10 Houseplants that are Extremely Dangerous for Cats
Just like humans, cats are allergic to certain plants. They could cause skin allergies and internal infections if ingested, and even lead to a fatality. Cats, like other animals, like to explore and would certainly sniff around and most likely chew on plants, so owners should be wary of houseplants! Here’s a comprehensive list of houseplants that cat owners should avoid keeping at home.
1. Aloe vera
This plant is toxic for both cats and dogs. Look out for signs such as vomiting, anorexia, tremors, and change in urine color. This is one houseplant cat owners should definitely avoid keeping at home.
2. Lilies
Many types of lilies are considered toxic for cats such as Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca. They can cause kidney failure in cats.
3. Marijuana
Ingestion of this plant can cause depression of the central nervous system and incoordination. It could lead to increased heart rate, drooling, diarrhea, and vomiting. It could also lead to seizures and coma.
4. Sago palm
All parts of this plant are poisonous for pets, but the seeds or nuts have the most toxins and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures, and liver failure. This is a dangerous houseplant that cat owners should be aware of.
5. Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
The bulb of these pretty house plants contain toxins that can cause a lot of problems for cats, including gastrointestinal irritation, depression, and loss of appetite. The other serious effects are convulsions, cardiac issues, and depression of the central nervous system..
6. Oleander
This plant has cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, and even death.
7. Amaryllis
It is a common garden plant, but it has a lot of toxins that can cause abdominal pain, anorexia, tremors, and vomiting in cats.
8. Poinsettias
These houseplants look beautiful, but they are harmful to cats and dogs. The white milky sap found in them has chemicals such as diterpenoid phorbol esters and saponin-like detergents. If ingested, there could be signs of drooling, vomiting, and at times loose motions. Cat owners should not have this houseplant around.
9. Christmas cherry
It might cause a mild to moderate level of toxicity in cats, but if your pet has consumed a large amount, it can develop serious clinical signs. It might get dilated pupils, inadequate oxygen levels, shock, and at times, death.
10. Holly berries
This plant has toxic saponins, and when ingested it can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, due to the spiny leaves and also the toxic substances including methylxanthines and cyanogens. If ingested pets lip smack, drool and shake their head excessively due to mechanical injury from the leaves.
The best way to avoid any kind of harm to your cat is not to have these plants in the house. However, in case, you do have them at home, keep them away from cats. Also, always check information on the indoor plants you wish to keep before buying them. These houseplants could be potentially dangerous and harm your cats.