Flowers are perfect gifts for humans, but many types of flowers are toxic to cats. Unfortunately, cats don’t always know what’s toxic to them, so it’s up to us to keep our cats safe from hazardous flowers like lilies, daffodils, and azaleas.
This article looks at 13 flowers that are potentially deadly to cats so you can prevent a medical emergency before it happens.
Flower that Aren’t Safe for Your Cat
While the following flowers are well-known to be toxic to cats, these are not the only plants that can cause medical issues for your feline friend. In the event that your cat ingests a plant that isn’t something common like catnip, research the plant and see if it’s safe for your cat.
If your cat was exposed to any of the following flowers, take action sooner rather than later.
- Lilies. All parts of the lily plant, including pollen, are highly toxic to cats and can lead to kidney failure.
- Tulips and Hyacinths. These flowers contain allergenic lactones that can cause gastrointestinal upset and in some cases, more severe symptoms.
- Daffodils. The entire daffodil plant, especially the bulbs, contains toxic alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even convulsions.
- Oleander. This flowering shrub contains cardiac glycosides that can affect the heart and cause serious complications if ingested by cats.
- Sago Palm. While not a flower, the Sago palm is often found as an ornamental plant and is highly toxic to cats, causing liver failure.
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons. These plants contain grayanotoxins that can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially more severe symptoms.
- Foxglove. All parts of the foxglove plant contain toxins that can affect the heart and other organs if ingested by cats.
- Cyclamen. The tubers of cyclamen plants are toxic and can cause gastrointestinal distress, heart rhythm abnormalities, and even death in severe cases.
- Dieffenbachia. Also known as dumb cane, this houseplant contains oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing.
- Peace Lily. This popular houseplant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal upset in cats.
- Amaryllis. The bulbs of amaryllis plants contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Easter Lily. Similar to other lilies, Easter lilies are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure if ingested.
- Calla Lily. Calla lilies contain oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and digestive upset in cats.
What Do I Do if My Cat is Exposed to Lillies?
First and foremost, if your cat is exposed to lilies then you need to remove your cat from the area. Next, examine the lilles to see if your cat has chewed on or eaten any parts of the lilies. If yes, then you should immediately contact a vet and consider taking your cat into emergency care.
If possible, bring a picture of the flower your cat was exposed to with you to the vet. This will help them determine the potential extent of the harm and determine a way to treat your cat.
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