Dec 09 2008
Plants Poisonous to Cats
Christmas, like Thanksgiving, brings with it its own hazards to cats. One of these hazards is poisonous plants. Some of the plants listed below are specific to the holidays, while others are commonly found in homes all year long. Please make sure your cat stays away from these plants. If you think your cat has ingested a poisonous plant, please call your veterinarian, local veterinary hospital, or the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center at:
1-900-443-0000 - $45.00 charge per case discussed, which is charged to your monthly phone bill
1-800-426-4435 - $45.00 charge per case discussed, which is billed to your credit card
Pointsettia: If your cat ingests the plant Pointsettia, he or she may experience diarrhea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, and blistering in the mouth.
Mistletoe: Mistletoe is another popular holiday plant. If your cat ingests the berries on mistletoe, he or she may experience breathing difficulties, blistering inside the mouth, diarrhea, and/or vomiting.
Ivy: A cat who ingests Ivy may experience vomiting, excitable behavior, and diarrhea.
Amaryllis: The ingestion of Amaryllis can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
Creeping Charlie: Creeping Charlie may cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps if ingested by your cat.
Philodendron and Caladium: The plants Philodendron and Caladium can cause vomiting, nausea, your cat to shake his or her head, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties.
Easter Lily: Easter Lily can cause liver failure in cats if any part of the plant is ingested.
Cactus: If your cat attempts to or does ingest cactus, the plant can puncture the skin and/or cause infections.
Diaffenbachia: This plant can affect the functioning of the central nervous system in cats.
Azalea: Azelea can lead to a cat becoming uncoordinated, collapsing, or trembling.
Please do not consider this a full list of poisonous plants to cats. Please keep these plants away from your cats this holiday season, and take action if you suspect your cat has ingested a poisonous plant.
Source:
About: Plants Poisonous to Cats
