Plants That Are Poisonous For Cats
In our last discussion, we looked at plants that are poisonous to dogs, In this article, we will look at plants that are poisonous to cats. Just as a dog is said to be man’s best friend I believe that I can safely say that cats also befriend us and are loyal friends that will last a lifetime.
My son owned a cat once, we had him from a kitten. I would watch on many occasions as my son played with that cat rolling over on the floor running back and forth as both him and that cat interacted in the most fun-filled way.
But at times his cat would also get into mischief like they always do. For example, scratching the furniture. I remember on one occasion that’s after this cat had reach adulthood it was outside playing with a huge snake.
As both my family and I along with the neighbors watched this cat we were so amazed at how this cat was handling this snake and to make matters worse we had to keep the doors closed because this cat was trying to bring this huge snake that was still alive in our home.
Please forgive me for saying this cat because my son could not decide what name he wanted to call his cat so we just called him cat, I know what you are thinking that he did injustice by not giving his cat a name I think so too.
Our pets Curiosity
There is an age saying that says “curiosity kills the cat” cause this saying does not relate to cats but generally speaking, it means a person who is curious can sometimes get into trouble in the case of children who at times seem to get into mischief.
Cats are some of the most curious creatures there are and because of this, we ought to provide a safe environment for them because by being curious they mean no harm it is just in their nature to be this way just as they are playful.
Having a garden oasis
Who would not want to have a garden oasis that you can come to after a long day at the office just sit back, relax and connect with nature by taking in all that nature has to offer, this is truly a good feeling, but what I want to point out here is that as beautiful as those gardens maybe
we must ensure at all times that our cats for those of us who owned cats to keep them out of harm’s way? How sad is it to discover that the very plants you nurture are the very plants that bring harm to your beloved pet?
This is not a good experience at all, that means those garden plants would have to be removed no matter the beauty they bring.
Plants That Are Poisonous For Cats
Plants to exclude from our home garden
As a landscape designer, I know the thrill and excitement of having a beautifully designed landscape and garden. There is nothing like having a garden that is just bursting with colors that are so inviting giving such a restful and relaxing experience I have worked on these types of gardens.
It’s worth repeating
Excited as we may be about having this kind of garden oasis we should always bear in mind that with pets present we should pay close attention to what we plant in our garden. What’s the point of having a beautiful garden that has plants that are poisonous to our pets causing much harm.
Plant list
Plants to exclude from our home garden
These are just a few among many to watch out for. It is also a good idea to do research on plants that are allotted for your zone before installing.
1. Amaryllis is a plant that can bring much flavor to your garden. I love the beauty of these plants that are so colorful. But as beautiful as these plants are they should be excluded from the home garden because if eaten and swallowed can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea.
Keep your cats as well as dogs safe by keeping this plant out of your garden.
2. The Aloe Vera plants are so beneficial and have many health benefits when it comes to humans. This plant is hailed as the wonder plant and is used worldwide to help with health-related issues.
But as beneficial as this plant is to us it can have an adverse effect on cats as well as dogs. If you must have this plant around because of its healing purposes ensure that this plant is well secured and out of reach from your pet.
The gel from the aloe vera plant is said to cause diarrhea and vomiting.
3. American Holly is a very beautiful plant with its red berries. Whenever I see the berries of hollies it reminds me of Christmas time, this plant is a show stopper and will help to enhance your garden area but again as beautiful as hollies are, keep them out of reach of your cats and dogs.
Signs of poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea. So keep your animals safe by excluding hollies out of the home garden or making sure that your pet is secure
4. Alocasia can be used both in the interior and the exterior. I worked with these plants many years ago as an interior plantscape designer. These plants are unique in appearance but as unique as they are alocasia are
a no-no for those who owned pets. When ingested by pets (cats and dogs) can cause drooling, vomiting, swelling of lips, tongue, and mouth. This plant can really do a number on pets so make sure that your pet stays clear of these plants by excluding them from your garden.
5. Babydoll t is very common, these plants can be found in so many homes around the country. I have worked with these plants as an interior plant scape designer. Babydoll ti plants can also be installed in the home garden
The color of this plant is very beautiful with its rich color that can really be a shop stopper or specimen plant when in good health. Yet this plant has cause harm to pets. So be good to your pet and exclude babydoll ti plants from your garden.
6. Caladiums come in an array of colors and can brighten up your garden area. Plants can grow very leggy and the tops tend to topple over because the plant being top-heavy. But this ought not to be your concern because
I know if you are a pet owner this plant would definitely be excluded from your home garden. Caladiums are toxic to cats and also dogs. Signs of poisoning include. Difficulty swallowing, drooling, vomiting, swelling of lips, tongue, and mouth.
7. Begonias are very exotic plants that can give that soft touch while adding that WOW, great for hanging baskets that can lighten up an area. Begonias are very fragile therefore care should be taken when handling them.
Begonias though beautiful are not good for cats and dog’s reports of vomiting have been linked to this plant. Such a beauty that can cause so much harm.
8. Bird of Paradise Flower, who would ever think that a beautiful plant with a name like this could cause such harm to cats and dogs. I love working with birds of paradise because of their beautiful flowers
that give such a tropical look. Put as tropical as these plants may be having them in the home garden around your pet could prove fatal so resist the temptation of including this plant in your home garden. If ingested will cause vomiting and dizziness.
9. Calla Lily is one of my favorites, it is amazing the variety of lilies that are in this family. I am all too familiar with this plant when I work as a groundsman at this five-star resort.
But don’t let the beauty of this plant fool you. Calla lilies have proven to cause their share of damage by causing vomiting, drooling, difficulty swallowing, burning, and irritation of the mouth. keep both your cats and dogs from this plant.
10. Desert Rose is not fussy at all. In fact, as I am writing this article I have one that has been growing on my porch in a pot for many years. I have given this plant little attention from the time I got it and it is doing very well.
I don’t have any pets at the moment so it is safe for me to have these plants around to provide beauty with their nice rich color.
Desert rose was also used at my workplace. The name of this plant says it all, can survive on smalls amounts of water and can go weeks and weeks, and still maintains its luster.
But the desert rose is an enemy to your cat and dog. Signs of poisoning include heart problems, diarrhea, vomiting, and even death. Keep your pets safe by excluding this plant from your garden.
Final word
There is much more that can be added to this list of plants so beware of these plants and the many others that have proven to be fatal to pets. Let’s love our pets by providing a safe environment for them.
Your pets will love you for this as they continue to show their loyalty warming your heart and putting a smile on your face.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Great post Norman!
I had 3 cats pass away within 2 years of moving to a new community. I believe that they probably ate something in the “wild” and that is what caused them to develop strange health problems. I have not owned any cats since then, I was too bummed about it.
Do you think it is possible for cats to get sick after eating a rodent or bird who dines on some of these plants that are poisonous to cats?