Plants Poisonous To Cats & Kittens

     On Monday, Oct. 30th I received a call from an elderly man named Nick regarding his only cat Simon.  Simon had been an active and playful Siamese cat for 7 years but had become rather tired and "uncomfortable".  Simon had lost his once hearty appetite and wasn't playing with his toys.  Nick observed his behavior for a couple days and noticed there had been no improvement.  Simon was not eating and just sleeping.  He took his cat to a veterinarian who drew some blood and noticed that there was something definitely wrong with his kidneys.  The veterinarian gave Simon a shot of anitbiotics and was hoping it would clear up his "infection".  Nick also told the doctor that he noticed Simon had chewed on a small bit of leaf from his Christmas Cactus plant.  The doctor said that was not on his list of "poisonous" plants for cats and did not think that was the problem. 

     After just one week, Simon had passed away.  I saw him before he died.  Simon was very sick and Nick was very sad.  I did not want this to happen to anyone else's cat again.  I immediatley started researching poisonous plants on the internet and library publications.  What I learned was rather surprising.  Every list I saw had some different plants listed.  Some listed one plant while others had not.  In other words, the lists were not "inclusive".  I further read that although a plant may be considered safe for one cat could be poisonous to another cat.   This meant don't take a chance in thinking that your houseplant is safe for your cat.  Also, a cat's behavior can change over time.  A cat that never snacked on your houseplant could suddenly start eating a leaf.  That was what happened to Simon.  He had never snacked before on the houseplant but for some reason took a nibble one day.

     Because of Nick's story and my research on poisonous plants, I immediately disposed of all houseplants in my home by donating them to places that did not have pets.  I replaced my houseplants with what I knew to be safe for cats and healthy for cats....cat grass!  I have always grown cat oat and wheat grasses but now I am growing even more of it!  I also keep large pots of catnip growing.  Cat grass and catnip are two healthy, living "plants" that I know my cats enjoy eating and receive nutritional value.  Plus, my house can still be adorned with these green plants.

      If you do have a plant you can't part with, please hang it in an area where your cat will not be able to reach it.  Don't take chances with your cat's life.

Above:  My cat Meghan enjoying her cat oat grass.

If you think your cat has ingested a toxic plant see your veterinarian immediately or call the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.  The Animal Poison Control Center is a unique, emergency hotline providing 24 hr. a day, 7 days a week telephone assistance to veterinarians and animal owners. 

Thank you for reading and I wish you and your cat much health & happiness!

**Please don't forget to rate this article.**