Pretty Poisons
By Cindy A. Payne, D.V.M.
Printed: September 1990 Newsletter

We all know that people with small children have to child-proof their homes to protect them from household items that can cause harm. However, we don't always think of this in regard to our pets. Many common household items can be harmful to our pets. Some of the most dangerous items can be the decorative plants found in our homes and gardens. Cats can be inquisitive and sometimes just plain nosey!! They are commonly attracted to the slightest wiggle of leaves and they love to play and dig in soil.

Some of the more common house and garden plants that are potential poisons to your pet are listed below:

Autumn Crocus Angel's Wings Bleeding-heart vine Buttercup Carnation Castor Bean Christmas Rose Chrysanthemum Creeping Charley Crocus Daffodil Dieffenbachia Elderberry Elephant's-ears English Laurel Foxglove Heart of Jesus Holly Hyacinth Seed pits from Almond, Apple, Apricot,   Cherry, Peach, Pear, and Plum trees. Hydrangea Iris or Blue Flag Ivy (English or Baltic)

Jerusalem   Cherry Larkspur Lily of the   Valley Marigold Mistletoe Oleander Periwinkle Philodendron Poinsettia Potato Rhubarb Rosary Pea Star of   Bethlehem Sweat Pea Wisteria

To prevent your pet from coming in contact with these potential hazards keep house plants on high shelves or hanging from the ceiling. It may be helpful to spray garden plants with the following mixture:

1 cup crushed red cayenne pepper 1 quart water

Also make sure your cat has a variety of toys to keep him busy. A bored cat will be more likely to search for a new play thing. Sometimes the soil is the attaction for the cat. It may be helpful to cover the soil with a thick layer of pebbles or wood chips. Another deterrent may be to confront the curious kitty with a squirt of water from a spray bottle when it starts to nibble. Consistancy is very important. A possible alternative may be to grow your cat his own safe plants such as wheat or oats for nibbling. Keep these plants in pots easily accessible to your pet.

In spite of your preventive efforts things can happen. If your pet does ingest a plant or poison it is best to contact your veterinarian immediately - before signs occur. You should also save some of the plant and take it for identification. It can be very important in initiating the correct treatment for your pet. If you have any further questions, please contact your veterinarian.