Plants:  Tasty or Toxic?

Concerned about your pet getting into some plants that could harm or even kill them?  You should be.  There are vast numbers of plants that carry toxins that could potentially harm your pet.  Here are a few tips to prevent accidental poisoning.

• store all plant bulbs in a securely closed cabinet, preferably one with a closing mechanism.  Many cats like the scent of earth and may be drawn to them.  Many plant bulbs are toxic when ingested.

• keep cats away from nicotine!  Prevent access to cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco and chewing tobacco. (This of course isn't a plant, but important to know!)

• many pits or seeds found in commonly found fruits can contain cyanide.  Always ensure these are safely disposed of and do not allow your pet to ingest them.

• create an inventory of the plants, bushes and trees in and surrounding your home.  Should your pet escape, they may excitedly nibble on your garden and yard plants.  If possible, remove any harmful plants from your yard and do NOT allow any toxic plants within enclosures and runs.

• when taking your pet for a walk on a leash/harness, be sure not to allow them to nibble on any plants you do not recognize.  Also, realize that many people spray insecticides and herbicides on their yards to prevent pests and weeds.  Many of these chemicals are highly toxic. 

There are MANY lists out there on the internet that will show you exactly which plants are bad for your pets.  Here are a couple of the better links that we have found to be informative:

Glossary of Selected Botanical Terms - For those of us without a PHD in botany, here's some terms to help the 'layperson' figure out what these lists refer to.

Plants and Your Cat - A great list of the common terms given to many plants that are toxic to your pet.  Created by the Cat Fanciers Association in association with the ASPCA.

Poisonous Plants - Plants by Common Name - A detailed list of many common plants that are toxic, including links to each plant to give more detail.

Poisonous Plants - Plants by Latin Name - A similar detailed list of many of the toxic plants given in their scientific name.  Links available to each plant to provide more detail.

Dr. Sue's Poison Plant List - Created by a vet, this is a general alphabetical list of plants found to be poisonous to your pets.

Plants That are Toxic to Cats - A short list created by a concerned cyber cat lover, this page also has a great tip for keeping your cats from digging in your plant pots.

The Toxicity of Plants - This site has a great list of toxic plants with a rating system to display just how toxic that plant is.  This site relates to child toxicities, but relates well to pets too.

Toxic/Safe Plants for your Cat - Lists many toxic plants as well as their symptoms.  Also has a short list of safe plants for your pet.

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