Some of the most beautiful houseplants that can transform your home with its graceful presence are easy to grow in pots and beds. But many among them have been listed as mildly or severely toxic to cats. Some of them are not safe for children and any pet animal. Cats are more prone to toxicity as they are specialist carnivores and lack certain liver enzymes, which makes it difficult for them to recover.
Listing five of those beauties, which have to be avoided because of their toxicity:
- Azalea
Azaleas belong to the rhododendron family and are grown as houseplants indoors or out in the garden. They have hundreds of varieties and are grown all over the US. With white, purple, pink, red, and yellow flowers, they are a great way of decorating and brightening your home. But all the types of azalea and all parts of the plant are considered moderately toxic to cats. When ingested, your cat suffers from excessive drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. In huge quantities, the symptoms can be severe, leading to cardiac failure. - Begonia
Often used in flowerbeds and huge pots, these are known for their large, colorful flowers. However, the alluring presence of Begonia in your house is toxic to your cat even if consumed in small quantities. The moderate symptoms of Begonia poisoning are oral sores, redness and swelling around the mouth, licking of the lips, excessive salivation, vomiting, and dehydration. Your cat may refuse food due to the inability to swallow. In larger proportions, Begonia may cause liver failure and serious illness. - Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise is a species of plants that are large and relatively easy to grow. Also known as crane flower, this houseplant is a stunner with a shock of flamboyant, orange, yellow, red, and blue flowers amidst dense green paddle-shaped leaves. They lend a tropical flair to your indoors. Its leaves and flowering seeds are considered mildly poisonous to cats. The symptoms of poisoning are labored breathing, eye discharge, and digestive problems like nausea and drowsiness. - Carnation
Also known as Pinks, Wild Carnation, or Sweet William, it is one of the most popular and beautiful flowers in bouquets. Carnation is toxic for cats causing mild gastrointestinal signs like vomiting, drooling, and excessive and dermatitis. They are, however, not dangerous since the symptoms vary from mild to moderate. Even if your cat has not eaten carnation, it could get an inflamed skin rash by coming in contact with it. - Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, a popular houseplant, is also the largest commercially produced flower in the US, due to its ease in cultivation. It has many varieties and diversity of bloom forms and colors. Commonly known as daisy or mum, chrysanthemums have pyrethrin, a pesticide that keeps away insects. But this chemical is poisonous to cats. It is not in the most poisonous list of toxic plants. The symptoms of poisoning are generally mild, including diarrhea, vomiting, hypersalivation, itchy skin lack of appetite, and incoordination.