Many of us love plants and flowers in the home to cheer things up a little.
Well, if you have a cat (or cats) then you need to be very much aware of what flowers are not so gorgeous for the cats!
1. Lily
Chinese name: 百合
Problem: toxic to kidneys
Which part of plant is toxic: all parts
2. Azaleas
Chinese name: 杜鵑
Problem: weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, heart failure
Also known as: Rhododendron
3. Tulip
Chinese name: 鬱金香
Problem: vomiting, diarrhea, depressed behavior, excessive salivation,
Which part of plant is toxic: bulb is most toxic
4. Carnations
Chinese name: 康乃馨
Problem: mild gastrointestinal upset, mild skin problem
5. Baby’s Breath
Chinese name: 滿天星
Problem: mild gastrointestinal upset – vomiting or diarrhea
Toxic principle: technically not considered toxic
6. Birds of Paradise
Chinese name: 天堂鳥
Problem: mostly gastrointestinal upset – nausea, vomiting
Which part of plant is toxic: fruits and seeds most toxic
7. Mistletoe
Chinese name: 槲寄生
Problem: Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure (weakness / nausea)*, difficulty breathing, low heart rate
8. Ivy
Chinese name: 常春藤
Problem: Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation
Which part of plant is toxic: leaves more toxic than berries
9. Begonias
Chinese name: 海棠花
Problem: Vomiting, excessive salivation
Which part of plant is toxic: most toxic part is underground
10. Iris
Chinese name: 海棠花
Problem: Vomiting, excessive salivation, lethargy, diarrhea
Lilies are by far the most lethal, as all parts of the flower are toxic to cats. If whenever you are uncertain, please take photographs of the plant and bring your cat in to see a vet as soon as possible!
Call for an appointment on 2915 2095 to see us!