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Poinsettias are beautiful plants that have been a traditional part of the Christmas season for decades. However, is it safe to have poinsettias when you have a cat? Are poinsettias poisonous to cats?
Has your cat eaten poinsettias? Are you worried the poinsettias will make your cat sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your cat eats something like this.
We’ve put together some information about poinsettias and whether they can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What are Poinsettias?
Poinsettias as a flowering shrubs that originally came from Mexico. The plant is famous for its red and green foliage. The red leaves of the plant look much like flowers, with yellow centers. In Mexico, poinsettias are perennial shrubs that grow to be 10 to 15 feet tall!
The Aztecs used the plant to produce a red dye and as antifever medication. The plant was first associated with Christmas in 16th century Mexico. The leaves are said to have a star shape that symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem. From there, the poinsettia has remained a traditional part of Christmas celebrations around the world.
While poinsettia is a beautiful plant, can it be toxic to cats?
Cats & Poinsettias
The good news is that the poinsettia plant is only mildly toxic to cats. If a cat eats part of the plant, she may ingest some of the white sap produced by poinsettia. The sap can cause skin or digestive tract irritation. However, it would take a huge amount of poinsettia plant to cause death in a cat. Even so, poinsettia can make a cat sick.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Poinsettia Toxicity in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten poinsettia:
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation
- Swelling redness (especially around the mouth)
- Conjunctivitis (if sap gets into the cat’s eyes)
How to Help Your Cat
In most cases, it’s not necessary to call the vet. However, if your cat has continuous vomiting and diarrhea, it is recommended that you call the vet. These symptoms can cause dehydration in cats.
If your cat vomits some, it’s best to remove her food and water for a few hours and then reintroduce fluids with bland food. If your cat has irritated skin, you can wash it with mild soap and water. It’s also recommended that the poinsettia be removed to keep your fur baby from eating it again!
Your kitty should be feeling better within a short time. However, if she doesn’t improve or you’re worried about her symptoms, do call the vet. They can advise you on the way to help your cat feel better after eating poinsettias.
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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