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So, you have finally made the decision to surprise the family with a new kitten and your mind goes into overdrive thinking on all that you need to do in preparation and anticipation of the new arrival.
You have heard all the horror stories of how kittens can destroy your plants in seconds by either playing with them or snacking on them. Some of them could even actually be dangerous for your cats. With that in mind, it’s best to know what plants that are unsafe for cats.
If you are a plant person and you have an assortment of plants around your home, you may want to make a list and make sure they are safe to have around cats. A cat snacking on the wrong plant could have a disastrous effect on the cat, and in extreme cases may even be fatal.
Here is a list of 15 plants that are unsafe for cats and should be avoided.
1. Sweet Pea
Don’t be blinded by the beauty of the sweet pea. It is very attractive plant chosen by many for its array of colors; however, the seedlings and seeds of the sweet pea could cause your cat to have seizures, tremors, experience extreme weakness and could even be fatal if high amounts are ingested.
2. Tomato Plant
This is something that most have somewhere in their garden. Tomato plants spread like weeds and will soon take over your garden if left unattended. While the kids might like picking the tomatoes, the leaves could be toxic if ingested by cats slowing the heart rate causing confusion and drowsiness.
3. Wisteria
Another beauty the wisteria is a popular option for many. While it may look great, the tendrils and seeds could cause your cat to vomit, get diarrhea and even depression. Next time look beyond the beauty of the wisteria before planting it in your garden.
4. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow, aka blood wort or carpenter’s weed, is not something you would want to grow in your garden if you have cats. Every part of this plant that grows above ground is toxic if ingested by cats. Anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea are just some of the effects of this plant on cats.
5. Tulips
Tulips may be beautiful to look at with and come across as a classy and sophisticated plant, but it is toxic to your cat so keep it out of your garden. The entire plant is toxic; however, the bulb holds the most danger for cats.
6. Philodendron
This typical and very common houseplant can be found in many homes; however, most are unaware of the dangers that it holds for cats. The entire plant is toxic for cats and will lead to difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, drooling and mouth irritation.
7. Morning Glory
This climbing vine with its bright array of colors is not a good choice to have in your garden when you have cats. If your cats ingest the seeds from this plant, it could lead to disorientation and unsteadiness, gastrointestinal problems and hallucinations.
8. Mistletoe
Forget about kissing under the mistletoe if you have cats around. The berries of the mistletoe are very dangerous for cats. A cat that has ingested mistletoe berries could experience an abnormally slow heart rate, dilated pupils, stomach problems, and even heart failure. Remember to warn your friends especially when holidays are approaching.
9. Marijuana
While it may not be something we all have growing in our back garden, for those who do, beware, marijuana is dangerous for your cats. The entire plant is dangerous with the stem of the flowers posing the most danger. Your cat may experience drowsiness or excitability, or it could be more serious with the cat going into a coma or even death.
10. Hydrangea
A very common garden plant found in many gardens the hydrangea is not deadly toxic to cats; however, the leaves could cause depression and diarrhea.
11. Foxglove
Another dangerous plant disguised by its beauty, the foxglove is deadly to cats. The entire plant is toxic and ingesting too much of this plant could be fatal for a cat. Other symptoms to look out for are cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac failure, vomiting, and dizziness.
12. Daffodil
When daffodils are in bloom celebrating the spring, we are easily blinded by their beauty. The leaves and flowers are toxic, but the bulb is the most toxic part of the daffodil. Symptoms to look out for are low blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms, tremors, convulsions, and vomiting.
13. Chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum, which also includes the daisy within the species, is also not a great choice of the plant when you have cats. The colorful flowers will attract cats and can easily be ingested while your cat is playing with them. The entire plant is toxic and while it may not be deadly, it will cause vomiting, skin irritation and excessive drooling.
14. Christmas Tree
It seems as though the holidays are very dangerous time for cats; with mistletoe already on the list, you can also add Christmas trees. If you have cats, you may want to opt for an artificial Christmas tree in the future instead of the real deal. The sap of the Christmas tree can cause your cat to experience abdominal pain, vomiting, anorexia, and depression.
15. Aloe
Many people like to have aloe or aloe vera in their garden or home because of its medicinal properties. The sap in the leaves are used for many healing home remedies for humans; however, this same sap can be toxic to cats. Ingestion could cause tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and anorexia, and the cat’s urine could change color.
Conclusion
These 15 plants that are unsafe for cats are only a handful of plants and flowers that you should grow with care when you have cats. While most of them are not deadly, they can cause symptoms that can cause great discomfort for your cat and in turn, for you, when you have to pay a veterinarian bill that could have been avoided by simply paying attention to the plants in your garden and home.
Plants can add beauty and color to a home but cannot compare to the love and affection that you will receive from your healthy cat.