Furbabies
Cat Care Site

Poisonous Plants

If you suspect your cat has eaten part of a poisonous plant, take the cat to the vet as soon as possible. Preferably take a sample of the plant eaten so the vet can identify it. For explanations of the clinical signs, see the Clinical Signs page.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T W Y

A

Almond - Prunus amygdalus: Poisonous parts: kernel in the pit
Clinical signs: abdominal pain, coma, cyanosis, incontinence, lethargy, muscle flaccidity, seizures, vomiting
Toxic principle: cyanogenetic glycosides (amygdalin)
Aloe - Aloe vera: Family: Liliaceae
Appearance: green triangular shaped leaves with spines at the edges
Poisonous parts: sap
Clinical signs: abdominal pain, depression, diarrhoea (diarrhea), increased salivation, vomiting
Toxic principle: barbaloin (an anthraquinone glycoside)
Amaryllis - Brunsvigia rosea: Poisonous parts: bulbs
Clinical signs: gastroenteritis
Toxic principle: unknown
Amaryllis Hybrid - Amaryllis spp.: Family: Amaryllidaceae
Poisonous parts: bulbs
Clinical signs: depression, diarrhoea (diarrhea), gastroenteritis, hypotension, liver damage, nausea
Toxic principle: Lycorine
American Bittersweet - Celastrus scandens: Family: Celastraceae
Poisonous parts: immature fruit
Clinical signs: convulsions, diarrhoea (diarrhea), fever, gastric irritation, vomiting, weakness
Toxic principle: unknown
Angel's Trumpet - Datura spp.: Poisonous parts: whole plant, especially seeds
Clinical signs: delirium, disturbed vision, gastrointestinal atony, hallucinations, thirst
Apple of Sodom - Solanum spp.: Poisonous parts: immature fruit
Clinical signs: diarrhoea (diarrhea), vomiting
Toxic principle: solanine glycoalkaloids
Apricot - Prunus armeniaca: Poisonous parts: kernel in the pit
Clinical signs: abdominal pain, coma, cyanosis, incontinence, lethargy, muscle flaccidity, seizures, vomiting
Toxic principle: cyanogenetic glycosides (amygdalin)
Arrowgrass - Triglochin spp.: Poisonous parts: leaves
Clinical signs: dyspnoea (dyspnea), excitement, salivation then convulsions, depression, incoordination, death
Toxic principle: hydrocyanic acid
Asian Lily - Lilliaceae spp.: Family: Ericaceae
Clinical signs: inappetence, kidney failure, lethargy, vomiting
Toxic principle: unknown
Asparagus Fern - Asparagus sprengeri: Family: Liliaceae
Poisonous parts: leaves, berries
Clinical signs: allergic dermatitis, berry ingestion may cause vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea (diarrhea)
Toxic principle: unknown
Autumn Crocus - Colchicum autumnale: Family: Liliaceae
Appearance: large leafed plant with pale purple or white flowers
Poisonous parts: whole plant, especially bulbs
Clinical signs: burning sensation in throat and mouth, diarrhoea (diarrhea), nausea, thirst, vomiting
Toxic principle: colchicine and related alkaloids
Treatment: gastric lavage, supportive care for dehydration and electrolyte losses, analgesics for abdominal pain
Avocado - Persea americana: Family: Lauraceae
Poisonous parts: fruit and pit
Clinical signs: diarrhoea (diarrhea), vomiting, death
Toxic principle: persin
Azalea - Rhododendron spp.: Family: Ericaceae
Appearance: simple leaved shrub with funnel shaped flowers
Poisonous parts: leaves, flowers, honey from flower nectar
Clinical signs: arrhythmia, bradycardia, coma, diarrhoea (diarrhea), hypotension, muscular weakness, salivation, seizures, stomatitis, visual deficits, vomiting
Toxic principle: grayanotoxin
Treatment: symptomatic, gastric lavage, saline cathartics

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B

Beargrass - Nolina texana: Poisonous parts: buds, flowers, fruit
Clinical signs: anorexia, icterus, photosensitization
Toxic principle: unidentified hepatotoxin
Belladonna Lily - Amaryllis spp.: Poisonous parts: bulbs
Clinical signs: depression, diarrhoea (diarrhea), hypotension, liver damage, nausea
Toxic principle: unknown
Bird Of Paradise - Caesalpinia gilliesii: Family: Leguminosae
Poisonous parts: seeds
Clinical signs: diarrhoea (diarrhea), incoordination, vomiting
Toxic principle: tannins
Bittersweet: American Bittersweet - Celastrus scandens
Family: Celastraceae
Poisonous parts: immature fruit
Clinical signs: convulsions, diarrhoea (diarrhea), gastric irritation, fever, vomiting, weakness
Toxic principle: unknown
European Bittersweet - Solanum dulcamara
Family: Solanaceae
Poisonous parts: immature fruit
Clinical signs: bradycardia (slow heart rate), diarrhoea (diarrhea), dilated pupils, drowsiness, gastric irritation, inappetence, lethargy, vomiting, weakness
Toxic principle: solanine glycoalkaloids, saponins, atropine-like substances
Black Locust, False Acacia - Robinia pseudoacacia: Poisonous parts: whole plant, especially flowers
Clinical signs: anorexia, depression, diarrhoea (diarrhea), mydriasis (dilated pupils), weakness, posterior paralysis, weakness
Toxic principle: robitin glycoside, hemagglutinin, phytotoxins - robin and phasin
Bluebonnet - Lupinus spp.: Poisonous parts: seeds
Clinical signs: convulsions, dyspnoea (dyspnea), inappetance, death
Toxic principle: quinolizidine alkaloids
Branching Ivy - Hedera helix: Family: Araliaceae
Poisonous parts: leaves are more toxic than the berries
Clinical signs: coma, diarrhoea (diarrhea), dilated pupils, dyspnoea (dyspnea), fever, hyperactivity, incoordination, muscular weakness, polydipsia
Toxic principle: hederagenin, triterpenoid saponins, falcardinol, didehydrofalcarinol
Buckeye - Aesculus spp.: Family: Hippocastanaceae
Poisonous parts: nuts, twigs
Clinical signs: dehydration, diarrhoea (diarrhea), electrolyte imbalance, gastroenteritis, severe vomiting
Toxic principle: mixture of saponins, known as aesculin
Buddist Pine - Podocarpus macrophylla: Family: Araliaceae
Clinical signs: severe diarrhoea (diarrhea) and vomiting
Toxic principle: unknown
Buttercup - Ranunculus spp.: Poisonous parts: sap
Clinical signs: abdominal pain, dermatitis, diarrhoea (diarrhea), incoordination, renal failure, seizures, stomatitis, vomiting
Toxic principle: protoanemonin

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C

Caladium - Caladium hortulanum: Family: Araceae
Appearance: perennial herb with thin heart-shaped variegated leaves
Poisonous parts: whole plant, especially rhizomes
Clinical signs: diarrhoea (diarrhea), dyspnoea (dyspnea), excess salivation, intense pain, irritation to mucous membranes, swollen tongue and pharynx
Toxic principle: calcium oxalate raphides and unidentified protein
Treatment: symptomatic
Calla Lily - Zantedeschia aethiopica: Family: Araceae
Poisonous parts: leaves
Clinical signs: irritant dermatitis, oral, skin and mucosal irritation, stomatitis, vomiting
Toxic principle: calcium oxalate crystals and unidentified compounds
Castor Bean - Ricinus communis: Family: Euphorbiaceae
Poisonous parts: beans/seeds are highly toxic
Clinical signs: abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, depression, fever, gastroenteritis, haemorrhagic diarrhoea (hemorrhagic diarrhea), kidney failure, oral irritation, seizures, thirst, vomiting
Toxic principle: ricin
Castor Oil Plant - Ricinus communis: Family: Euphorbiaceae
Poisonous parts: beans
Clinical signs: abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, depression, fever, gastroenteritis, haemorrhagic diarrhoea (hemorrhagic diarrhea), seizures
Toxic principle: ricin
Ceriman, Cutleaf Philodendron - Monstera deliciosa: Family: Araceae
Clinical signs: burning of mouth, lips and tongue, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, oral irritation, vomiting
Toxic principle: calcium oxalate crystals
Charming Dieffenbachia - Dieffenbachia amoena: Family: Araceae
Clinical signs: burning of mouth, lips and tongue, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, oral irritation, vomiting
Toxic principle: calcium oxalate crystals
Cherry - Prunus spp.: Poisonous parts: kernel in the pit
Clinical signs: abdominal pain, coma, cyanosis, incontinence, lethargy, muscle flaccidity, seizures, vomiting
Toxic principle: cyanogenetic glycosides (amygdalin)
Cherry Laurel - Prunus caroliniana: Poisonous parts: wilted leaves, bark, twigs
Clinical signs: convulsions, difficulty breathing, staggering
Toxic principle: hydrocyanic acid
Chinaberry - Melia azedarach: Family: Meliaceae
Poisonous parts: berries are most toxic, bark, flowers
Clinical signs: ataxia, coma, depression, diarrhoea (diarrhea), euphoria, fainting, hypoventilation, miosis, nausea, respiratory depression, seizures, shock, vomiting
Toxic principle: narcotic resinoid or alkaloid
Chinese Evergreen - Aglaonema modestrum: Family: Araceae
Clinical signs: burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, oral irritation, vomiting
Toxic principle: calcium oxalate crystals
Christmas Rose - Helleborus niger: Family: Ranunculaceae
Poisonous parts: whole plant
Clinical signs: arrhythmia, colic, diarrhoea (diarrhea), hypotension, nausea, pain in mouth and abdomen, vomiting
Toxic Principle: veratrin
Clematis - Clematis spp.: Family: Ranunculaceae
Clinical signs: ataxia, diarrhoea (diarrhea), oral ulcers, vomiting
Toxic principle: protoanemonin
Cordatum - Philodendron oxycardium: Family: Araceae
Clinical signs: burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, oral irritation, vomiting
Toxic principle: calcium oxalate crystals
Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant - Dracaena frangrans massangeana: Family: Agavaceae
Clinical signs: abdominal pain, depression, dilated pupils, dyspnoea (dyspnea), inappetence, salivation, tachycardia, vomiting, weakness
Toxic principle: unknown
Cornstalk Plant, Corn Plant - Dracaena frangrans massangeana: Family: Agavaceae
Clinical signs: abdominal pain, depression, dilated pupils, dyspnoea (dyspnea), inappetence, salivation, tachycardia, vomiting, weakness
Toxic principle: unknown
Crocus - Colchicum spp.: Poisonous parts: entire plant
Clinical signs: abdominal pain, diarrhoea (diarrhea), renal failure, vomiting
Toxic principle: colchicine
Cutleaf Philodendron, Ceriman - Monstera deliciosa: Family: Araceae
Clinical signs: burning of mouth, lips and tongue, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, oral irritation, vomiting
Toxic principle: calcium oxalate crystals
Cycad - Zamia pumila, Cycas spp.: Family: Cycadaceae
Appearance: palm-like plant
Poisonous parts: whole plant except the aril
Clinical signs: ataxia, bradycardia, bruising, coagulopathy, collapse, death, dyspnoea (dyspnea), icterus, increased thirst, liver damage, liver failure, maelena (melena), nervousness, trembling, vomiting
Toxic principle: taxines, epidrine, cyanide, volatile oils, cycasin
Treatment: symptomatic, IV fluids
Cyclamen - Cyclamen spp.: Family: Primulaceae
Appearance: heart shaped serrated leaves, pink or white butterfly-like flower
Poisonous parts: rhizomes
Clinical signs: anorexia, convulsions, death, diarrhoea (diarrhea), gastrointestinal irritation, paralysis, vomiting
Toxic principle: triterpinoid saponins
Treatment: symptomatic

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D

Daffodil - Narcissus spp.: Family: Amaryllidaceae
Poisonous parts: bulbs
Clinical signs: cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, dermatitis, diarrhoea (diarrhea), gastroenteritis, hypotension, muscular tremors, nausea, shivering, vomiting
Toxic principle: narcissine, narcipoeitin, lycorineh, other alkaloids
Day Lily - Hemorocallis dumortirei: Family: Liliaceae
Clinical signs: inappetence, kidney failure, lethargy, vomiting
Toxic principle: unknown
Deadly Nightshade - Solanum spp.: Poisonous parts: immature fruit
Clinical signs: diarrhoea (diarrhea), vomiting
Toxic principle: solanine glycoalkaloids
Death Camas - Zygadenus spp.: Poisonous parts: entire plant
Clinical signs: ataxia, coma, death, fast weak pulse, muscle weakness, salivation, vomiting
Toxic principle: steroidal alkaloids, glycoalkaloids, ester alkaloids
Devil's Ivy - Epipremnum aureum: Family: Araceae
Poisonous parts: entire plant
Clinical signs: difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, irritant dermatitis, stomatitis, vomiting
Toxic principle: calcium oxalate raphides and unidentified protein
Dragon Tree - Dracaena spp.: Appearance: lance-shaped thin variegated leaves
Poisonous parts: leaves
Clinical signs: severe diarrhoea (diarrhea), vomiting
Toxic principle: alkaloids, saponins, resin
Treatment: symptomatic, correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances
Dumbcane - Dieffenbachia spp.: Family: Araceae
Appearance: tall unbranched plant, large leaves with white or yellow spots on the blade
Poisonous parts: leaves
Clinical signs: difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, irritant dermatitis, stomatitis, vomiting
Toxic principle: calcium oxalate raphides and unidentified protein
Treatment: symptomatic

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E

Easter Lily - Lilium longiflorum: Family: Liliaceae
Clinical signs: inappetence, kidney failure, lethargy, vomiting
Toxic principle: unknown
Elderberry - Sambucus spp.: Poisonous parts: entire plant
Clinical signs: abdominal pain, diarrhoea (diarrhea), vomiting
Toxic principle: cyanogenetic glycosides, unidentified cathartic
Elephants Ear - Alocasia spp., Caladium spp., Colocasia spp.: Family: Araceae
Poisonous parts: Alocasia - leaves, stems, Caladium - entire plant, Colocasia - leaves
Clinical signs: burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, irritant dermatitis, stomatitis, vomiting
Toxic principle: calcium oxalate raphides
Emerald Feather - Asparagus densiflorus: Family: Liliaceae
Clinical signs: allergic dermatitis, ingestion of berries may cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea (diarrhea) and vomiting
Toxic principle: unknown
English Holly, European Holly - Ilex aquifolium: Appearance: glossy leathery leaves with spiny toothed edges, red to yellow berries with many seeds
Poisonous parts: leaves, fruits, seeds
Clinical signs: abdominal pain, diarrhoea (diarrhea), vomiting
Toxic principle: saponins, theobromine, triterpene compounds
Treatment: symptomatic
English Ivy - Hedera helix: Family: Araliaceae
Poisonous parts: leaves, berries, leaves are more toxic than the berries
Clinical signs: coma, dermatitis, diarrhoea (diarrhea), gastroenteritis, salivation, thirst, vomiting
Toxic principle: hederagenin (a saponic glycoside), triterpenoid saponins, falcardinol, didehydrofalcarinol
European Bittersweet - Solanum dulcamara: Family: Solanaceae
Poisonous parts: immature fruit
Clinical signs: diarrhoea (diarrhea), dilated pupils, drowsiness, gastric irritation, inappetence, lethargy, slow heart rate, vomiting, weakness
Toxic principle: solanine glycoalkaloids, saponins, atropine-like substances

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References

Aiello SE, The Merck Veterinary Manual, New Jersey: Merck & Co, 1998

Carlson DG & Giffin JM, Cat Owners Home Veterinary Handbook, New York: Howell Book House, 1995

Plunkett SJ, Emergency Procedures For The Small Animal Veterinarian, Spain: W.B. Saunders & Co, 2002

Tilley LP & Smith FWK, The Five Minute Veterinary Consult - Canine and Feline (2nd Edition), Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2000

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