When you first decided to get a cat, you went through a lot of trouble to make sure his environment was a safe and secure place to exist. However, many pet owners overlook something so simple that thousands of cats are affected each year: poisonous plants. You should be aware that many of the houseplants can kill a cat, and there are also several plants that grow in the garden and in the wild which can be potentially deadly to cats. You should of course take the time to compile a complete list of dangerous plants, but we will list a few from the outdoors that your cat would be likely to come into contact with.
- Castor Beans are very dangerous to your cat. If ingested, castor beans, at the least, will cause severe gastroenteritis. They can also cause severe oral pain and irritation. Your cat may experience an increased thirst and kidney failure. These beans can eventually cause convulsions and even death.
- Mushrooms generally grow in the wild but can be commonly found in your yard, too. It is really difficult to tell harmless mushrooms from poisonous ones without extensive botany knowledge. Poisonous mushrooms can grow along side nonpoisonous ones, so it may be best to get rid of mushrooms in your backyard altogether.
- You should always have the number to the ASPCA (Animal Poison Control Center) at hand for emergencies. They also have care pamphlets that you can find useful. They give brief instructions as to what you should do in case of an emergency until you can get your cat some professional help.
It is possible to have the plants you want and have your pets, too. If you choose to have both, you must make sure your houseplants aren't poisonous and even if they're not, you should keep them out of your pet's reach.
