What Flowers Are Toxic to Cats?

We all know how much our feline friends love to nibble on flowers, but did you know that some of them can be toxic to cats? Here’s a list of some of the most common flowers that are poisonous to cats, so you can keep your kitty safe.

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Lilies

Lilies are one of the most popular flowers in the world, but they are also one of the most toxic to cats. All parts of the lily plant are poisonous to cats, and ingestion can lead to kidney failure. If you have a cat, it is best to keep lilies out of your home.

Types of lilies

There are many different types of lilies, including Asiatic, day, Easter, tiger, stargazer and rubrum lilies. All of these flowers are toxic to cats if ingested. The toxic principles in lilies are unknown, but all parts of the plant are poisonous, including the pollen. Symptoms of lily toxicity in cats include vomiting, drooling, lack of appetite and lethargy. Severely affected cats may experience kidney failure.

Why are lilies toxic to cats?

Lilies (of the genus Lilium) are among the most popular flowers in the world, prized for their beauty and fragrance. However, many types of lilies are toxic to cats, and can cause serious illness or death if ingested.

There are many different species of lily, and not all of them are equally toxic to cats. The most dangerous type of lily is the Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum), which can cause kidney failure in cats. Other types of lily, such as the stargazer lily (Lilium Oriental), tiger lily (Lilium columbianum) and Asiatic lily (Lilium speciosum), can also be toxic to cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Lilies are especially dangerous to cats because they are very attractive to animals. The sweet smell of the flowers, as well as their brightly colored petals, can be irresistible to curious cats. Unfortunately, even a small amount of lily can be deadly to these creatures.

If you suspect that your cat has ingested any part of a lily plant, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately. There is no known cure for lily toxicity in cats, but early treatment may improve the animal’s chances of survival.

Tulips

Although tulips are often considered harmless, they can actually be toxic to cats. The tulip’s sap can cause gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting in cats. If your cat ingests tulip sap, they may experience drooling, lethargy, and lack of appetite. If you think your cat has come into contact with tulip sap, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Types of tulips

There are over 3,000 varieties of tulips, which can be classified into 15 groups. The most common tulips you’ll find at your local grocery store or florist will likely fall into one of the following categories:

-Single Early Tulips: These tulips bloom early in the season, usually in April. They have one flower per stem and come in a range of colors including white, pink, yellow, and red.

-Double Early Tulips: Like single early tulips, these varieties bloom early in the season (usually in April), but each stem bears two flowers. Double early tulips come in many of the same colors as single early varieties.

-Darwin Hybrid Tulips: Darwin hybrid tulips are a cross between single late and Darwin hybrid varieties. They blooming slightly later than single early and double early tulips (usually in mid to late April), but before most other types of tulips. Darwin hybrids come in a wide range of colors, from white and pink to yellow and red.

-Single Late Tulips: These popular tulips bloom later than any other type (usually May). They have one flower per stem and come in a variety of colors including white, pink, yellow, orange, and red. Some single late varieties even have double blossoms.

-Lily-Flowered Tulips: As their name suggests, lily-flowered tulips resemble lilies more than traditional tulip varieties. They have long, thin petals that curve backward and are available in a range of colors including white, pink, yellow, orange, and red. Lily-flowered tulips typically bloom later than other types (usually May).

-Fringed Tulips: Fringed tulips look similar to lily-flowered varieties but have long petals with fringed edges. They come in many of the same colors as lily-flowed tulips and usually bloom at the same time (in May).

-Parrot Tulips: Parrot tulips are characterized by their fringed petals that are often brightly colored with stripes or spots. They come in a range of colors including white, pink, yellow, orange, and red and usually bloom later in the season (in May).

Why are tulips toxic to cats?

Tulips (Tulipa spp.) Are among the most popular springtime flowering bulbs, with more than 3,000 varieties available in a rainbow of colors. These perennials are native to Asia and Europe, and have been cultivated for centuries. While tulips are lovely to look at, they can be deadly to cats if ingested.

Most tulips contain a poisonous compound called lycorine, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. In severe cases, lycorine can lead to organ damage or even death. If you suspect your cat has eaten a tulip (or any other plant), contact your veterinarian immediately.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.) are beautiful, popular flowers that are grown indoors and outdoors in a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, red, purple, and burgundy. But did you know that they’re also toxic to cats?

Types of chrysanthemums

There are dozens of varieties of chrysanthemums, and new ones are being developed all the time. The most popular varieties can be divided into two main groups: garden chrysanthemums and florist chrysanthemums.

Garden chrysanthemums, sometimes called hardy chrysanthemums, are bred to withstand colder temperatures and are often used as landscape plants. They come in a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, purple, and red.

Florist chrysanthemums, also called pot mums or patio mums, are bred to be grown in pots and have a more compact growth habit. They bloom later in the season than garden chrysanthemums and come in a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, purple, red, and orange. Florist chrysanthemums are the type most often used in bouquets and floral arrangements.

Why are chrysanthemums toxic to cats?

While chrysanthemums are not fatal to cats, they can cause a range of gastrointestinal issues including vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, the plant can also cause skin irritation. The reason that chrysanthemums are toxic to cats is because they contain a compound called pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that is found in a number of plants. When ingested, it can cause stomach upset and in some cases, seizures.

Prevention

Allowing your cat to roam free in your garden can be a great way for them to get some exercise, but it’s important to be aware of which flowers are toxic to cats. Some of the most common poisonous flowers for cats include lilies, tulips, and azaleas. These flowers can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even kidney failure in cats. Keep your cat safe by keeping them away from these flowers.

Tips for preventing your cat from eating toxic flowers

The best way to prevent your cat from getting sick is to not have toxic flowers in your home or garden. If you must have them, keep them out of reach of your cat. If you have a garden, put up a fence or cover it with netting. You can also train your cat to stay away from certain areas of your home.

Here are some other tips:

-Educate yourself about which flowers are toxic to cats. The ASPCA has a list of toxic and nontoxic plants.
-Buy flowers that are not toxic to cats.
-Keep flowers in a vase or pot with a lid that your cat can’t open.
-Don’t let your cat eat any part of a flower, including the stem, leaves, petals, or seeds.
-If you think your cat has eaten a toxic flower, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.