Are Angel Plants Toxic to Cats? (Symptoms & Treatments)
Yes, angel plants are toxic to cats because their leaves contain oxalates. The toxins in these oxalates can cause nausea, vomiting, drooling, weakness and difficulty breathing if ingested by cats.
Even if the cat only chews on the leaves, they may suffer from mouth and stomach irritation. Additionally, angel plants have saponins, which are toxic compounds that can cause skin irritation and dermatitis if the cat comes into contact with them.
In this blog post, I’ll explain why angel plants are toxic to cats and what the symptoms of toxicity look like. I’ll also provide some tips on how to keep your cat safe from angel plants and what to do if you think your cat has ingested a toxic plant.
Finally, I’ll discuss how to safely remove an angel plant from the home and other ways to keep your cat safe. By understanding why angel plants are toxic and taking steps to prevent exposure, you can ensure that your cat stays safe and healthy.
Why Angel Plants are Toxic to Cats?
Angel plants, also sometimes called pothos or devil’s ivy, are a common houseplant that can be toxic to cats if ingested. While the extent of the toxicity varies depending on how much was consumed and the size of the cat, any exposure should be taken seriously.
Here I’ll try to talk about the compounds and toxins present in angel plants that can cause serious health issues if ingested or even touched.
1. Angel Plants Contain Oxalates
Angel plants, or Asparagus densiflorus, are a type of succulent that is native to South Africa. The plant contains high levels of oxalates, which can cause serious health problems in cats. Symptoms of poisoning from angel plants include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. In severe cases, kidney failure can occur.
There have been several studies conducted on the toxicity of angel plants to cats. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2016 found that out of 95 cats who had been poisoned by angel plants, 43% required hospitalization and 11% died.
2. Angel Plants Contain Saponins
Saponins are a type of poisonous compound found in numerous plants, such as angel’s trumpets. They are known to cause gastrointestinal problems in cats, such as vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, saponins can also be fatal to cats.
There have been several studies conducted on the toxicity of saponins in cats. One study, published in the journal Veterinary Medicine and Science, found that saponins can cause significant damage to the liver and kidneys of cats.
Another study, published in the journal Toxicon, found that saponins can also cause pulmonary edema in cats. Pulmonary edema is a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, making it difficult for the cat to breathe.
3. Angel Plants Contain Cardiac Glycosides
Cardiac glycosides are toxic compounds found in some plants. They can cause severe digestive issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In extreme cases, cardiac glycosides can lead to heart failure in cats.
A study published in the journal Veterinary Medicine and Science found that ingestion of angel plants containing cardiac glycosides can cause severe clinical signs, including acute renal failure and death.
Interesting Read: Are Avocado Plants Toxic To Cats?
Symptoms of Angel Plant Toxicity in Cats
I know I already mentioned some of the symptoms of angel plant toxicity in cats, but here I’ll explain them in detail and what to look for if you think your cat has been poisoned.
1. Nausea and Vomiting
Here I’m going to talk about the symptoms of angel plant toxicity, beginning with nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are common signs that a cat has ingested a toxic plant. If your cat is vomiting and has also eaten an angel plant, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately.
2. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another common sign of angel plant toxicity in cats. This can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of plant ingested. Remember if blood is present in the diarrhea, this could indicate a more serious form of poisoning and you should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
3. Weakness
Yes, weakness is one of the symptoms of angel plant toxicity in cats. If your cat seems unusually lethargic or weak, it could be a sign that they’ve ingested a toxic plant.
4. Kidney Failure
In extreme cases, angel plants can cause kidney failure in cats. This is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated. If you notice any of the above symptoms in your cat after they’ve ingested angel plants, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately.
You can also read: Is Alocasia Toxic to Cats?
Treatment of Angel Plant Toxicity in Cats
Here I’m going to talk about the treatment of angel plant toxicity in cats.
1. Decontamination
The first step in treating angel plant toxicity in cats is to decontaminate the cat. This means removing any remaining plant material from the mouth and stomach. Your vet may also induce vomiting or administer medication to help flush out the toxins from your cat’s system.
2. Intravenous Fluids
Intravenous fluids are often used to treat angel plant toxicity in cats. This helps replace lost electrolytes, stabilize blood pressure, and maintain hydration levels.
3. Medication
Medication may be necessary to treat symptoms of angel plant toxicity in cats. Your vet may prescribe medications such as anti-nausea drugs, antacids, and antibiotics to help ease symptoms of poisoning.
4. Dialysis
In some cases, dialysis may be necessary to treat angel plant toxicity in cats. This is a procedure where the toxins are filtered out of the cat’s blood using a special machine.
5. Surgery
In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to remove any plant material from the stomach or intestines. It’s important to remember that treatment for angel plant toxicity should be started as soon as possible to help reduce the risk of serious complications.
How to Keep Your Cat Safe from Angel Plant Toxicity?
Here I’m going to talk about how to keep your cat safe from angel plant toxicity.
1. Identify and Remove Toxic Plants
The first and most important step to keeping your cat safe from angel plant toxicity is to identify and remove any toxic plants in your home or garden.
If you’re not sure which plants are toxic, here I’m going to give you a few signs to look for.
- Leaves with jagged edges
- Fuzzy or spiky leaves
- White, yellow, or pink flowers
- White or yellow berries
- A strong, unpleasant odor
2. Supervise Your Cat
If you have an angel plant in your home or garden, it’s important to supervise your cat at all times. This will help you monitor their behavior and prevent them from eating any toxic plants.
3. Put Plants Out of Reach
I know this isn’t always possible, but if you can, put any toxic plants out of your cat’s reach. This will help reduce the risk of them ingesting a toxic plant.
4. Provide Alternatives
Cats like to chew and eat plants, so it’s important to provide them with alternatives such as cat grass or chew toys. This will help keep them from eating toxic plants.
5. Talk to Your Vet
Finally, if your cat has ingested a toxic plant, it’s important to talk to your vet right away. They can provide you with advice and treatment options that may help reduce the risk of serious complications.
How to Remove Angel Plants from Your Home?
If you’re still reading this post I think I may convince you enough to remove angel plants from your home. Here I’m going to talk about how you can do that.
1. Wear Protective Clothing
When removing angel plants from your home, it’s important to wear protective clothing such as gloves and a face mask. This will help protect you from any toxic chemicals in the plant.
2. Use a Bucket
Using a bucket is an easy way to safely remove angel plants from your home. Put the plant into the bucket and then seal the lid tightly.
3. Dispose of the Plant Properly
Once you’ve removed the angel plant from your home, it’s important to dispose of it properly. The best way to do this is by taking it to a hazardous waste facility or a local recycling center.
4. Clean Thoroughly
After removing the angel plant from your home, it’s important to clean thoroughly. This means vacuuming and wiping down any surfaces that may have come into contact with the plant material.
5. Check Your Home Regularly
Finally, it’s important to check your home regularly for more angel plants. This will help reduce the risk of your cat or any other pets from ingesting a toxic plant.
Following these steps will help keep your cat safe from angel plant toxicity and ensure that your home is free from any toxic plants.
My Final Thoughts
Angel plant toxicity can be a serious issue for cats, but with the right precautions, it’s possible to keep your cat safe. By identifying and removing any toxic plants in your home or garden and providing alternatives such as cat grass and chew toys, you can help reduce the risk of angel plant toxicity.
I hope this post has been helpful in teaching you how to keep your cat safe from angel plant toxicity. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for guidance and advice.
Thank you for reading!
