Plants are an inherent and important part of our lives. They purify the air around us and spruce up our spaces, thereby adding some much-needed dynamism to our surroundings. They help clean up our homes, too, replacing toxic gases with oxygen and lending a fresh feel to the place. For cats, though, that isn’t necessarily the case, as certain plants are known to be especially harmful—and even fatal—for them. In this article, we explore some of the many plants that are poisonous for cats.

Why are some plants poisonous for cats?

Just like humans, cats are sensitive to certain elements. The reason behind this is not yet fully known, although genetics and the ecosystem are said to play a role in it. Some plants are known to aggravate this sensitivity among cats, acting as irritants that can affect their health adversely.

Which plants are poisonous for cats?

Not every plant is bad for cats. Some plants such as chamomile and catnip have largely proven to be beneficial for them. Similarly, there are others that produce the opposite effect, and therefore should be kept away from cats. Some of the most toxic plants for cats include:

• Lilies

As beautiful as they are, lilies are extremely dangerous for cats. Most types of lilies, including tiger, Asian, and Japanese show, trigger kidney troubles in cats, which can lead to complications such as kidney failure. The ramifications of consuming this plant are high enough for it to be kept away from cats.

• Cyclamen

Cyclamen is a genus of about 20 tuberous perennials, and is native to Europe. They look absolutely beautiful and are often kept indoors. These plants, however, contain a toxic component in their roots that can cause severe intestinal troubles in cats. Problems such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea can affect a cat if it manages to consume even a small amount of this plant. Seizures and death are also quite possible.

• Narcissus

Narcissus is a genus of flowering plants, to which daffodils belong. They contain a highly toxic agent called lycorine. The compound is present in mostly all parts of the plant, although they are concentrated in higher amounts in the bulbs. Upon ingestion of the plant, a cat is likely to experience problems such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Cardiac arrhythmia and breathing difficulties are some of the more serious problems that can occur. Hence, cat parents are advised to keep daffodils away from their cats.

• Oleander

The plant is considered both a poison and medicine in different parts of the world. For cats, however, there is no scope for dilemmas, as oleander is seriously harmful for these animals. Cardiac glycosides, a compound found in the flowering plant, affect heart muscles and lead to tremors, seizures, and fatal heart abnormalities in cats. Consuming the water from a vase containing an oleander plant is also enough to trigger any of these health hazards in them.