Flowers and cats:
a hidden danger at home
Flowers and plants make our homes cosy and fill them with life and beauty. But for a cat, a natural explorer and hunter, a green corner can be a deadly trap.
What is really dangerous, why, and how does poisoning show in your pet?
Flowers and cats:
a hidden danger at home
Flowers and plants make our homes cosy and fill them with life and beauty. But for a cat, a natural explorer and hunter, a green corner can be a deadly trap.
What is really dangerous, why, and how does poisoning show in your pet?
Any of these plants can turn your home into a dangerous place for your pet if you don't know the risks in time.
Houseplants:
enemies in pots
When we put a beautiful plant on the windowsill, we rarely think that its sap could be poisonous to our pet. A cat only needs to bite off a piece of leaf for problems to start.
Dieffenbachia
Its large, variegated leaves attract attention. But the plant's milky sap contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense burning in the mouth, a swollen tongue and difficulty breathing. A cat may run into a corner and start drooling heavily, and the owner may think it has choked, when in fact it is a burn to the lining of the mouth.
Monstera and philodendron
These decorative giants are popular in interiors, but their sap acts in the same way as dieffenbachia's. Symptoms include pain, refusing food and sometimes vomiting.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
The beautiful white 'sails' of this plant brighten up any room, but for a cat even a small bite of a leaf leads to mouth pain and stomach upset.
Poinsettia
A favourite Christmas plant. Its milky sap irritates the lining of the mouth and stomach and can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, although poisoning is usually mild.
Croton
Its brightly variegated leaves hide a serious threat: the sap can irritate the skin, and if swallowed it can cause vomiting and, in severe cases, seizures.
Ficus (weeping fig, rubber plant)
It seems so harmless, but its sap irritates the stomach if swallowed and causes nausea.
Cyclamen
Its tubers contain substances that can affect the heart. If a cat decides to taste the plant, the consequences can be very serious.
Aloe vera
For us it's a symbol of health, but aloe is toxic to cats. It causes vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and loss of appetite.
Houseplants:
enemies in pots
When we put a beautiful plant on the windowsill, we rarely think that its sap could be poisonous to our pet. A cat only needs to bite off a piece of leaf for problems to start.
Any of these plants can turn your home into a dangerous place for your pet if you don't know the risks in time.
Its large, variegated leaves attract attention. But the plant's milky sap contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense burning in the mouth, a swollen tongue and difficulty breathing. A cat may run into a corner and start drooling heavily, and the owner may think it has choked, when in fact it is a burn to the lining of the mouth.
Dieffenbachia
These decorative giants are popular in interiors, but their sap acts in the same way as dieffenbachia's. Symptoms include pain, refusing food and sometimes vomiting.
Monstera and philodendron
The beautiful white 'sails' of this plant brighten up any room, but for a cat even a small bite of a leaf leads to mouth pain and stomach upset.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
A favourite Christmas plant. Its milky sap irritates the lining of the mouth and stomach and can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, although poisoning is usually mild.
Poinsettia
Its brightly variegated leaves hide a serious threat: the sap can irritate the skin, and if swallowed it can cause vomiting and, in severe cases, seizures.
Croton
It seems so harmless, but its sap irritates the stomach if swallowed and causes nausea.
Ficus (weeping fig, rubber plant)
Its tubers contain substances that can affect the heart. If a cat decides to taste the plant, the consequences can be very serious.
Cyclamen
For us it's a symbol of health, but aloe is toxic to cats. It causes vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and loss of appetite.
Aloe vera
Lilies
The most dangerous of all for cats. Every part is poisonous: petals, leaves, stems, pollen and even the water the flowers stood in. Lilies cause acute kidney failure. Even if a cat just brushes past the flowers and then licks pollen off its fur, it can die without urgent treatment.
Tulips and daffodils
These beautiful symbols of spring contain substances that are dangerous to the heart and stomach. The bulbs contain the most toxins, but the petals can also cause vomiting and pain.
Hydrangeas
Their fluffy flower heads tempt cats. But the leaves and flowers contain compounds that release cyanide. The result can be weakness, difficulty breathing and poisoning.
Chrysanthemums
For us they are a symbol of autumn, but for cats they are a source of toxins that affect the nervous system. Symptoms: trembling, drooling, vomiting and unsteadiness.
Eucalyptus
We love its scent, but the essential oils in its leaves are a strong irritant for cats. Poisoning shows as nausea and diarrhoea.
Roses
They are not poisonous in themselves, but cut roses are often treated with chemicals to keep them fresh, and the water in the vase can become a source of toxic compounds.
Bouquets and cut flowers:
danger in a vase
Imagine: you've been given a beautiful bouquet, you put it on the table, and your cat comes over to the vase out of curiosity. It may taste a leaf, lick a drop of water or just touch a flower with its paw, and that is enough.
Bouquets and cut flowers:
danger in a vase
Imagine: you've been given a beautiful bouquet, you put it on the table, and your cat comes over to the vase out of curiosity. It may taste a leaf, lick a drop of water or just touch a flower with its paw, and that is enough.
The most dangerous of all for cats. Every part is poisonous: petals, leaves, stems, pollen and even the water the flowers stood in. Lilies cause acute kidney failure. Even if a cat just brushes past the flowers and then licks pollen off its fur, it can die without urgent treatment.
Lilies
These beautiful symbols of spring contain substances that are dangerous to the heart and stomach. The bulbs contain the most toxins, but the petals can also cause vomiting and pain.
Tulips and daffodils
Their fluffy flower heads tempt cats. But the leaves and flowers contain compounds that release cyanide. The result can be weakness, difficulty breathing and poisoning.
Hydrangeas
For us they are a symbol of autumn, but for cats they are a source of toxins that affect the nervous system. Symptoms: trembling, drooling, vomiting and unsteadiness.
Chrysanthemums
We love its scent, but the essential oils in its leaves are a strong irritant for cats. Poisoning shows as nausea and diarrhoea.
Eucalyptus
They are not poisonous in themselves, but cut roses are often treated with chemicals to keep them fresh, and the water in the vase can become a source of toxic compounds.
Roses
How to tell if your cat
Sometimes a cat just seems sleepy, but this may already be a sign of kidney or liver damage.
Owners often think their cat has 'eaten something it shouldn't' and don't connect it with flowers. But the signs are quite typical:
has been poisoned by a plant
weakness and refusing food
diarrhoea
vomiting, sometimes with foam
sudden drooling
trembling or seizures
an irregular or unusual heartbeat
difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing
How to tell
if your cat
if your cat
has been poisoned by a plant
Owners often think their cat has 'eaten something it shouldn't' and don't connect it with flowers. But the signs are quite typical:
Sometimes a cat just seems sleepy, but this may already be a sign of kidney or liver damage.
sudden drooling
vomiting, sometimes with foam
diarrhoea
weakness and refusing
food
food
trembling or seizures
difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing
an irregular or unusual heartbeat
has eaten a flower or leaves
Owners often think their cat has 'eaten something it shouldn't' and don't connect it with flowers. But the signs are quite typical:
The key is not to wait. Cats have a fast metabolism, and time works against the owner.
What to do if your cat
Remove the plant and all its parts
1
Gently rinse your cat's mouth with water or wipe it with a damp cloth
2
Make fresh water available
3
Don't try to make your cat vomit yourself: it can make things worse
4
Call your vet straight away (or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000) and take the plant, or a photo of it, with you
5
What to do if your cat
has eaten a flower or leaves
The key is not to wait. Cats have a fast metabolism, and time works against the owner.
1
Remove the plant and all its parts
2
Gently rinse your cat's mouth with water or wipe it with a damp cloth
3
Make fresh water available
4
Don't try to make your cat vomit yourself: it can make things worse
5
Call your vet straight away (or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000) and take the plant, or a photo of it, with you
your home safe
How to make
A love of plants and caring for a cat can go together. Just follow a few simple rules:
Owners often think their cat has 'eaten something it shouldn't' and don't connect it with flowers. But the signs are quite typical:
remember: a cat will find its way to any plant, so 'putting it up high' doesn't always work
if you're given a bouquet with lilies or tulips, put it well out of reach straight away or give it to someone else
offer your cat its 'own greens': oats or barley in a pot
choose safe plants: spider plant, true ferns, true bamboo, cat grass
don't keep dangerous plants in the house
How to make
your home safe
The key is not to wait. Cats have a fast metabolism, and time works against the owner.
don't keep dangerous plants in the house
if you're given a bouquet with lilies or tulips, put it well out of reach straight away or give it to someone else
choose safe plants: spider plant, true ferns, true bamboo, cat grass
offer your cat its 'own greens': oats or barley in a pot
Spider plant (Chlorophytum)
A real champion among 'cat-friendly plants'. It is easy to grow, spreads quickly, freshens the air and is non-toxic to pets. Many cats love its leaves, and this is one plant the owner doesn't need to worry about.
Cat grass (oats, wheat, barley)
Not just safe but healthy greens. Cereal grasses help the stomach, aid digestion and help cats bring up swallowed fur naturally. They are easy to grow: plant the seeds straight into a pot, and within a week your pet has its own 'salad bar'.
Valerian and catnip
These plants are a real treat for many cats. Valerian has a stimulating effect, and catnip brings joy and playfulness. They are harmless, although not every cat reacts in the same way. If your pet is indifferent, that's normal too.
True bamboo
A beautiful, elegant and safe choice for your home. Cats sometimes nibble the shoots, but this does them no harm. Be careful, though: 'lucky bamboo' is not a real bamboo but a Dracaena, which is toxic to cats.
Ferns
Classic houseplants that create a green backdrop. True ferns, such as the Boston fern, are harmless to cats, although eating a lot can cause mild stomach upset. The 'asparagus fern' is not a true fern and is best avoided.
African violet (Saintpaulia)
A favourite of grandmothers and collectors. African violets contain no toxins, so you can safely keep them on the windowsill, even if your cat decides to sniff or lick a petal.
Orchids
Good news for lovers of exotic plants: moth orchids are not toxic to cats. There is one catch, though: their delicate flowers break easily, so place them where your pet can't knock them over.
After a long list of 'forbidden' plants it's easy to think the only answer is to leave the windowsills empty. But that isn't so. Many plants are completely safe for cats and still brighten up the home. What's more, some of them are even favourites with pets, who happily nibble them without any harm to their health.
safe greens for your cat
Which plants you can keep at home:
Which plants you can keep at home:
safe greens for your cat
After a long list of 'forbidden' plants it's easy to think the only answer is to leave the windowsills empty. But that isn't so. Many plants are completely safe for cats and still brighten up the home. What's more, some of them are even favourites with pets, who happily nibble them without any harm to their health.
A real champion among 'cat-friendly plants'. It is easy to grow, spreads quickly, freshens the air and is non-toxic to pets. Many cats love its leaves, and this is one plant the owner doesn't need to worry about.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum)
Not just safe but healthy greens. Cereal grasses help the stomach, aid digestion and help cats bring up swallowed fur naturally. They are easy to grow: plant the seeds straight into a pot, and within a week your pet has its own 'salad bar'.
Cat grass (oats, wheat, barley)
These plants are a real treat for many cats. Valerian has a stimulating effect, and catnip brings joy and playfulness. They are harmless, although not every cat reacts in the same way. If your pet is indifferent, that's normal too.
Valerian and catnip
A real champion among 'cat-friendly plants'. It is easy to grow, spreads quickly, freshens the air and is non-toxic to pets. Many cats love its leaves, and this is one plant the owner doesn't need to worry about.
True bamboo
Classic houseplants that create a green backdrop. True ferns, such as the Boston fern, are harmless to cats, although eating a lot can cause mild stomach upset. The 'asparagus fern' is not a true fern and is best avoided.
Ferns
A favourite of grandmothers and collectors. African violets contain no toxins, so you can safely keep them on the windowsill, even if your cat decides to sniff or lick a petal.
African violet (Saintpaulia)
Good news for lovers of exotic plants: moth orchids are not toxic to cats. There is one catch, though: their delicate flowers break easily, so place them where your pet can't knock them over.
Orchids
But remember: many familiar plants, such as lilies, tulips, daffodils, dieffenbachia, monstera and peace lilies, can cause serious poisoning in cats. So the main principle is simple: a home should be not only beautiful but also safe.
A home with a cat can be green, cosy and safe at the same time. Spider plants, cereal grasses, ferns, orchids and African violets are excellent alternatives to dangerous plants, and cat grass and catnip will delight your pet and keep its attention away from your other pots. Ideally, your cat should always have its own pot of grass: then it will be happy, and your ornamental plants will be left in peace.
summary
It's better to give up poisonous plants and replace them with safe alternatives than to risk your pet's health and life.
But remember: many familiar plants, such as lilies, tulips, daffodils, dieffenbachia, monstera and peace lilies, can cause serious poisoning in cats. So the main principle is simple: a home should be not only beautiful but also safe.
A home with a cat can be green, cosy and safe at the same time. Spider plants, cereal grasses, ferns, orchids and African violets are excellent alternatives to dangerous plants, and cat grass and catnip will delight your pet and keep its attention away from your other pots. Ideally, your cat should always have its own pot of grass: then it will be happy, and your ornamental plants will be left in peace.
summary
It's better to give up poisonous plants and replace them with safe alternatives than to risk your pet's health and life.