Making plans to select a floral arrangement for a loved one or other acquaintance who has pets? Be aware that a number of plants can be harmful to pets, especially cats. Rest assured that your florist can still put together a beautiful arrangement full of non-toxic blooms.
Just check a potential arrangement carefully to be sure it doesn’t contain any of these plants, or ask your florist to avoid including any flowers that are hazardous to pets. The expert staff at The Delicate Daisy – House of Flowers here in San Francisco, CA, can assist you in selecting a floral arrangement that is not hazardous to cats.
Below is a list of plants that can be dangerous for pets, particularly cats.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons
If a cat eats even a few leaves, vomiting, diarrhea and excessive drooling may result. It’s essential to seek immediate veterinary attention, as ingestion may lead to a possible coma and/or death.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums contain high amounts of toxic compounds used to make pyrethrum, a highly potent pesticide. Both the leaves and stems of these plants are poisonous to cats, in addition to the petals. The effects of these compounds are not fatal, but ingestion can still result in vomiting, skin rashes, convulsions, diarrhea and asthma. Some cats may also display a loss of coordination and excessive salivation.
Lilies
Ingestion of peace, Peruvian and calla lilies can lead to minor side effects for cats. (See more under “Peace Lilies” below.) However, ingesting Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies can be potentially fatal to cats. Even small ingestions of a few petals or leaves can result in severe kidney failure.
If your cat eats any part of a lily, bring the cat and the plant to a veterinarian for immediate medical care. The sooner the cat is brought in for treatment, the sooner the treatment for poisoning can begin.
Oleander
Oleander is an outdoor shrub, known for its evergreen qualities and delicate flowers. However, the leaves and flowers are highly toxic if ingested. This can lead to severe vomiting, reduced heart rate and possibly death.
Peace Lilies
If a cat chews or bites into a peace lily, crystals are released that penetrate tissue and can result in injury. Common side effects include drooling, oral pain, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, foaming and appetite loss. Moderate to severe swelling of the cat’s lips, tongue, oral cavity and upper airway may also result, leading to difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Tulips
Chewing or ingesting tulip parts or bulbs can lead to tissue irritation of the mouth and esophagus. You may notice profuse drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Larger ingestions of the bulb may cause more severe symptoms, such as increased heart rate and changes in respiration.
If you suspect your cat has ingested any of these items, seek immediate veterinary attention. Be sure to bring the label and/or any parts of the plant with you.
With a bit of forethought and communication with your florist, you—or your intended recipient—can enjoy both cats and beautiful flowers. If you’re ready to place an order for floral arrangements in San Francisco, CA, contact the professionals at The Delicate Daisy – House of Flowers at 415-752-2480 today!