Cat owners have been warned by feline influencer @winstonandspooky who advises cat owners to “stick to roses this Valentine’s Day,” as they are a safe choice.
Cat owners have been urged to consider removing a string of items from their homes as the country marks Valentine’s Day.
Cat owners have been warned by feline influencer @winstonandspooky who advises cat owners to “stick to roses this Valentine’s Day,” as they are a safe choice.
They caution against Tulips, Lilies, Oleanders, Chrysanthemums and Amaryllis, as well as Cyclamen, Hyacinths, Peace Lilies and Philodendrons.
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Flowers SAFE for cats include Roses, Sunflowers, Asters, Alstroemeria, Celosia, Gerbera Daisies, Orchids, Snapdragons and Lisianthus.
Cat’s Protection warned: “The words ‘poisonous plant’ and ‘cat’ in the same sentence will naturally worry any cat owner. There are many plants out there that are considered dangerous to cats, plants that are already in many houses and gardens.
“But this needs to be seen in context. This leaflet aims to be a guide of which flowers are safe, those where caution is advised and those that should not be anywhere near cats”
The most important tip for all cat owners is to avoid lilies both outdoors and inside the house. Even ingesting small amounts of the lily plant will prove fatal, in some cases cats can be saved if they receive intensive veterinary care in time.
Although fabulously fragrant and showy, they simply aren’t worth the risk. Cats don’t have to deliberately chew on a lily (all parts are poisonous, including vase water), just brushing past it could shake pollen on their fur and when grooming themselves it will prove toxic, it said.
It added: “If you know your cat has ingested a toxic plant, don’t wait for symptoms to show, contact your vet immediately. Remember that even the tiniest part of a lily may have devastating effects which needs urgent action. If your cat starts showing the following symptoms seek veterinary advice straight away.
“If you know the cause then tell the vet or give them a sample as it can focus their treatment. Even a sample of vomit may help diagnosis.”