Toxic Plants for Cats

Spring will soon be here in Calgary and it’s time we had a little chat about toxic plants. Now most cats love to chew on plants. Ingesting a toxic plant can lead to many problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and organ failure. Cats also love to climb so if your furry friend goes outside or you’re a green thumb yourself it is important to get to know the species of plants in your surrounding area. Now ingesting is not the only way for your cat can have a reaction to a toxic plant. Rubbing up against a toxic plant can have some serious effects as well. Most symptoms seen will be the result of irritation or inflammation, such as redness, swelling, or itchiness of the skin or mouth. Should any of these symptoms appear on your cat after coming in from the outside it is very important you bring your kitty in to see us. Here’s a list of the plants most known as toxic to cats.

• Amaryllis (Amaryllis sp.)
• Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
• Azaleas and Rhododendrons (Rhododendron sp.)
• Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
• Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum sp.)
• Cyclamen (Cyclamen sp.)
• English Ivy (Hedera helix)
• Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe sp.)
• Lilies (Lilium sp.)
• Marijuana (Cannabis sativa)
• Oleander (Nerium oleander)
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
• Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
• Spanish thyme (Coleus ampoinicus)
• Tulip and Narcissus bulbs (Tulipa and Narcissus sp.)
• Yew (Taxus sp.)

Here is to a happy and safe spring for everyone and their furry feline friends.