Poisons and Toxic Plants

Most cats love catnip, and many cats love to munch on household plants. Whoever said that "curiosity killed the cat" must have known that cats, by nature, will explore by sniffing and chewing things around them.

As with toddlers, cats need to be protected against household dangers. Prevention is key, but should anything happen, know how to contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline. Both numbers are at right.

(no worries; it's safe.)

Toxic substances

Antifreeze is a leading cause of poisonous deaths for both pets and wildlife. Avoid antifreeze containing ethylene glycol, which is deadly. Antifreeze made with propylene glycol is much less toxic.

Other common household substances that are toxic include rat poison, household cleaners, and carpet deodorizers. Be wary of potpourri and other deodorizers, as your cat may chew on them and become ill.

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Toxic and Poisonous Plants

Many common house and garden plants can cause severe illness or even death when eaten. Always check whether a plant is safe before bringing it home! The following plants all pose risks to pets:

The top 5 poisonous plants
reprinted from the ASPCA

LILIES rank number one in dangerous plant call volume at the American Poison Control Center, and are highly toxic to cats. Even if ingested in very small amounts, severe kidney damage could result. According to the ASPCA, an owner in Pennsylvania lost her cat to kidney failure from ingesting only a small portion of an Easter lily.

AZALEAS, indigenous to many eastern and western states and commonly used in landscaping, contain substances that can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness, and central nervous system depression. Severe cases could lead to death from cardiovascular collapse.

Frequently used as an ornamental plant, OLEANDER contains toxic components that can cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, hypothermia, and potentially severe cardiac problems.

Also a popular ornamental plant, SAGO PALM can potentially produce vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures, liver failure, and even death. One pit bull terrier in Florida became ill and subsequently died from liver failure after chewing on the leaves and base of a sago palm in his yard.

Although all parts of the CASTOR BEAN plant are dangerous, the seeds contain the highest concentration of toxins. Ingestion can produce significant abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness; in severe cases, dehydration, tremors, seizures, and even death could result.

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