Ivan’s View

Toxic Spring Plants

Apr 18, 2023 | Boise Cat Clinic News, General Info

Meowlo and Happy Spring Everykitty!

This time of year brings so many things we enjoy including warmer weather and longer days. After a long, cold winter, isn’t it great to enjoy what spring has to offer? I especially love finding those endless sunpuddles for endless naps!

However, this time of year can also present some safety issues for us furry ones. One of the most serious is the prevalence of plants that are toxic to cats. Easter lilies (lilium longiflorum) and other lily species are very common this time of year and they are also extremely dangerous to us felines. While the exact toxic component is unknown, cats appear to be the only species sensitive to its deadly effects. A cat who licks or chews on a lily plant may develop potentially fatal kidney failure. Even small ingestions, such as chewing a leaf or licking pollen, can be deadly.

In addition to lilies, there are quite a few other spring plants that are toxic to us kitties. I’m putting you in charge of making sure your humans know about these toxic plants too:

• Tulip     •Daffodil     •Amaryllis     •Bird of Paradise     •Azalea     •Milkweed

•Gladiola     •Begonia     •Chrysanthemum     •Baby’s Breath     •Oleander

It is important for our humans to make sure we have no exposure to these plants, however, should one occur, it is critical for your human to take you to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. WestVet, located at 50th and Chinden in Garden City, is open every day, 24/7.

Well, **yawn** that’s it for now kitties. I think **yawn** a sunpuddle **yawn* is calling my name.

Here’s looking at you, Kits!

Ivan