
7 Decorative Plants That Are Dangerous for Cats
Several popular decorative household plants are dangerous for cats. If your feline friend is curious and tends to nibble on leaves, you must consider keeping certain plants away from your yard. Moreover, while cats are typically wary of eating anything unusual, walking over the leaves or brushing against a plant before grooming can cause toxin ingestion, resulting in collapse, seizures, or sickness. Here are seven decorative plants that are dangerous for cats.
1. Daffodils
Daffodils are beautiful flowering plants that are a treat to the eyes but can be severely dangerous for cats. While the whole plant is poisonous, ingesting the bulbs can trigger severe damage to cats. If ingested in large quantities, daffodils can result in facial seizures like epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmia, or a drop in blood pressure.
2. Autumn crocus
Botanically called Colchicum autumnale, autumn crocus or meadow saffron is a popular decorative flowering plant. It blooms during the fall and is poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses. The plant is particularly harmful to cats because of the alkaloid colchicine content. Every part of the plant is severely toxic; when cats ingest autumn crocus, they may show symptoms like breathing difficulties, seizures, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and drooling. In some cases, it may even cause liver or kidney damage and can be life-threatening.
3. Peace lilies
Peace lilies are a common flowering houseplant. Their white flowers, dark leaves, and low-maintenance needs make them immensely popular, but they contain calcium oxalate, a component usually toxic to cats. While peace lilies are safe to touch, they can be dangerous when ingested by cats.
4. Eucalyptus
Known for its soothing and fragrant leaves, eucalyptus is a pale green household plant that you must keep away from your cat’s reach. If cats ingest eucalyptus leaves, they may fall sick and suffer from diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and drooling. However, these symptoms are usually minor and fade without the need for any treatment within 24 hours.
5. Chrysanthemums
Also known as mums, Chrysanthemums are perennials with a magnificent burst of fall color. They come in different species, like common daisies, whose stems and leaves are poisonous to dogs and cats. If your cat ingests these plant parts, they may drool, get diarrhea, or vomit. In some cases, cats may display signs of skin irritation, loss of appetite, stumbling around, and lethargy.
6. Azaleas and rhododendrons
The flowers, stems, and leaves of these plants are toxic to cats. Eating only as little as three leaves can dangerously affect your cat. So, if your cat ingests these plants, they will show signs like loss of appetite, decreased coordination, drooling, weakness, diarrhea, and colic. Sometimes, they may also experience a weakened heart rate and leg paralysis.
7. Tulips
Tulips are a popular cut flower. However, they can be harmful to your cats. Their bulbs are usually the most toxic and can be dangerous for cats. Tulips contain allergenic lactones that can cause diarrhea and vomiting if swallowed by cats. So, you must keep tulips away from their reach.