Poisonous plants for cats: which house plants do not like our cat and in what quantity
Poisonous plants are a danger not only for cats that spend time outdoors, but also for all those who live in the apartment. In this second case, however, we have the possibility to avoid unpleasant inconveniences because we can choose which plants to buy. for our home Did you know that there are some ideal ones to purify the air in your apartment? Watch this video.
Poisonous plants for cats: why do felines eat plants?
Some cats are attracted to the greenery of plants, others never eat their leaves, still others only rarely. But since some do eat them, it's good to know which leaves or flowers can be a health hazard to cats. There are various hypotheses as to why some cats eat leaves, grass and flowers. There are those who claim that they are naturally attracted to this "food", because in this way they acquire nutrients such as folic acid and vitamin E; who think that in this way they get rid of parasites, such as monkeys do, and who believe that they have them need for their gastroesophageal system, as a support in case of vomiting caused by swallowed hair, licking themselves. In fact, cats, especially long-haired ones, often ingest the hairs of their coat, which with saliva form the so-called boluses. failing to pass through the intestine, they are often vomited by the cat, thus preventing an "intestinal obstruction. In addition, some types of herbs favor the evacuation of stools with their fibers. Some plants can poison your cat to the point where it gets terribly restless, even if it circulates in a well-kept garden.
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Non-harmful and beneficial plants for cats
There are many plants that are not dangerous for your cat. A good digestive capacity of the animal, not allowing a decomposition of the vegetable, greatly reduces the risk of absorbing toxic substances.
There are various non-harmful plants for cats, both indoors and outdoors, which are also sold in pet stores. There are many and you can choose between Catnip, Lemongrass, Parsley, Thyme, Valerian. The essential oils of valerian, rosemary, lavender, geranium and sage are also beneficial natural tranquilizers for cats. Catnip or catnip (nepeta catariaI, thanks to its strange substance produces particularly intoxicating effects. It tones the cat, enhances it, makes it euphoric and willing to run and play without brakes. There are also grass-flavored cushions. cat that would make your cat happy Valerian (valeriana officinalis), also known as the root of cats, is much loved by felines, which do somersaults on the ground, meowing with pleasure, just to smell its classic smell of camphor.
The Camedrio maro (teucrium marum) attracts cats very much; it is similar to catnip and can also be grown in pots. Its scent enchants and stuns felines, while for humans its particular purple flower smells only of ether.
Poisonous plants for cats: beware of the cat!
Thanks to the caution of cats in tasting new foods, poisoning due to leaves or flowers of a toxic plant is quite rare. It must be said, however, that it is also very difficult to understand which plant may be responsible for poisoning or severe intoxication . It is necessary to take the cat to the vet, so that he can make a more confident diagnosis from the symptoms and prescribe an adequate remedy. Domestic cats are more at risk, especially if young and lively; in fact, those who go outside often eat almost only grass, while the domestic ones have less choice and therefore you have to take care not to bring into the house harmful plants for your favorite cat. Among the plants that can make your cat risk poisoning there are first of all some species of lilies: the common lily , the tiger lily, the day lily, the peace lily and the lily of the valley. The other species of lily are not toxic. Oleander, Castor, Rhododendron, Azaleas are also dangerous. Cicuta major Aconito napello, Cyclamen, Crocus nudiflorus, Narcissus and Ivy, Aloe, Christmas Rose, Dieffenbachia, Spatafillo, Fern, Ficus, Hyacinth, Greater Saffron, Philodendron, Tulip, Poinsettia, Calla. The level of toxicity of the various plants are varied. However, other plants are also to be considered toxic at various levels, such as: Abro, Mimosa, Agave, Garlic (raw), Holly, Apricot (hazelnuts), Avocado, Bella di notte, Belladonna, Hawthorn, Snowdrop. Climbing bell, onion, chrysanthemum, dahlia, foxglove, eucalyptus, carnation, jasmine, geranium, hyacinth, juniper, wisteria, iris, almond, apple tree (seeds), lily of the valley, hydrangea, periwinkle, primulla, buttercup, bird of paradise and the Mistletoe. Obviously you have to run immediately to the vet to understand which plant has ingested the leaves, fruits or roots. .
Many have to give up their favorite indoor and outdoor plants at home in order not to endanger the health or life of cohabiting friends, both cats and dogs. In fact, poisonous plants can cause them much more than some gastrointestinal disturbance, such as diarrhea or abdominal pain; sometimes toxic reactions have very serious consequences.
Some plants that are poisonous to cats or highly toxic (be careful even if you have a dog)
A small amount is enough to cause big problems. In short, there are many poisonous or toxic plants for our friends and some also for humans. Some give less serious problems, such as dry mouth, diarrhea for a few days; if it persists it can cause dehydration with more serious consequences. Others involve more serious problems and must be done in time. For example, Gelsemium gives orientation problems which in itself is not a very serious disturbance, but can lead the animal to skid, not to see obstacles or to encounter dangers, such as being run over or falling into a ravine. Dieffenbachia Amoena contains latex that is toxic to dogs but poisonous to cats. It causes swelling in the mouth, inflammation or pain in the mouth, vomiting, excessive salivation, tremors, nephritis and can be fatal. The poinsettia is toxic to dogs and cats and also to humans, the mucous membranes of the stomach, if it is ingested and even if it is not highly toxic, it can cause diarrhea and gastric problems. Mistletoe is poisonous for animals and also for humans: it has small white berries with viscotoxins and very poisonous: they can decrease heart rate, temperature, cause respiratory problems and lethal outcomes. Holly berries are toxic to dogs, cats and horses: if ingested, they can cause digestive problems, general killing of the animal and if the quantity ingested is conspicuous it can result in coma and even death of the animal. Prunus Laurocerasus is the most common plant to create hedges, it contains amygdalin, a highly toxic substance with even lethal consequences. Hydrangea is also very toxic to cats and dogs. If they eat its buds, the consequences are very serious. They can have breathing problems, vomiting, cyanosis and even coma. This is why when you have four-legged friends at home, you need to be well informed and buy only those plants that are certainly non-toxic for them as decorative or terrace plants.
