Can Cats Eat Daisies? (Are Daisy Poisonous to Cats?)
When I hear the word “daisies,” my first association is not with my cat but rather with a beautiful flower. However, while writing and researching, I discovered that many individuals on the internet are looking for information about whether or not their cats can eat daisies. So, I researched a little bit and found my answer!
No, cats shouldn’t eat daisies as it could potentially make them very sick. The daisy plant contains a toxin called pyrethrin which is harmful to cats if ingested in large quantities. While a small nibble of the flower here and there may not cause any problems, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep your feline friend away from these pretty plants.
Keep reading more to learn about the dangers of pyrethrin to cats and what you can do if your cat ingests this toxin.
What’ll Happen if My Cat Eats a Daisy?
I know you may be thinking, “It’s just a flower, how bad could it be?” But the truth is, even ingesting small amounts of pyrethrin can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. Here I’ll go into more detail about the symptoms you may see if your cat ingests this toxin.
# Symptoms of Pyrethrin Poisoning in Cats
The symptoms of pyrethrin poisoning in cats can range from mild to severe, depending on how much of the toxin they’ve ingested. Some common symptoms include:
1.Vomiting (Sometimes with Blood)
Yes, even just a small nibble of the daisy plant can cause your cat to vomit. If you see blood in the vomit, it’s a sign that they may have ingested a large amount of pyrethrin and you should take them to the vet immediately.
2. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another common symptom of pyrethrin poisoning. Like vomiting, it can range from mild to severe depending on the amount of toxin ingested.
3. Excessive Drooling or Salivation
I’ve never seen my cat drool just from smelling a flower, but apparently, it’s a symptom of pyrethrin poisoning. If you see your cat drooling excessively or salivating more than usual, it could be a sign that they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t have.
4. Muscle Tremors
Tremors or twitching muscles is another symptom of pyrethrin poisoning. If you notice your cat’s muscles twitching or they seem unsteady on their feet, take them to the vet right away.
5. Seizures
In severe cases, pyrethrin poisoning can cause seizures. If you see your cat having a seizure, it’s a medical emergency and you should take them to the vet immediately.
Can Cats Eat Daisy Leaves?
Many people are surprised to learn that cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. However, this doesn’t mean that cats don’t eat plant material on occasion.
A small amount of vegetation is often present in the stomachs of feral and free-ranging cats, and some housecats enjoy nibbling on grass or other plants. So, can cats eat daisy leaves?
While daisy leaves are not toxic to cats, they are not a good source of nutrition and may cause digestive upset if eaten in large quantities.
If you notice your cat munching on daisy leaves, there’s no need to worry. But you may want to provide some safer alternatives, like cat grass or kitty herb gardens.
Can Cats Eat Gerbera Daisies?
While all parts of a gerbera daisy are technically non-toxic to cats, that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily good for them. The biggest concern would be if your cat ate the entire flower head.
The sharp edges on the petals could cut or scratch your cat’s throat on the way down, and the large mass could cause an obstruction in their digestive tract. The stem isn’t much better. It’s also quite sharp and could cut or scratch your cat’s throat, esophagus, or stomach lining.
If your cat nibbles on a gerbera daisy every now and then, they’re unlikely to experience any serious problems. However, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep these flowers out of reach.
Are Yellow Daisies Poisonous to Cats?
Yellow daisies (Chrysanthemum sp.), sometimes called mums, are among the most popular fall flowers. They come in a wide variety of colors, including shades of yellow, and are often used in arrangements or as decoration for special occasions.
While they are beautiful to look at, yellow daisies can be poisonous to cats if ingested. The plants contain pyrethrins, which are compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and tremors when ingested by cats.
In severe cases, pyrethrins can cause seizures and respiratory distress. If you suspect your cat has eaten a yellow daisy, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately for treatment recommendations.
Are Shasta Daisies Poisonous to Cats?
Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) are perennials that are grown for their showy white flowers. These plants can reach up to three feet in height and produce flowers that are up to four inches in diameter.
Shasta daisies are not poisonous to cats, but they can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. The stems, leaves, and flowers of the plant contain small amounts of saponin, a compound that is known to cause vomiting and diarrhea.
So, if your cat nibbles on a Shasta daisy, you may want to keep an eye on him for signs of gastrointestinal distress. However, most cats will steer clear of these plants thanks to their bitter taste.
Are African Daisies Poisonous to Cats?
The African daisy is not considered to be poisonous to cats, but there are a couple of potential problems that could occur if your cat ingests the plant.
First, the plant contains small amounts of saponins. Saponins are a type of natural surfactant (they reduce the surface tension of water). When they’re ingested, saponins can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
While these side effects are usually not serious, they can lead to dehydration, which can be a real problem in cats. Second, the African daisy may also contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides.
These compounds release cyanide when they’re metabolized, and cyanide is very poisonous. However, it would take a lot of African daisies for a cat to ingest enough cyanogenic glycosides to cause serious harm.
If you’re concerned that your cat has eaten any part of an African daisy, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline for guidance.
Are Wild Daisies Poisonous to Cats?
Cats are curious creatures, and their inquisitive nature often leads them to nibble on plants. While many common houseplants are safe for cats, wild plants can pose a serious threat.
Daisies are a popular choice for bouquets and floral arrangements, but they can be dangerous to cats if ingested. Wild daisies contain cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide when they come into contact with stomach acids. Cyanide is a toxic compound that inhibits the cells from using oxygen, and it can quickly lead to organ failure.
If you suspect that your cat has ingested a wild daisy, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Treatment may include decontamination, oxygen therapy, and IV fluids. With prompt treatment, most cats make a full recovery.
Are Livingstone Daisies Poisonous to Cats?
Many people enjoy adding Livingstone daisies (Dorotheanthus bellidiformis) to their gardens because of their beautiful flowers.
Unfortunately, these plants can be poisonous to cats if they ingest them. The toxic component in Livingstone daisies is glycoside, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and vomiting if consumed in large enough quantities.
In addition, glycoside can interfere with the normal functioning of the heart, leading to arrhythmias. While Livingstone daisies are not typically fatal, they can cause serious illness in cats and should be avoided if you have a feline friend at home.
If you are concerned that your cat may have ingested a poisonous plant, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center for assistance.
Can Daisies Kill Cats?
No, daisies cannot kill cats. However, all plants have the potential to cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten in large quantities, and this is especially true for young, growing animals who are more likely to nibble on plants.
The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center has received calls about cats becoming ill after eating daisies, but symptoms have been mild and self-limiting. Ingestion of small amounts of daisy leaves or flowers is not likely to cause more than an upset stomach in most cats.
Nevertheless, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and keep your cat away from any plant you are unsure about. If you suspect that your cat has ingested a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s 24-hour poison hotline at (888) 426-4435.
Treatment for Pyrethrin Poisoning in Cats
If you think your cat has ingested pyrethrin, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. The sooner you get them treatment, the better their chances are of recovery.
There is no specific antidote for pyrethrin poisoning, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the cat until the poison has cleared their system. Treatment may include:
1. Decontamination
I know it’s not always easy, but it’s important to try to keep your cat calm. If they’re agitated, they may be more likely to vomit, which could cause them to aspirate (inhale) the poison into their lungs.
If you can, gently wipe off any pyrethrin that may be on their fur with a damp cloth. Do not use any type of solvent, such as dish soap or shampoo, as this could irritate their skin.
2. Oxygen Therapy
Once a vet has determined that your cat is having difficulty breathing, they will likely administer oxygen therapy. This involves placing a mask over the cat’s nose and mouth so they can breathe in pure oxygen.
Oxygen therapy helps to alleviate some of the respiratory symptoms associated with pyrethrin poisoning and gives the cat’s body a chance to rest.
3. Intravenous Fluids
Dehydration is a common complication of vomiting and diarrhea, so IV fluids are often used to treat pyrethrin poisoning. IV fluids help to hydrate the cat and prevent organ damage.
They also help to flush the poison out of the cat’s system and support kidney function.
4. Medications
Depending on the severity of the poisoning, your cat may also be given medication to help control vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, anti-seizure medication may be necessary to control muscle tremors.
Pain relief medication may also be given if your cat is in pain.
5. Blood and Urine Tests
In order to assess how the poison is affecting your cat’s organs, the vet may recommend running blood and urine tests. These tests can help to determine if there is any kidney or liver damage.
They can also help to check for anemia, which is common in cats who have been poisoned by pyrethrin.
6. Gastric Lavage
If the cat is brought in soon after they have ingested pyrethrin, the vet may perform gastric lavage. This involves inserting a tube down the cat’s throat and washing out their stomach with saline solution.
Gastric lavage can help to remove any residual poison from the stomach and reduce the amount of absorption into the bloodstream.
7. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is often used in cases of poisoning because it binds to toxins in the gut and prevents them from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
It’s important to note that activated charcoal should only be given if your cat is alert and able to swallow. It should not be given to a cat who is vomiting or having difficulty breathing.
8. Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove any remaining poison from the stomach or intestines. Surgery is also sometimes used to repair any damage that has been done to the liver or kidneys.
Pyrethrin poisoning can be very serious, so it’s important to seek medical attention right away if you think your cat has ingested this toxin. With prompt treatment, most cats make a full recovery.
The Summary
Daisies are pretty, but can be dangerous for your cat. If they ingest pyrethrin, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. There is no specific antidote, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the cat until the poison has cleared their system.
Treatment may include decontamination, oxygen therapy, IV fluids, medications, blood and urine tests, gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and surgery. With prompt treatment, most cats make a full recovery.
