Cats are unique and versatile animals we love and pamper in our homes. Our furry beloved ones have a knack for getting into mischief around the house, and anywhere else they’re allowed to roam. Cats just can’t help but be curious about anything and everything, and that includes our plants. Plenty of plants are cat-safe, but what about peonies, mums, and baby’s breath? Let’s discuss which to stay away from.
Are Peonies Toxic to Cats?
Peonies are some of the most sought-after and beautiful flowers out there. These lovely springtime flowers are typically pink or white and fragrant. Throughout Asia, the United States, and Europe, you can find 33 species of the plant. Though they aren’t a usual flower to see indoors, it sometimes happens with bouquets and cuttings. Peonies are a gardener’s favorite and can lurk as close as your neighbor’s yard. This isn’t good news if you have a cat that goes outside because peonies are somewhat toxic to cats.
Peonies are mildly toxic, at best, and must be kept away from your cats. The entire peony plant contains Paeonol, which is a toxin. In the bark of a peony plant lies the most potent Paeonol. If your cat decides to taste test the plant, they are in for an unpleasant surprise. The plant causes stomach upset by vomiting and diarrhea. There may also be a lack of appetite and overall malaise. Most cats will not eat much, so they will not have severe side effects. However, a vet trip is warranted if they do chow down on the flowers. Peonies are not fatal to cats but can cause unpleasant, persistent symptoms for a day or two.
Are Mums Toxic to Cats?
Chrysanthemums, also known as mums for short, appear on doorsteps and porches all over the United States during the Fall. They appear in a rainbow of colors, though orange and yellow are the most common since they’re Fall colors, and the November flower in the United States is the mum.
Chrysanthemums are all toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. They harbor a powerful natural insecticide, pyrethrin, and sesquiterpene lactones. Sesquiterpene lactones irritate the mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) of the animal and can also cause gastrointestinal mishaps. Pyrethrin is a toxin used in fly spray and other insect killers and can be lethal to cats in large quantities. However, cats rarely eat enough of the plant to make them seriously ill.
Upon realizing your cat has ingested some mums, please remove any remaining plant from their mouths and rinse with water. Getting them to drink on their own is even better. Take a picture of the plant or bring a piece with you to the vet so the doctor can see firsthand what poisoned your cat. Once you have gotten your cat to the vet, they may try to induce vomiting to help rid the cat’s body of the toxin.
If a large amount is suspected to have been eaten, they may keep them overnight on intervenous fluids, especially if there has been severe vomiting and diarrhea. They may also try activated charcoal to soak up any remaining toxins in the body. They can also administer medication to settle the upset stomach, and once they’re ready, they will give them meds to help stimulate their appetite once again.
Is Baby’s Breath Toxic to Cats?
Baby’s breath is a tiny white flower frequently paired with roses or other larger flowers in bouquets. They are perfectly bite-sized for a bored cat and can undoubtedly be enticing if they fall off the stalk and bounce on the ground. They are just begging to be batted around and eaten, then! You might be surprised to learn that baby’s breath is pretty darn toxic to cats. Hard to believe such a small, angelic flower could pack such a nasty punch, at least for your cat.
The saponins found throughout the plant make the baby’s breath so toxic. Saponins are the plant’s defense against disease, insects, and grazing animals. It irritates the mucus membranes in animals. Luckily, saponins are bitter and completely unappetizing once in your cat’s mouth. This is one toxin that is better not to gamble your cat’s well-being on. Depending on their health, underlying diseases, and age, it can affect cats differently. The side effects can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drowsiness, depression of the central nervous system, and malaise.
If you suspect your cat has ingested some baby’s breath, it’s best to take them to the vet if the situation is more severe than you think. It is unlikely that the amount of saponins your cat has ingested is enough to be deemed fatal, but it will cause an upset stomach and taste terrible. Your vet may keep them overnight if the diarrhea and vomiting are severe so they can be given intervenous fluid and watched for progress. Otherwise, your cat should be okay. Just be sure to keep the baby’s breath out of their vicinity in the future.
Curiosity Doesn’t Have to Kill the Cat
Cats are sneaky little thieves, and we couldn’t love them more than we already do. They are typically treated like royalty. They are in homes all over the world. If you want to really pamper your pet and make that kitty so very happy, consider purchasing some cat grass for them.
Cat grass is inexpensive and can be found at most pet stores. It is chemical-free and safe for your little tiger. The blades of the grass are very fine and easy to digest. Cat grass is full of fiber and can help with hairballs and other digestive issues. It’s easy to care for, and it is their very own plant to do with as they see fit. Why not pamper your furry best friend?
