Plants That Pose a Threat to Cats

Plants That Pose a Threat to Cats

Did you ever think that your passion for gardening could threaten your kitty’s life? The truth is that there are quite a few beautiful plants that can be toxic to cats. At times, they may nibble on stems and leaves of plants out of sheer boredom. These are times when you must be careful, because a few plants can prove to be harmful, even poisonous, for them. Here are a few plants that you should keep your cat away from:

  • Lilies
    Lilies can be found in variants, and they are extremely toxic to cats. When a cat ingests it, they can experience vomiting, loss of appetite, and even kidney failure. Irrespective of the type, lilies are highly toxic to felines.
  • Hyacinths
    These sweet-smelling flowers, despite being so attractive, contain alkaloids that can prove to be lethal to your cats.
  • Mistletoe
    This plant can have adverse effects on cats. It may trigger a series of respiratory problems when ingested.
  • Eucalyptus
    This plant is fiber-rich, but has poisonous leaves. It is not a surprise, then, that the plant is toxic to most animals, including cats.
  • Jade
    These plants are most often kept by homeowners who have limited gardening skills, simply because they are attractive, yet low-maintenance. But like many other plants, the jade plant is toxic to cats, causing vomiting, a reduced heart rate, and even aggression in them.
  • Onions
    These plants find their way into many kitchens, but they can be toxic to both dogs and cats. Other vegetables, such as leeks, shallots, garlic, and chives, are also harmful to pets.
  • Milkweed
    This plant is a favorite in many gardens. But fruits of the milkweed plant can be poisonous to pets.
  • Tomatoes
    You may love growing red, ripe tomatoes in your backyard, but its leaves and stem can be toxic to cats.
  • Azaleas
    These belong to the rhododendron family, and are moderately toxic to cats. Pets tend to taste or nibble on their leaves out of curiosity, and this can prove to be dangerous, as it may result in clinical toxicosis. Signs include weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, and even death.
  • Daffodils
    Who could have imagined that these beautiful blooms could be damaging for cats? But, according to studies, flowers, leaves, and bulbs of the daffodil plant are poisonous for cats. They can cause diarrhea, drooling, vomiting, and depression in felines.
  • Chrysanthemums
    These flowers are popular perennials, but they can prove to be dangerous to your feline. Cats ingesting these plants can drool, vomit, and even experience diarrhea.
  • Iris bulbs
    These plants are common in old-fashioned gardens, but their rhizomes contain compounds that are highly toxic to cats, causing several gastrointestinal problems in them.