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Many of us keep fake plants at home. They’re much easier to take care of than real plants. And they offer a touch of nature to any room! Some cats may even find it fun to knock the fake plants out of their containers and then bat them around the room! That sounds like a lot of fun!
But if you have a cat that’s curious about the fake plants, it’s possible she could eat them. But what happens if a cat eats fake plants?
Has your cat eaten fake plants? Are you worried the fake plants 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 gathered information about fake plants and whether they can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What are Fake Plants?
Fake plants are made to look like real plants. They may contain leaves, flowers, and other features that make them look like real plants. They’re usually mass-produced and sometimes look almost real!
Materials used to make fake plants can include linen, paper, polyester, silk, plastic, wire, and more.
While fake plants are usually considered safe to use in your home, what happens if a cat eats fake plants?
Fake Plants & Cats
Unfortunately, fake plants can make a cat sick. The parts of the plants are not meant to be eaten and could cause a cat to vomit, have diarrhea, and more.
In some cases, fake plants can also cause a serious condition called an obstruction. This can be deadly if it’s left untreated.
What’s more, the plastic parts could also cause a cat to choke.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Fake Plant Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten fake plants:
- Choking, gagging, coughing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain & swelling
- Hiding
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency. Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by your vet.
Treatment of Fake Plant Ingestion in Cats
Treatment depends on your cat’s symptoms. For instance, if the vet determines your cat is choking, they may try to remove the plant parts from your fur baby’s mouth and throat. In some cases, an endoscopic procedure may be necessary to safely remove the fake plant pieces.
On the other hand, the vet may suspect an obstruction. In this case, they will run x-rays to see if there is a blockage and where it’s located. If the vet diagnoses your cat with a blockage, they may need to perform surgery to remove it safely. They will also repair any damage the blockage has caused.
The prognosis is best for cats that receive prompt medical treatment after eating fake plants. In the future, it’s best to keep all fake plants out of your cat’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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