When cat lovers have exotic plants at home, and flower growers have kittens, they should carefully consider the possible confrontation of their two hobbies. The trouble is not only that the animal is able to overturn the pot or spoil the appearance of the leaves by trying them by the mouth. Many plants are deadly to pets.
Such beautiful leaves of philodendron contain a strong acid, which causes a burning sensation of the mucous membrane when the cat tries to bite off a piece. However, this at the same time will protect her from swallowing greens, because otherwise she can severely damage the kidneys. True, blisters in the mouth can turn into a disaster. Dieffenbachia leaves carry the same danger, and a slightly larger piece of the plant in the cat's mouth already threatens with spasm and death from suffocation. And if a curious kitten just scratches Dieffenbachia, its juice can splash into the baby's eyes and damage the mucous membrane.
Spathiphyllum juice burns the tongue and throat of a cat of reckless owners and causes inflammation of the stomach. A very toxic and beautiful hydrangea that contains cyanide ions. A cat that has bitten through a plant is threatened with abdominal pain, severe stomach upset. And the problems with the heart, lungs or kidneys that have arisen are given by the strong trembling of the animal.
In azaleas, all parts of the plant are poisonous. An affected cat will receive vomiting, convulsions, heart and kidney failure from this flower. The same troubles are brought by the eaten leaves, flowers and bulbs of amaryllis (plus allergic dermatitis).
Aloe, useful for people, promises diarrhea to the animal that tastes it. Euphorbia, ficus and in general all eurorbias secrete milky juice, which can cause burns of mucous membranes and conjunctivitis up to blindness, as well as nervous disorders and severe diarrhea. The list of houseplants potentially dangerous to cats is almost endless. It contains spathiphyllum, monstera, begonia, asparagus, dracaena, peperomia, sansevier, and uzambara violet, and many others.
What to do? First, to accept the fact that plants need to be kept not where you want, but out of the reach of a dexterous animal. No window sills or coasters - just high shelves and hooks embedded in the ceiling. Second, plant a mixture of herbs specially designed for animals in a pair of pots. This can be oats, wheat, or catnip. Thirdly, it is important to be mentally prepared for the fact that one day the most educated cat loses its head and tastes the forbidden.
At the first sign of illness, take your cat to the veterinary pharmacy. If this is not possible, and the cat does not have inflammation in the mouth, try to induce profuse vomiting in the animal. Use a syringe without a needle to inject warm soapy water or an equal mixture of hydrogen peroxide and soapy water down her throat. One teaspoon of salt or mustard in a glass of warm water will also work. Try to prevent the poison from entering your intestines. Pour a mixture of milk, egg whites, and vegetable oil into the cat's throat. A warm enema will also help the animal. But it is better to entrust all these procedures to a specialist. And do not forget that cats walking freely on the street can gorge themselves on grass treated with pesticides and other harmful substances.
