In spring and summer, cats especially enjoy exploring and nibbling on plants on balconies, in gardens or indoors. They do this, in part, to purge themselves and eliminate hairballs. However, it is important to know which plants should be kept out of their reach to avoid problems ranging from mild discomfort to serious complications.
Why do cats eat plants?
Cats often chew plants to help them regurgitate hairballs they ingest while grooming, as Plant fibers promote intestinal transitBy chewing grass, for example, cats stimulate the gag reflex and make it easier to expel hard-to-digest things, such as hair. Although it is a natural behavior, not all plants are safe for them. Some can be irritating or highly toxic. for your body.
What happens if my cat ingests a toxic plant?
The effects of ingesting a poisonous plant vary depending on the plant and the amount ingested. Some of the common symptoms of poisoning include:
- Excessive salivation
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Seizures or tremors
- Lack of appetite
- Paralysis, difficulty moving
- Respiratory problems
- General weakness
If you notice any of these signs after your cat has been in contact with a plant, it is crucial go immediately to the vetThe sooner it is treated, the better the chances are that your cat will recover without any after-effects.
Most common toxic plants
Below we detail some of the Most dangerous plants for cats commonly found in homes and gardens:
- Homies:This houseplant is very popular, but its leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive salivation and difficulty swallowing.
- DieffenbachiaPopular in many homes, this plant can cause swelling in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting if ingested.
- Lilies: Perhaps one of the most dangerous plants for cats. Lilies (all types) are deadly for them and can cause kidney failure even when ingested in minimal amounts, such as pollen. It is highly recommended not to have lilies in the house if you live with a feline.
- Ivy: Not only does it cause stomach upset, but it can also affect the nervous system, causing neurological problems such as tremors or seizures.
- marijuana: Although it may seem harmless, cannabis can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and even coma in cats if ingested, as well as possible neurological problems.
- Poinsettia: Very common during the Christmas holidays, it can cause gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting.
Besides these, other plants like hyacinths, tulips, azaleas, daffodil, holly and chrysanthemum are highly toxic and should be avoided.
Safe alternative plants
Although many plants can be dangerous, fortunately there are safe and beneficial alternatives that we can have at home. Some safe options include:
- Catnip: Also known as catnip, not only is it harmless, but cats love it. It has a stimulating effect and, in many cases, a temporary euphoria in felines.
- Cat grass (grasses): It can be purchased in pet stores and is an ideal option to allow your cat to chew plants safely.
- ferns: Although not common in homes, ferns are safe for cats.
If you are worried about your cat insisting on exploring and nibbling on dangerous plants, placing these types of plants around your home can be a great way to keep their curiosity safely occupied.
What to do if your cat is poisoned?
In the event that your cat has ingested a toxic plant, the most important thing is keep calm and act quickly:
- Remove your cat from the area where the plant was and make sure it does not come into contact with any part of it.
- Check what plant you have ingested And if you don't know its name, take a photo or take a sample to the vet.
- Contact the vet immediately, mentioning the plant that may have been ingested.
- Do not induce vomiting without consulting a veterinarian, as some plants can cause more damage by returning up the esophagus.
How to prevent your cat from accessing toxic plants?
Prevention is always the best option, and there are some measures you can take to prevent your feline from coming into contact with dangerous plants:
- Place plants out of reach of your cat, preferably in high or inaccessible places.
- Use hanging pots or closed greenhouses to ensure that your cat does not chew on dangerous leaves.
- It provides <strong>economic data</strong> on the business environment. safe alternatives, such as catnip or special plants for cats. This will distract them from other more dangerous plants.
- Get familiar with the toxic plants or cat irritants. Do your research before decorating your home or garden.
If you have a garden, or let your cat outside, try to keep an eye on it or make sure it doesn't get access to dangerous plants. It's difficult to control everything a cat does outdoors, but you can minimize the risks by removing any toxic plants from your property.
Caring for our cat does not only mean providing it with good food and shelter, but also making sure that the environment in which it lives is safe in every respect. Plants, although harmless to us, can represent a real danger to them. Therefore, being well informed is crucial to avoid unnecessary risks and enjoy the company of our feline without unnecessary worries.