Cat Eating Houseplants

Cat Eating Houseplants: A Guide for Concerned Cat Owners

Cats are curious creatures, and their natural instinct to explore often leads them to nibble on plants. While some plants are safe for cats to eat, others can be toxic and cause serious health problems. If you're a cat owner, it's important to know which plants to avoid keeping in your home. ### Why Do Cats Eat Houseplants? There are several reasons why cats might eat houseplants. Some cats are simply curious and want to explore their environment. Others may be attracted to the taste or smell of certain plants. Cats may also eat plants as a way to relieve boredom or stress. ### Which Houseplants Are Toxic to Cats? There are many common houseplants that are toxic to cats. Some of the most common include: *

Lilies:

All parts of the lily plant are toxic to cats, but the bulbs are especially dangerous. Ingestion of lilies can cause kidney failure and death. *

Daffodils:

The bulbs and leaves of daffodils contain a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and convulsions. *

Tulips:

Like daffodils, tulips contain a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and convulsions. *

Hyacinth:

The bulbs of hyacinths contain a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. *

Oleander:

All parts of the oleander plant are toxic to cats, and ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart problems. *

Sago palm:

The seeds of the sago palm are especially toxic to cats, and ingestion can cause liver failure and death. ### What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Houseplant If you think your cat has eaten a toxic plant, it's important to act quickly. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. Be prepared to provide information about the plant your cat ate, as well as the amount of time that has passed since your cat ate the plant. ### How to Prevent Your Cat from Eating Houseplants The best way to prevent your cat from eating houseplants is to keep toxic plants out of your home. If you have plants that are toxic to cats, make sure they are placed out of reach of your pet. You can also try using a deterrent spray on your plants to discourage your cat from chewing on them. If you're concerned about your cat's habit of eating houseplants, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you develop a plan to keep your cat safe. ### Conclusion Cats are curious creatures, and they may be tempted to nibble on houseplants. It's important to know which plants are toxic to cats and to take steps to prevent your cat from eating them. If you think your cat has eaten a toxic plant, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.