Be Careful What Plants Grace Your Homes and Gardens
Residents and visitors alike look forward to the warmth and renewal of spring in Marco Island and Naples, Florida. With a green thumb on the mind; now is a great time to review, research, and promote the healthiest, happiest home for you and your fur family!
Not all plants are created equal! Below we summarize a handful of popular household plants that are best for cat owners to leave out of their homes and gardens. Note, this is far from an exhaustive list! For the Love of Cats is passionate about fostering crucial conversations to promote the wellbeing of cats everywhere. By identifying a handful of popular plants throughout Southwest Florida that can be poisonous to cats, we hope to inspire and educate new and veteran pet owners alike!
Seasonal residents may have a little extra homework to do—but it’s well worth the effort to ensure you are creating a plant-friendly environment for your purrfect family!
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a common succulent known for its numerous healing properties.
According to the ASPCA, ingestion of aloe can lead to increased water in the colon, which may result in diarrhea or vomiting. Other symptoms of aloe vera ingestion can include depression, lethargy, weight loss, urine color changes, and rarely, tremors.
Corn Plant / Dracaena / Cornstalk Plant / Ribbon Plant
Corn plants are quite popular due to its beautiful shape and easy maintenance.
Ingestion may cause drooling, vomiting, incoordination, and dilated pupils according to the Pet Poison Helpline.
Dieffenbachia / Dumb Cane / Exotica Perfection / Tropic Snow
Diffenbachia is an eye-catching, easy to maintain indoor plant, making it a popular choice in garden stores and among Southwest Florida homeowners.
According to the ASPCA, ingestion may cause excessive drooling, vomiting, oral irritation or burning sensation, and difficulty swallowing. For cat-and-dog lovers, it’s best to leave this plant out of your house.
Good Luck Plant / Purple Shamrock / Oxalis / Love Plant
The Good Luck Plant can be a sweet gift especially for St. Patrick’s Day—just not for cat owners!
The Pet Poison Helpline notes that the plant tastes bitter which might discourage consumption. If ingested, poisoning symptoms may include bloody urine, drooling, inappetence, lethargy, tremors, and vomiting.
Kalanchoe / Mother-in-Law Plant / Mother of Millions / Chandelier Plant
Kalanchoe plants produce a variety of colorful flowers and are easy to care for.
Pet Poison Helpline notes that this plant contains a type of cardiac toxin known as bufadienolides. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset. If large quantities are ingested, severe symptoms like changes in heart rate, and weakness can occur.
Sago Palm / Coontie Palm / Zamia / Cardboard Palm / Cycad
Sago palms are popular decorative plants for Florida homeowners.
According to Pet Poison Helpline all parts of the Sago palm are considered poisonous, with the seeds being the most toxic. This plant contains cycasin which can cause severe liver failure. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, inappetence, lethargy, abdominal pain, jaundice, and dark stool. Sago palms are very poisonous and should be avoided in a household with pets.
Swiss Cheese Plant / Hurricane Plant / Mexican Breadfruit / Monstera
The Swiss Cheese Plant produces uniquely patterned leaves that brighten up warm, tropical homes.
The ASPCA notes ingestion symptoms may include intense oral irritation, vomiting, difficult swallowing, and inappetence. Remember, there are plenty of other plants that will dazzle guests while keeping your cat healthy and happy!
Check out the ASPCA’s website for a complete list of plants that are poisonous to cats.
Do you have a plan in place for when your cat accidentally ingests something poisonous?
If you think your cat has ingested something potentially poisonous, call one of these 24/7/365 Pet Poison Hotlines Immediately:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available for poison-related animal emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Note, a consultation fee may apply for this service.
The Pet Poison Helpline: (855)-764-7661
The Pet Poison Helpline is available in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean for pet owners and veterinarians treating a potentially poisoned pet. This helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Pet Poison Helpline has a consultation fee of $75 per incident, which includes follow-up consultations.
Save these hotlines into your phone’s address book now—don’t wait for an emergency to start your research!