If you are a cat owner or are thinking of becoming one, then you should know about the risk that peace lilies pose for cats. Peace lilies are beautiful plants that can be found easily at many nurseries and big box stores.
They have long strappy leaves which provide a large surface area for other living things to grow on, and they produce delicate white flowers.
What many people don’t know is that peace lilies are toxic to cats. All parts of the plant contain a chemical known as cycasin, which is highly poisonous to felines. Even ingesting a small amount of this toxin can be deadly for a cat.
So what should you do if you suspect that your cat has eaten a peace lily?
The first step is to call your veterinarian. They will be able to give you advice on what to do next and may even want to see your cat in order to provide treatment.
In the meantime, there are a few things that you can do at home to try and help your cat. One is to induce vomiting.
You can do this by giving your cat a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide for every 10 pounds of their body weight. Be sure to call your veterinarian before inducing vomiting, as not all cats should have this done.
Another thing you can do is give your cat activated charcoal. This will help to absorb any toxins that might still be in your cat’s stomach.
The dose is about one teaspoon per five pounds of body weight, and it should be given every half hour to an hour for at least four doses (but no more than six).
It can take a few days for the symptoms of peace lily poisoning to appear, and the sooner that they do, the better. If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, then you should call your veterinarian immediately.
Symptoms can include excessive salivation, vomiting, wobbliness or lack of coordination, seizures, drooling, inflammation of the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, clear nasal discharge (which will later become thick and yellow), loss of appetite, and dehydration.
It is important to keep in mind that not all cats will exhibit every symptom, and some cats may only have a few mild symptoms. But if you see anything that concerns you, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian.
The bottom line is that if you own a cat, then you should never have peace lilies in your home. They are a lethal hazard to our feline friends. So if you are considering buying a peace lily, or if you already have one, please be sure to keep it out of reach of your cat. Thanks for reading!
So if you’re worried about having a peace lily in your home, then consider switching to a pothos instead. Thanks for reading!