How to Identify Garden Plants Toxic to Cats

Everyone enjoys spending time in a luscious, relaxing garden in the summer. Pets are no exception, and enjoy the outdoors as much as humans. Taking the time to identify garden plants toxic to cats will allow you and your furry friend to spend time together in a safe, relaxing garden.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Know that lilies are among the most toxic plants to cats. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure in your cat within 36 to 72 hours of ingestion. Symptoms may become manifest within a few hours and include lack of appetite, vomiting and lethargy.

2. Exclude lily of the valley from your garden. Any part of the plant can cause cardiac dysrhythmias. Toxicity symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, signs of confusion and weakness.

3. Keep foxglove, also known as digitalis, out of the garden. If you cut the plant and bring it indoors, the water from the vase is also toxic and even fatal to your pet.

4. Remember that although the aloe vera plants may have medicinal properties that benefit humans, it's not friendly to cats. Cats that consume this plant may experience diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect that your cat has ingested a toxic plant, seek immediate veterinary care. If possible, take a sample of the plant with you.
• The list of garden plants that are toxic to cats is extremely broad. If you're unsure of whether a plant is cat friendly, leave it out.