| Cats are curious by nature. Because of their | | | | Some of these plants and shrubs include larkspur, |
| curious nature, it is easy for cats to ingest | | | | skunkweed, daffodils, foxglove, castor bean, |
| poisons that can cause them to become very ill. | | | | almond plants, wild cherry, English holly, spinach, |
| Without proper treatment, a cat could die from | | | | rhubarb, Jasmine, and pigweed. Other plants that |
| poisoning. | | | | can pose your cat to experience hallucinations are |
| Cat owners should be conscious of the types of | | | | marijuana, nutmeg, peyote, and morning glories. |
| materials around the home that can poison a cat. | | | | Chemicals and cleaners found around the house |
| Household chemicals, plants, trees and shrubs can | | | | are also cause for concern. Cats can ingest a |
| all cause a cat to become ill. When you think your | | | | toxic chemical and become very ill quickly. A |
| cat has ingested a poisonous material, it is helpful | | | | common poison for cats is antifreeze. They like |
| to your vet if you can inform what has made the | | | | the taste and will lick it off of the garage floor |
| cat sick. If your cat goes outdoors, sometimes it | | | | from a puddle. Antifreeze can cause seizures and |
| is impossible to know what the cat has taken in. | | | | if enough is ingested, can kill a cat. Other common |
| Here are some typical plants and household | | | | poisons found around the house are rat poisons, |
| chemicals that can make your cat ill. | | | | and insect sprays and treatments. If you treat |
| There are certain plants, trees and shrubs that | | | | your home with insecticides it is very important |
| can cause your cat to vomit, become dehydrated | | | | to keep your cat away from the treated area |
| and have diarrhea. Sometimes when a cat eats a | | | | for several hours. In addition, if you spray the |
| toxic plant, they can foam at the mouth or have | | | | inside of your home, thoroughly wash the cat's |
| some drooling followed by a craving to drink lots | | | | food and water bowls to clean off any residue |
| of water. Their mouth can become red and | | | | from the insecticide. Other common household |
| irritated. In rare cases, a cat can fall into a coma | | | | items that can make a cat ill include bleach, |
| and die. | | | | alcohol, gasoline, turpentine, lead, acid, garbage |
| Plants around your house can be a danger to | | | | waste and paint. Toads and salamanders can also |
| your cat. Sometimes a cat does not even have | | | | cause cats to become very ill. If your cat eats a |
| to ingest the plant, but can have exposure on | | | | toad or salamander, it will be evident by |
| their skin, causing irritations. Fig plants, | | | | excessive foaming at the mouth and drooling. |
| chrysanthemums, poinsettias can all create | | | | Also, it is important to remember that if your cat |
| reactions in cats. Most of the time these three | | | | eats a bird, insect or rat that has been infected |
| kinds of plants will only cause skin irritation. More | | | | by a poison, it is likely that your cat will become ill, |
| extreme reactions such as staggering, swelling of | | | | as well. |
| the mouth and general weakness are caused by | | | | If you think your cat has been poisoned, the best |
| household plants such as Boston ivy, arrowhead | | | | thing you can do is contact the National Animal |
| vine, caladiums, elephant's ear, heart leaf, peace | | | | Poison Control Center immediately. There are |
| lily and dumb cane plants. | | | | many different treatments for poisons and they |
| If your cat has consumed a great amount of | | | | can help guide you in what direction you should |
| amaryllis, ivy, azalea, spider mum and creeping | | | | take. A vet will most likely attempt to make the |
| Charlie plants or flowers, you can expect a more | | | | cat vomit. This will remove the poisonous toxins |
| serious reaction. These plants, among others, can | | | | from your cat's body. Sometimes a toxin is on |
| lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, tremors and | | | | the fur, such as turpentine or gasoline. In this |
| heart and respiratory ailments. It will be necessary | | | | case, the cat should be washed; mineral and |
| to consult your vet if you cat has ingested any | | | | vegetable oil are both helpful for removing such |
| toxic plants. | | | | toxins. If your cat starts to convulse, has |
| Outdoor plants can also be many of the same | | | | difficulty breathing, or seems to be unconscious, it |
| risks as some of the indoor plants. Symptoms | | | | is likely that the toxin is affecting his nervous |
| can include, but are not limited to, diarrhea, | | | | system. If you observe these systems, your cat |
| vomiting, dehydration, pain, and weakness, | | | | must be taken to medical care immediately as |
| breathing difficulties and seizures and convulsions. | | | | they are in serious danger. |