Springtime Peril! Feline toxic flowers to avoid in your home
By: Dr. Matt Encinosa
Spring is a beautiful season in which we see new growth and life all around us. Within that beauty is a source of danger unknown to many cat owners. Certain flowers can be toxic, and if ingested, can cause serious illness and even death. This is a short guide to the more common toxic flowers to avoid.
1) Lilies – These beautiful flowers are commonly found in bouquets and are sadly one of the most toxic flowers for cats. They can cause severe kidney damage if any part of the plant or pollen is ingested. The most toxic varieties include Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and daylilies.
2) Tulips – Another common bouquet addition that is considered moderately toxic in cats and can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, depression, and tremors. The bulbs are the most toxic portion of the plant, but any part can cause symptoms.
3) Daffodils – Considered moderately to highly toxic in cats. The bulbs are the most toxic, but the entire plant can be harmful. Unfortunately, these can cause diarrhea and vomiting, abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, and potentially convulsions.
4) Azaleas and Rhododendrons – These are more common in our own gardens than bouquets but can also lead to moderate to severe toxicity in cats if any part of the plant is ingested. Symptoms may include vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, coma, or death.
The next time you are going to pick flowers from your garden or grab a bouquet from the grocery store, be aware of these flowers if you have cats in your home. If you are worried that your cat has recently ingested any part of the plant and is showing symptoms, please contact your local vet.