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| Home > Cat Chat > Green Party? |
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This month Bogey gives us information on why cats like to chew on plants, what types of plants are toxic to cats, tips on how to divert their attention away from your household plants, and the typical symptoms to watch for if you suspect your cat has nibbled on the "wrong" plant. |
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| Green Party? |
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What happened to that nice spider plant you used to have? Oops-while enjoying the scene out the window, Fluffy forgot it wasn't just a
clump of grass and chewed it down to little nubbins. Then, because it really wasn't grass and really wasn't digestible by her little system,
she deposited it back on your carpet in a most inelegant manner.
And that wandering jew? She used it for a bed? I'll bet she looked sweet.
You can't really punish her for following both a natural impulse and a physical need. Cats chew on grasses specifically to help
cleanse their mouth and digestive system, and to add fiber to their primarily protein diet to aid in elimination. And, of course, an indoor
kitty will take what she can get to simulate the natural outdoor environment she craves, digging in the soil of a potted plant or making a
bed of a lush, healthy pot of foliage.
Cats aren't necessarily particular in what they'll nibble on; generally they'll try anything green, and some cats will completely chew down a
plant that can't have tasted very good and wasn't very easy to chew.
While it may be amusing if you're not too attached to your plants, it can be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS to your cat. Several common
houseplants, or plants we bring in for some holidays or for winter, are deadly, and another longer list can cause a range of symptoms
from temporary discomfort to permanent health problems.
For instance, consider the lilies we bring into our home around Easter, or other species in the lily family (including those we may
have as cut flowers). According to Jill A. Richardson, DVM, Veterinary Poison Information Specialist, ASPCA/National Animal Poison
Control Center, "Several types of lilies can be deadly to cats. Easter lily, tiger lily, rubrum, Japanese show lily, some species of day lily,
and certain other members of the Liliaceae family can cause kidney failure in cats. Within only a few hours of ingestion of the plant
material, the cat may vomit, become lethargic, or develop a lack of appetite. These signs continue and worsen as kidney damage
progresses. Without prompt and proper treatment by a veterinarian, the cat will develop kidney failure in approximately 36-72 hours.
All parts of these lilies are considered toxic to cats and consuming even small amounts can cause severe poisoning."(1)
While most plants are not that immediately toxic, other plants, such as azalea, lily of the valley, yew and bulbs we might force to
bloom, including tulip, daffodil and crocus, can be deadly to cats in impaired health or kittens, since they're small enough to get a
big dose with an enthusiastic bite. Though not deadly for adult cats in good health, they'll often cause extreme abdominal pain,
nausea, salivation and vomiting. Repeated exposure can be cumulative with some plants.
That was not intended to scare you, but to illustrate the seriousness of the cat and plant issue. The problem is that, while you
may get some cats to stay away from your plants, most cats will return again and again, even if they suffer discomfort from their
snack. The best way to keep your cats safe from plants is to put the plants completely out of reach-bearing in mind that cats can
jump six times their height and can be ingenious about launching from strategic furniture to get into a hanging basket. Sometimes
it is necessary to completely remove the plant from the house, no matter how much you like it.
Signs of plant poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling or pain inside the cat's mouth. If you know or suspect which
plant you cat has eaten, identify the plant by name when you call your veterinarian. Bring samples of the plant's leaves or flowers
when you take your cat to the veterinarian for treatment.
As for the non-toxic plants, even though Fluffy won't suffer if she chews on them (unless you get your hands on her), you still don't
want her shredding your greenery. Several commercial sprays will give the plant a bad smell and/or taste without damaging the plant
with recommended use, and a nibble by Fluffy will not harm her. One product is "Bitter Apple for Plants", a stronger version of which is
available for dogs learning not to chew on everything. Other products are named "Off for Cats" and such like, and simply smell bad.
You can also try your own home brew by dabbing hot sauce on the tips of some of the leaves, or rubbing a citrus peel on the leaf.
For the sake of your plants, however, just try it on one or two leaves to make sure you won't fry the whole plant in an effort to keep
Fluffy from eating it.
You could also place "Sticky Paws" on the countertop around the
plant so that when she stepped close to the plant she would step on the product and back off; please read the instructions on the
Sticky Paws package for what surfaces are appropriate for its use.
One other thing to help the situation-and it's a nice thing to do for your cat even if you don't have a plant problem-is to plant her
own pot of greens and make it available to her at all times. Don't use regular plant seeds such as grass seed because some seeds
are treated; instead, purchase "cat greens", usually a mixture of wheat, oats and barley
grains, all three of which are not only a pleasure for your cat, but full of nutrition. Some other commercial "cat greens" mixtures
contain catnip, a sure winner, sage, parsley, chickweed, colt's foot grass, and other herbs and wild plants that your cat would eat if left outdoors.
Most of these plants can be grown in a small container on a windowsill, and if you keep two containers growing, one available to the
cat and one just sprouting, you can have a constant treat for her. These plants need a good bit of sunlight to thrive, so try to find a
sunny spot that your cat can get to. It will serve two purposes: because she tends to chew when she's gazing at the outdoors, you've
provided exactly what she needs for her little interlude.
Plenty of references are available for the full list of toxic and non-toxic plants so we won't list them here, but many local shelters have
comprehensive lists, plus the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA) both have lists posted on their website.
(1) Information obtained from http://www.cfainc.org/articles/lily-dangers.html
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