Bouquets and plants make wonderful gifts and decorations for our homes. However, many plant species can be hazardous to your cat’s health. Be aware of the plants you are bringing into your home to prevent accidental poisoning.
Listed below are several common plants toxic to cats:
Aloe
The gel inside the aloe leaf is not toxic; however, the white sap contains saponins and anthracene Glycosides, which are strong emetics (they induce vomiting). Common clinical signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Large ingestions can result in a reddish color change to the urine, muscle tremors, and may include a risk for kidney inflammation. Exposure to aloe typically requires minor symptomatic care such has anti-nausea medication and fluids if dehydrated.
Chrysanthemums and Daisies
Exposure to mums and daisies may only result in stomach upset. However, these flowers contain low amounts of pyrethrins, which are toxic to cats in sufficient quantities. A large exposure to chrysanthemums can result in depression of the central nervous system and ataxia (lack of muscle control), along with gastrointestinal distress. Clinical signs develop within minutes to hours of exposure. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Daffodils (Narcissus sp.)
These plants contain toxic alkaloids that can cause significant gastrointestinal distress with the potential for cardiovascular and neurologic toxicity. The toxins are present in all parts of the plant but are concentrated in the bulb. Minor ingestion of the leaves, stem, or flower can cause stomach upset due to the strong emetic properties of these alkaloids. Large ingestions of plant material or ingestion of the bulb can result in more severe clinical signs, including rapid heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, incoordination, tremors, and seizures. Clinical signs can develop within minutes or up to 24 hours.
Treatment may depend on the amount ingested and severity of the clinical signs. Cats exposed to small amounts may only require minor supportive care for stomach upset. Large ingestions of plant material or bulbs may require decontamination, IV fluids, antiarrhythmics, blood pressure support, muscle relaxants, and anticonvulsants. Severe clinical signs can last several days.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes are increasing in popularity and becoming a common household plant due to their brightly colored flowers. Unfortunately, this plant contains cardiotoxins called bufadienolides. The toxins are most concentrated in the flowers but present in all parts of the plant. Minor exposure may only result in stomach upset. If a large amount of this plant is ingested, stomach upset and neurologic signs will develop within a few hours. Neurologic signs can include lethargy and weakness. In rare cases, seizures and delirium could occur. Cardiac signs develop later, often over 12 hours post exposure, and include abnormal heart rhythm, hypotension, collapse, cyanosis, and respiratory distress. Rarely, cardiovascular collapse and sudden death can occur.
For large exposures or those that are symptomatic, treatment may include decontamination, cardiac monitoring, IV fluids, antiemetics, antiarrhythmics, and other symptomatic care as needed. For severe cardiotoxicity, the antidote Digibind may be administered.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.) and Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.)
Peace lily and calla lily are other common flowers mistaken for true lilies. They do not cause kidney failure like true lilies and daylilies; however, they do contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals which can be harmful. Calcium oxalate crystals are contained within bundles called raphides. These raphides burst when the cat chews the leaves and the crystals embed into the tissues of the mouth and throat. Clinical signs include oral pain, drooling, vocal changes, and vomiting. Systemic toxicity is not expected with these plants. There are rare reports of airway swelling and respiratory distress due to secondary inflammation.
Treatment is commonly symptomatic. Recommended treatment may include tuna juice for dilution, or dairy products (milk/yogurt) to help bind the oxalate crystals. Some treatments may include anti-vomiting support, antacids, and/or pain medications. Prognosis is excellent. Other common insoluble calcium oxalate containing houseplants include Pothos, Dumb Cane, and Philodendrons.
Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria sp.)
Peruvian Lily is often mistaken for true lilies. Fortunately, exposure to these flowers is only expected to result in self-limiting stomach upset and will not cause kidney damage or other systemic disease in cats.
Sorrels/Shamrock (Oxalis spp.), Sour Star Fruit, and Rhubarb
These plants contain soluble oxalate salts. Oxalta salts are absorbed from the digestive system and bind with systemic calcium, causing hypocalcemia. Kidney injury can occur due to the precipitation of calcium oxalate crystals within the renal tubules. Clinical signs of exposure start with stomach upset: hypersalivation, anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. As systemic hypocalcemia progresses, neurologic and musculoskeletal signs develop, including lethargy, twitching/tremors, tetany (involuntary muscle contractions), and seizures. Acute kidney injury can develop within 72 hours, resulting in further gastrointestinal signs, such as increased drinking, and increased urination.
Treatment may include decontamination, intravenous fluid therapy, calcium support, and other symptomatic therapies. Systemic calcium and kidney values may be monitored frequently.
Tulips (Tulipa sp.)
Tulips contain allergenic lactones called tuliposides. These toxins are concentrated in the bulb but can be found in all parts of the plant. Ingestion of the leaves, stem, or flower commonly results in stomach upset. Topical exposure can result in skin irritation. More serious symptoms can develop if the bulbs are chewed or ingested, including rapid heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias, and low blood pressure. The bulbs also contain insoluble calcium oxalates that cause upper gastrointestinal irritation and oral pain. Clinical signs can develop within minutes or up to 24 hours.
Treatment may depend on the amount ingested and the clinical signs. Most cats commonly require minor symptomatic care, which may include anti-vomiting medication. Large exposures or those with cardiovascular signs may require decontamination, IV fluids, antiarrhythmic medications, and/or gastrointestinal protectants.
True Lilies (Lilium sp.) and Daylilies (Hemerocallis sp.)
True lilies and daylilies are common flowers in arrangements, especially during Valentine's Day, Mother’s Day, and Easter. While beautiful, they are deadly to cats. Even minor exposure to the pollen or through drinking the vase water can cause devastating illness. Toxic lilies can cause kidney failure within 6 to 48 hours of exposure. If your cat has been exposed to these types of lilies, immediate treatment is critical. Prognosis is good if the treatment is started before the onset of kidney damage. Once kidney damage develops, recovery with aggressive treatment is possible; however, the chance of survival is lower. Clinical signs typically start with vomiting and decreased appetite, which progresses to complete anorexia, lethargy, increased drinking, increased urination, and continued vomiting as kidney failure develops.
Treatment is aimed at protecting the kidneys prior to the onset of kidney failure. This may include initial decontamination of recent exposure, intravenous fluids, and the administration of anti-vomiting medications. Your veterinarian may monitor bloodwork daily to assess kidney damage. If acute kidney injury occurs, fluids may continue to help support the kidneys. Dialysis may be required in cats with severe kidney damage.
Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based out of Minneapolis, MN, is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s per-incident fee includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
