth stomach etc.

See the Article produced by Pet Md These are the most common dangers.

The following is a listing of plants that are toxic to cats, as well as the most commonly encountered toxic plants:

 Amaryllis (Amaryllis sp.)

• Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
• Azaleas and Rhododendrons (Rhododendron sp.)
• Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
• Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum sp.)
• Cyclamen (Cyclamen sp.)
• English Ivy (Hedera helix)
• Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe sp.)
• Lilies (Lilium sp.)
• Marijuana (Cannabis sativa)
• Oleander (Nerium oleander)
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
• Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
• Spanish thyme (Coleus ampoinicus)
• Tulip and Narcissus bulbs (Tulipa and Narcissus sp.)
• Yew (Taxus sp.)

  What to Watch For

Since many plants are irritants, especially for the gastrointestinal tract, most symptoms seen will be the result of irritation or inflammation, such as redness, swelling, or itchiness of the skin or mouth.

If the toxic principle directly affects a particular organ, the symptoms seen will be related to that organ. For example:

 Difficulty breathing (if the airways are affected)

• Drooling or difficulty swallowing (if the mouth, throat, or esophagus is affected)
• Vomiting (if the stomach or intestines are affected)
• Diarrhea (if the intestines or colon are affected)
• Excessive drinking and urinating (if the kidneys are affected)
• Fast, slow, or irregular heart beat (if the heart is affected)

 Immediate Care

 If you see your cat eating a plant and you are uncertain if it is poisonous, or if you suspect your cat ate such a plant within the past 1 to 2 hours, you can do the following before you take him to your veterinarian:

 Remove any plant material from the hair and skin.

1. If it necessary, you can wash the cat with warm water and a little non-irritating dish soap.
2. The identity of the plant is very important for determining treatment. If you don’t know what kind of plant it is and you can bring it with you, do so. Veterinarians don’t receive much training in plant identification, but every effort needs to be made to identify the plant. If your cat has vomited at all, try to collect some it for the doctor.
3. Call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680.

 Veterinary Care 

Diagnosis

The best diagnosis is made by identifying the plant. Your veterinarian will give your cat a physical exam and order such tests as necessary to determine the overall health of your cat. These tests are especially necessary if the plant is known to target specific organs.

 Treatment

 Once your cat has vomited, your veterinarian may give him activated charcoal to absorb any of the toxic principle that may be in the gut. Your vet may administer medication like sucralfate, which protects the damaged areas of the stomach.

Supportive care, such as intravenous fluids or anti-inflammatory medication will be used as needed, especially if the gastrointestinal tract is severely affected.

 Living and Management

 Some plants are fatal for cats when ingested, regardless of how quickly and excellent the care may be. This is usually true of lilies. Other plants may cause enough damage that prolonged aftercare in the form of medication or special diet is needed. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions.

 Prevention

Take whatever steps you can to protect your cat from exposure to poisonous plants. This includes removing such plants from your home and yard.

Avoid giving your cat a home remedy unless instructed. Do not give your kitty any food, water, milk, salt, oil or any other home remedy unless you know what poison the cat ingested and the specific medication or first aid. Giving any of these without any consultation or instruction from a veterinarian or a Pet Poison Helpline may worsen the condition of your cat.

Usually with poison it affects the kidneys, so water and activated charcoal is best after vomiting.