Cats sometimes try to eat the strangest thing, including our house plants! No one knows for sure why some cats are driven to snack on plants. But one thing is sure—cats eating some plants can become very sick.
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Has your cat eaten a jade plant? Are you worried the jade plant will make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll take a look at jade plants and whether or not they can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Jade Plant?
Jade plants are very popular houseplants, which have oval-shaped leaves that are fleshy and thick, along with woody stems that look like small tree trunks. The plants use their leaves to store water when living in dry environments.
Jade plants originally came from South Africa but are now grown all over the world. They’re popular houseplants and are thought to bring good luck. For this reason, they’re often given as housewarming presents.
What happens if a cat eats a jade plant? Can the jade plant make the cat sick?
Jade Plants & Cats
Unfortunately, all parts of the jade plant are toxic to cats. The severity of the symptoms in a cat will vary depending on how much of the plant was eaten. Scientists believe the highest level of toxin is found in the jade plant’s leaves.
A cat doesn’t even have to eat the plant—just chewing on the leaves is enough to cause poisoning.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Jade Plant Toxicity in Cats
You may notice these symptoms in your cat if she’s eaten jade plant:
- Vomiting
- Loss of muscle function
- Slowed heart rate
- Lack of grooming
- Lethargy
- Increased aggression
- Weakness
- Excessive sleeping
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, then call the vet immediately. This could be a life-threatening medical emergency.
Treatment of Jade Plant Toxicity in Cats
At the vet’s, they will perform a complete physical exam of your cat. This may include lab work.
Treatment will depend on how much of the jade plant the cat has eaten and will be determined by the onset of symptoms (how quickly they developed).
There’s no known antidote for jade plant toxicity in cats. The vet may choose to induce vomiting, use activated charcoal, and treat other symptoms such as dehydration with IV fluids. It’s possible your fur baby may need to remain hospitalized for a few days.
Recovery of jade plant toxicity in cats depends on the severity of the poisoning and how quickly the cat receives medical care. The prognosis is better for cats who receive prompt medical treatment.
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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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