10 Toxic Houseplants That Endanger Cats
There are several plants that you might have brought into your home, completely unaware of the fact that it might be toxic for your pets, especially cats as they roam around plants quite a lot. Houseplants that endanger cats may sometimes even prove to be fatal. It is important to choose your plants wisely and know what to do if things go south:
1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a common houseplant and has a variety of beneficial properties for humans. But the same cannot be said for cats. If you have noticed your cat vomiting or looking depressed, it is most likely that it has come in contact with aloe vera. Diarrhea and unusual urine color are also indicators of poisoning.
2. Asparagus fern
An asparagus fern may give your indoor garden a lush, green look but it definitely will do no good to your cat. Symptoms of possible poisoning are allergic dermatitis with repeated exposure to the sun, and the indigestion of its berry can result in gastric problems such as abdominal pain, puking, etc.
3. Branching ivy
Also known as English ivy, this is one of the most dangerous houseplants that endanger cats. You can see it growing through cracks or on the walls of old buildings. People started growing them at home after knowing their air-purifying qualities. All boons apart, they are definitely not a blessing to cats. If ingested, cats will vomit, experience abdominal pain, and start hypersalivation, etc. Foliage is more poisonous than berries.
4. Caladium
Caladium is also called elephant ears or pink clouds. It is dangerous to cats and causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty in swallowing, and vomiting if ingested.
5. Corn plant
Also known as the dragon tree, it is an air purifying plant that also adds a decorative look to your indoor garden. It is, however, toxic to your cat. Symptoms of poisoning are blood vomiting, anorexia, dilated pupils, and hypersalivation.
6. Gladiola
Gladiola is a very beautiful plant decorated with ornamental flowers that are very eye-catching. Although perfect in every aspect, they are quite toxic when it comes to your cat’s health. Symptoms of illness caused by this plant are excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, etc. The highest concentration of toxicity exists in the bulbs.
7. Indian hemp
Indian hemp, also popularly known as cannabis sativa, is a plant that flowers annually. It is extremely toxic to cats giving them symptoms such as depression, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, seizure, coma, low body temperature, hypersalivation, and in rare cases: death.
8. Jade plant
Jade plants are one of the most common houseplants to buy. They are succulents that are easy to grow and fun to look at. But they do not agree well with cats. Symptoms of poisoning include depression, ataxia, puking, and slow heart rate.
9. Mistletoe
Mistletoe is a plant that represents romance even more than roses do. All that love, but none for the cats! It is one of the most dangerous houseplants that endanger cats. Signs of poisoning include cardiovascular collapse, dyspnea, bradycardia, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and erratic behavior.
10. Yucca
Yuccas are very beautiful plants with white flowers. The fruit, seeds, and flowers are all edible and if a cat eats them, they are likely to get diarrhea or can start to vomit.