Azalea
Alternate names: Ericaceae, Rhododendron, grayanotoxin
About Azaleas:
Azaleas are flowering shrubs in the genus Rhododendron, particularly sections Tsutsuji (evergreen) and Pentanthera (deciduous). Azaleas bloom in spring, their flowers often lasting several weeks. Shade tolerant, they prefer living near or under trees. They are part of the Ericaceae family.
Symptoms of Azalea poisoning:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Inappetence
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal heart rate and rhythms
- Hypotension
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Depression
- Blindness
- Seizures
- Coma
Why Azalea poisonous to cats?
The Azalea is actually a species of Rhododendron. The small, deciduous species are referred to as the Azalea and the large, woody shrubs as Rhododendrons. These plants contain grayanotoxins which disrupt sodium channels affecting the skeletal and cardiac muscle. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous, and as little as ingestion of 0.2% of an animal’s body weight can result in poisoning. When ingested, clinical signs include gastrointestinal signs , cardiovascular, and central nervous system signs .
Castor Bean
Alternate names: Ricinus, seed, African Wonder tree, Euphorbiaceae
About Castor Bean:
The castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It belongs to a monotypic genus, Ricinus, and subtribe, Ricininae. The evolution of castor and its relation to other species are currently being studied using modern genetic tools. It reproduces with a mixed pollination system which favor selfing by geitonogamy but at the same time can be an out-crosser by anemophily or entomophily.
Its seed is the castor bean, which, despite its name, is not a true bean. Castor is indigenous to the southeastern Mediterranean Basin, Eastern Africa, and India, but is widespread throughout tropical regions (and widely grown elsewhere as an ornamental plant).
Symptoms of Castor Bean poisoning:
- Inappetence
- Drooling
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Severe bloody diarrhea
- Abdominal straining
- Weakness
- Trembling
- Hypotension (drop in blood pressure)
- Sudden collapse
Why Castor bean poisonois to cats?
Castor bean plant contains a highly toxic glycoprotein called ricin and ricicine, an alkaloid found in both the seeds and leaves. Ricin is a glycoprotein that prevents protein synthesis; when ingested, clinical signs of inappetence, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, severe bloody diarrhea, abdominal straining, weakness, trembling, hypotension (drop in blood pressure), and sudden collapse may be seen. This plant has a very narrow margin of safety; only a small amount ingested can result in severe poisoning. Death can occur with even a very small ingestion of the beans.
Crocus
Alternate names: Colchium, autumn crocus, spring crocus, crocusAbout Crocus:
Crocus (English plural: crocuses or croci) is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family comprising 90 species of perennials growing from corms. Many are cultivated for their flowers appearing in autumn, winter, or spring. Crocuses are native to woodland, scrub, and meadows from sea level to alpine tundra in central and southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, on the islands of the Aegean, and across Central Asia to Xinjiang Province in western China.
Symptoms of Crocus poisoning:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Inappetence
- Bloody diarrhea
- Black-tarry stool
- Organ damage
- Respiratory failure
- Seizures
Why Crocus poisonous to cats?
There are two types of Crocus plants: one that blooms in the spring (Crocus species) and the other in the autumn (Colchicum autumnale). Ingestions of these plants can cause general gastrointestinal upset including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. These should not be mistaken for Autumn Crocus, part of the Liliaceae family, which contains a toxic alkaloid called colchicine. All parts of the Autumn Crocus are poisonous. The Autumn Crocus, also known as Meadow Saffron or Naked Lady, is highly toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal signs, liver and kidney damage, respiratory failure, central nervous system signs, and even death. Signs may be seen immediately but can also be delayed for days.
If you are not sure which Crocus plant your cat ingested, seek veterinary attention immediately. Bring the plant/flower in for appropriate identification if possible.
Daffodil
About Daffodil:
Narcissus is a genus of predominantly spring perennial plants in the Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis) family. Various common names including daffodil, daffadowndilly, narcissus, and jonquil are used to describe all or some members of the genus. Narcissus has conspicuous flowers with six petal-like tepals surmounted by a cup- or trumpet-shaped corona. The flowers are generally white or yellow (orange or pink in garden varieties), with either uniform or contrasting coloured tepals and corona.
Narcissus is a genus of predominantly spring perennial plants in the Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis) family. Various common names including daffodil, daffadowndilly, narcissus, and jonquil are used to describe all or some members of the genus. Narcissus has conspicuous flowers with six petal-like tepals surmounted by a cup- or trumpet-shaped corona. The flowers are generally white or yellow (orange or pink in garden varieties), with either uniform or contrasting coloured tepals and corona.
- Drooling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased heart rate
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal breathing
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Why Daffodils poisonous to cats?
Daffodils flowers contain lycorine, an alkaloid with strong emetic properties (something that triggers vomiting). Crystals are found in the outer layer of the bulbs, similar to hyacinths, which cause severe tissue irritation and secondary drooling. Ingestion of the bulb, plant or flower can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Daffodil ingestions can result in more severe symptoms so if an exposure is witnessed or symptoms are seen, we recommend seeking veterinary care for further supportive care.
If you suspect your dog has ingested daffodils (particularly the bulbs), contact your veterinarian.
Dieffenbachia
About Dieffenbachia:
Dieffenbachia is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the family Araceae. It is native to the New World Tropics from Mexico and the West Indies south to Argentina. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental, especially as a house plant, and has become naturalized on a few tropical islands.
Dieffenbachia is a perennial herbaceous plant with straight stem, simple and alternate leaves containing white spots and flecks, making it attractive as indoor foliage. Species in this genus are popular as houseplants because of their tolerance of shade. The common name, "dumb cane" refers to the poisoning effect of raphides. It is also known as the "Mother-in-law" plant. Dieffenbachia was named by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott, the Director of the Botanical Gardens in Vienna, to honor his head gardener Joseph Dieffenbach (1796–1863).
Symptoms of Dieffenbachia poisoning:
- Drooling
- Oral pain
- Pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting
- Inappetence
Why Dieffenbachia poisonous to cats?
Dieffenbachia species contain insoluble crystals of calcium oxalate called raphites. Chewing or biting into the plant releases the crystals which penetrate tissue resulting in injury. When cats ingest insoluble calcium oxalate-containing plants, clinical signs may be seen immediately and include pawing at face (secondary to oral pain), drooling, foaming, and vomiting. Moderate to severe swelling of the lips, tongue, oral cavity, and upper airway may also be seen, making it difficult to breathe or swallow.
Hydrangea
Alternate names: Hortensia, Hills of Snow, Seven Bark
About Hydrangea:
Hydrangea (common names hydrangea or hortensia) is a genus of 70-75 species of flowering plants native to southern and eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea, the Himalayas, and Indonesia) and the Americas. By far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably China, Japan, and Korea. Most are shrubs 1 to 3 meters tall, but some are small trees, and others lianas reaching up to 30 m (98 ft) by climbing up trees. They can be either deciduous or evergreen, though the widely cultivated temperate species are all deciduous.
Symptoms of Hydrangea poisoning:
- Diarrhea
- Exhaustion
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Cyanide poisoning may be rare, but it is a possibility.
- Constipation
Why Hydrangea poisonous to cats?
All parts of the hydrangea plant are potentially poisonous. Please be aware that the flowers and leaves have higher amounts of cyanogenic glycosides. Get immediate veterinary assistance if your cat ate any section of a hydrangea, even if you don't notice any signs of poisoning.
Ivy
About Ivy:
Hedera, commonly called ivy (plural ivies), is a genus of 12–15 species of evergreen climbing or ground-creeping woody plants in the family Araliaceae, native to western, central and southern Europe, Macaronesia, northwestern Africa and across central-southern Asia east to Japan and Taiwan.
Symptons of Ivy poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal Pain
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
Why Ivy poisonous to cats?
All varieties contain Triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin), the toxic principle that is poisonous cats. Ivy foliage, the part most attractive to cats, is more poisonous than the berries.
Lily
Alternate Names: Branching Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, California IvyAbout Lily:
Lilium (members of which are true lilies) is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants growing from bulbs, all with large prominent flowers. Lilies are a group of flowering plants which are important in culture and literature in much of the world. Most species are native to the temperate northern hemisphere, though their range extends into the northern subtropics. Many other plants have "lily" in their common name but are not related to true lilies.
Symptons of Lily poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Inappetence
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
Why Lily poisonous to cats?
Many plants of the Lilium and Hemerocallis species are very poisonous to cats. Commonly known as the Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter, or Japanese Show lily, these plants result in severe acute kidney failure.
The exact toxin has not been identified, but is known to be water soluble. All parts of the plant – the leaf, pollen, stem, flower are considered poisonous. Lily's pollen gets everywhere. Cats who gets near lily may have pollen on them and should be bathed, as they ingest pollen as they groom themselves. Kidney damage (specifically, renal tubular necrosis) occurs within 24-72 hours of ingestion.
Marijuana
Alternate Names: THC, Cannabis, pot, hashish, pot brownies, weed, grass, Mary Jane, reefers, hemp, devil week, pot butter.About Marijuana:
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that includes three different species, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. These species are indigenous to Central and South Asia. Cannabis has long been used for hemp fibre, for seed and seed oils, for medicinal purposes, and as a recreational drug. Industrial hemp products are made from Cannabis plants selected to produce an abundance of fiber. To satisfy the UN Narcotics Convention, some Cannabis strains have been bred to produce minimal levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent responsible for the high associated with it and which is obtained through the dried flowers of Cannabis plants selectively bred to produce high levels of THC and other psychoactive cannabinoids. Various extracts including hashish and hash oil are also produced from the plant.
Symptons of Marijuana poisoning:
- Severe depression
- Walking drunk
- Lethargy
- Coma
- Low heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Respiratory depression
- Dilated pupils
- Coma
- Hyperactivity
- Vocalization
- Seizures
Why Marijuana poisonous to cats?
Cats poisoned by marijuana is rare. The toxic component of marijuana is Delta-9-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Marijuana poisoning usually occur following inhalation of the smoke (second hand smoke exposure), ingestion of the dried plant, ingestion of foods laced with marijuana (brownies, cookies, butter), or products made with hashish. Cats poisoned by marijuana, clinical signs can be seen within 3 hours.
Mistletoe
Alternate names: Phoradendron, Christmas yuletide plants.
About Mistletoe:
Mistletoe is the common name for many obligate hemiparasitic plants in the order Santalales. These plants attach to and penetrate the branches of a tree or shrub by a structure called the haustorium, through which they absorb water and nutrients from the host plant.
The name mistletoe originally referred to the species Viscum album (European mistletoe, of the family Santalaceae in the order Santalales); it was the only species native to Great Britain and much of Europe. A separate species, Viscum cruciatum, occurs in Southwest Spain and Southern Portugal, as well as North Africa, Australia and Asia.
Over the centuries, the term has been broadened to include many other species of parasitic plants with similar habits, found in other parts of the world, that are classified in different genera and even families — such as the Misodendraceae and the Loranthaceae.
In particular, the Eastern mistletoe native to North America, Phoradendron leucarpum, belongs to a distinct genus of the Santalaceae family. The genus Viscum is not native to North America, but Viscum album has been introduced to California. European mistletoe has smooth-edged, oval, evergreen leaves borne in pairs along the woody stem, and waxy, white berries that it bears in clusters of two to six. The Eastern mistletoe of North America is similar, but has shorter, broader leaves and longer clusters of 10 or more berries.
Symptons of Mistletoe poisoning:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Hypotension
- Walking drunk
- Collapse
- Seizures
Why Mistletoe poisonous to cats?
There are several types of mistle which can be poisonous to cats: Phoradendron serotinum (American variety) and Viscum album (European variety). The American mistletoe is less toxec compared to the European varieties. Berries from mistletoe plant contain polysaccharides, alkaloids, and lectins. When accidentally ingested by cats, mistletoe poisoning can result in mild signs of gastrointestinal irritation. When ingested in large amounts, abnormal heart rate, collapse, hypotension (low blood pressure), ataxia (walking drunk), seizures and death have also been reported.
Just to be safe, keep your mistletoe out of cat's reach. If you suspect your cat has ingested mistletoe, contact your vetenirarian.
Mushroom
Alternate names: Amanitins, Amanita, Galerina, Lepiota, death cap, death angel, muscarine, Inocybe, Clitocybe, false morel, Gyromitra, hallucinogenic mushrooms, Psilocybe, Agaricus, Boletus, gastrointestinal, phalloides.About Mushroom:
A mushroom (or toadstool) is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground on soil or on its food source. The standard for the name "mushroom" is the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus; hence the word "mushroom" is most often applied to those fungi (Basidiomycota, Agaricomycetes) that have a stem (stipe), a cap (pileus), and gills (lamellae, sing. lamella) or pores on the underside of the cap. These pores or gills produce microscopic spores that help the fungus spread across the ground or its occupant surface.
"Mushroom" describes a variety of gilled fungi, with or without stems, and the term is used even more generally, to describe both the fleshy fruiting bodies of some Ascomycota and the woody or leathery fruiting bodies of some Basidiomycota, depending upon the context of the word.
Forms deviating from the standard morphology usually have more specific names, such as "puffball", "stinkhorn", and "morel", and gilled mushrooms themselves are often called "agarics" in reference to their similarity to Agaricus or their place Agaricales. By extension, the term "mushroom" can also designate the entire fungus when in culture; the thallus (called a mycelium) of species forming the fruiting bodies called mushrooms; or the species itself.
Symptons of Mushroom poisoning:
- Nausea
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Walking drunk
- Depression
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Organ failure
Why Mushroom poisonous to cats?
Only a small percentage is considered toxic. As accurate mushroom identification can be difficult, it should be left to experts (mycologists). While the majority of mushrooms are considered non-toxic, some may result in severe clinical signs (even death). The majority of confirmed fatal mushroom toxicities in pets are secondary to mushrooms from the following genera: Amanita, Galerina, and Lepiota. Depending on the type/species of mushroom ingested, several general organ systems can be affected: hallucinogenic (visual disturbances), gastrointestinal (vomiting, diarrhea), central nervous system (ataxia, tremors, seizures, death), liver failure (vomiting, black-tarry stool, increased liver function blood tests, etc.), kidney failure failure (halitosis, anorexia, vomiting, inappropriate thirst or urination), etc. In general, all mushroom ingestions in veterinary patients should be considered toxic unless accurate, rapid mushroom identification can occur. Clinical signs from mushroom poisoning are dependent on the species of mushroom ingested, the specific toxin within that mushroom, and the individual’s own susceptibility. Early clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, walking drunk, depression, tremors, and seizures, with liver and renal damage occurring later. If you see your cat eat a mushroom, contact your veterinarian.
Narcissus is a genus of predominantly spring perennial plants in the Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis) family. Various common names including daffodil, daffadowndilly, narcissus, and jonquil are used to describe all or some members of the genus. Narcissus has conspicuous flowers with six petal-like tepals surmounted by a cup- or trumpet-shaped corona. The flowers are generally white or yellow (orange or pink in garden varieties), with either uniform or contrasting coloured tepals and corona.
Symptons of Narcissus poisoning:
- Drooling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased heart rate
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal breathing
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Why Narcissus poisonous to cats?
The Narcissus spp., including Narcissus, daffodils, Paper White, and Jonquils, contain lycorine, an alkaloid with strong emetic properties (something that triggers vomiting). Crystals are found in the outer layer of the bulbs, similar to hyacinths, which cause severe tissue irritation and secondary drooling. Ingestion of the bulb, plant or flower can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Narcissus ingestions can result in more severe symptoms so if an exposure is witnessed or symptoms are seen, seek immediate veterinary assistance.
The Solanaceae, or nightshades, are an economically important family of flowering plants. The family ranges from annual and perennial herbs to vines, lianas, epiphytes, shrubs, and trees, and includes a number of important agricultural crops, medicinal plants, spices, weeds, and ornamentals. Many members of the family contain potent alkaloids, and some are highly toxic, but many cultures eat nightshades, in some cases as staple foods. The family belongs to the order Solanales, in the asterid group dicotyledons (Magnoliopsida). The Solanaceae consists of about 98 genera and some 2,700 species, with a great diversity of habitats, morphology and ecology.
Symptons of Nightshade poisoning:
- Drooling
- Inappetence
- Severe gastrointestinal upset
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- CNS depression
- Confusion
- Behavioral change
- Weakness
- Dilated pupils
- Slow heart rate
Why Nightshade poisonous to cats?
Nightshade contain glycoalkanoid poison solanine, saponins, atropine like substances. Any part of the plant, including the leaves, fruit and tubers are poisonous to cats. Get immediate veterinary assistance if your cat ate any part of nightshade plant.
Nerium oleander is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the dogbane family Apocynaceae, potentially toxic in all its parts. It is the only species currently classified in the genus Nerium. It is most commonly known as oleander, from its superficial resemblance to the unrelated olive Olea. It is so widely cultivated that no precise region of origin has been identified, though southwest Asia has been suggested. The ancient city of Volubilis in Morocco may have taken its name from the Berber name oualilt for the flower. Oleander is one of the most poisonous of commonly grown garden plants.
Symptons of Oleader poisoning:
- Drooling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abnormal heart rate
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Weakness
- Collapse
- Tremors
- Seizures
Why Oleader poisonous to cats?
All parts of this plant are poisonous to cats. Oleander contains naturally-occurring poisons that affect the heart, specifically cardenolides or bufadienolides. These poisons are called cardiac glycoside toxins, and they interfere directly with electrolyte balance within the heart muscle. The toxins within these plants are similar to digitalis or digoxin, a common heart medication used in both human and veterinary medicine. The level of poisoning varies with the particular plant, part of the plant, and amount consumed. All parts of the plant are generally considered toxic – even the water in the vase has been reported to cause toxicosis. Clinical signs from ingestion include cardiovascular signs (abnormal heart rhythm and rate), electrolyte abnormalities (a life-threatening high potassium level), gastrointestinal signs (nausea, drooling, vomiting, etc.), or central nervous system signs (tremors, seizures).
Philodendron is a large genus of flowering plants in the Araceae family, consisting of about 900 species according to TROPICOS (a service of the Missouri Botanical Garden). Other sources quote different numbers of species: S.J. Mayo reports about 350-400 formally recognised species, whereas Thomas Croat lists about 700. Regardless of number of species, the genus is the second-largest member of the arum family. Taxonomically, the genus Philodendron is still poorly known, with many undescribed species. Many are grown as ornamental and indoor plants. The name derives from the Greek words philo or "love" and dendron or "tree". They are commonly called by their generic name.
Symptons of Philodendron poisoning:
- Drooling
- Oral pain
- Pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting
- Inappetance
Why Philodendron poisonous to cats?
The Philodendron species contain insoluble crystals of calcium oxalate called raphites. Chewing or biting into the plant releases the crystals which penetrate tissue resulting in injury. When cats ingest insoluble calcium oxalate-containing plants, clinical signs may be seen immediately and include pawing at face (secondary to oral pain), drooling, foaming, and vomiting. Moderate to severe swelling of the lips, tongue, oral cavity, and upper airway may also be seen, making it difficult to breathe or swallow.
The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a culturally and commercially important plant species of the diverse spurge family that is indigenous to Mexico and Central America. It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays. It derives its common English name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, who introduced the plant into the United States in 1825.
Symptons of Poinsettia poisoning:
- Drooling
- Licking lips
- Dermal irritation (including redness, swelling, and itchiness)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Why Poinsettia poisonous to cats?
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) plants are only mildly toxic to cats. The milky white sap found in poinsettias contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents. While poinsettias are commonly "hyped" as poisonous plants, they rarely are, and the poisoning is greatly exaggerated. When ingested, mild signs of vomiting, drooling, or rarely, diarrhea may be seen. If the milky sap is exposed to skin, dermal irritation (including redness, swelling, and itchiness) may develop. Rarely, eye exposure can result in a mild conjunctivitis ("pink eye" secondary to inflammation). Signs are self-limiting and generally don’t require medical treatment unless severe. There is no antidote for poinsettia poisoning. That said, due to the low level of toxicity seen with poinsettia ingestion, medical treatment is rarely necessary unless clinical signs are severe.
Rhododendron is a genus of 1,024 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae), either evergreen or deciduous, and found mainly in Asia. It is the national flower of Nepal. Most species have showy flowers. Azaleas make up two subgenera of Rhododendron. They are distinguished from "true" rhododendrons by having only five anthers per flower.
Symptons of Rhododendron poisoning:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Inappetance
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal heart rate and rhythms
- Hypotension
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Depression
- Blindness
- Seizures
- Coma
Why Rhododendron poisonous to cats?
Rhododendrons plants contain grayanotoxins which disrupt sodium channels affecting the skeletal and cardiac muscle. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous, and as little as ingestion of 0.2% of an animal’s body weight can result in poisoning. When ingested, clinical signs include gastrointestinal signs (drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, inappetance), cardiovascular (abnormal heart rate, heart arrhythmias, weakness, hypotension), and central nervous system signs (depression, tremors, transient blindness, seizures, coma, etc.). The overall prognosis is fair with treatment.
Tobacco is a plant within the genus Nicotiana of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. While there are more than 70 species of tobacco, the chief commercial crop is N. tabacum. The more potent species N. rustica is also widely used around the world.
Dried tobacco leaves are mainly smoked in cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and flavored shisha tobacco. They are also consumed as snuff, chewing tobacco and dipping tobacco.
Tobacco contains the alkaloid nicotine, a stimulant. Tobacco use is a risk factor for many diseases, especially those affecting the heart, liver and lungs, and several cancers. In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) named tobacco as the world's single greatest cause of preventable death.
Symptons of Tobacco poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Abnormal heart rate
- Abnormal respiratory rate
- Overstimulation
- Incoordination
- Agitation
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Inappropriate urination/defecation
- Paralysis
- Collapse
All of tobacco plants contain pyridine and piperidine alkaloids, one being nicotine. Exposure causes initial low heart and respiratory rates which then change to overstimulation, uncontrolled urination/defecation, tremors, seizures, paralysis and death.
Yew is a common name given to various species of trees. The name is most prominently given to any of various coniferous trees and shrubs in the genus Taxus.
Symptons of Yew poisoning:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Life-threatening changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
Why Yew poisonous to cats?
This common evergreen (meaning the plant stays green all year round) is extremely poisonous to all species. All parts of the plant (including the succulent, red berries) are very poisonous, as they contain taxines. There are several variety of plants in the Taxus spp., including the Japanese Yew and English Yew. When ingested by cats, clinical signs of drooling, vomiting, weakness, difficulty breathing, life-threatening changes in heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, tremors, seizures, coma and death may be seen. Recently, florists have started to use Japanese Yew to make wreaths for the holidays.
Many of these are outdoor varieties that your cat will not have access to if you keep your cat indoors. Others, such as the philodendron, and dieffenbachia are common house plants. You may want to avoid these species, if your cat has digested any of these, call your vet immediately.
