Are Hydrangeas Poisonous to Cats? A Beautiful But Toxic Plant
- Abi
- January 1, 2022
- 12:25 pm
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Are Hydrangeas Poisonous to Cats? If you have a cat, then you may be wondering if it’s safe to have hydrangeas in your garden. Hydrangeas are poisonous to cats, but your cat can stay safe if you exercise caution.
Hydrangeas contain the toxic compound cyanogenic glycosides, which is poisonous to both cats and dogs. If you have a pet cat, be sure to keep them away from any hydrangeas in your garden. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the dangers of hydrangeas for cats.
Are hydrangeas poisonous to cats?
Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) are beautiful flowers that come in many different colors. These plants are common garden shrubs that are also known as hortensia, hills of snow, or seven bark. They are part of the Hydrangeaceae family and have big green leaves, and pretty clusters of flowers make them a popular choice for landscapers. Unfortunately, they can be poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), hydrangeas are toxic to cats. Due to a cyanogenic glycoside compound, cats will experience gastrointestinal disturbance after consuming any plant parts. Leaves, flowers, bark, and seeds can all produce symptoms in cats.
Symptoms of Hydrangea Poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Depression
There’s no specific antidote for hydrangea poisoning, so your veterinarian will treat your pet’s symptoms to the best of their ability. The prognosis is usually good if the animal has not ingested large amounts of the plant material, but it can be fatal if consumed in a large quantity.
Please note that many other plants are toxic to cats, including tulips, daffodils, peace lilies, and philodendrons. To learn more about plants that are poisonous to cats, check out our article ‘Which Plants are Toxic to Cats? 20 Plants to Avoid if You Have a Cat or Kitten’
What to do if your cat has eaten a toxic plant?
If you notice these symptoms after your pet has been in your garden or has visited a neighbor’s garden take them to see a veterinarian immediately. It’s often hard to know what type of plant your cat has been eating as cats are independent and may be prone to wandering.
If your cat has vomited or seems unwell, phone your vet immediately, as symptoms take a while to come on, and some plants can quickly kill a cat, depending on the quantity they eat. You can also take a vomit sample to the vets for identification.
While it may seem worrying that your cat could eat a toxic plant from a neighbor’s garden, it’s worth noting that most cats don’t eat plants. Plant matter doesn’t make up a large part of a cat’s natural diet. Even if there are toxic plants in the vicinity, in most cases, when a cat has a nibble, it will cause gastrointestinal disturbance, which will quickly pass. The situation will only become severe if large amounts of a toxic plant are eaten or if the plant is highly poisonous. It’s always best to check with your vet if your cat is experiencing any symptoms.
Are hydrangeas poisonous to cats?: Final thoughts
If you have any pets, it’s best to choose a different variety of plant. Many flowers are safe for pets while looking great in your flower bed. Hydrangeas may look pretty, but the risk of poisoning is too great to take the risk.
If you’re worried about your cat eating any toxic plants, please contact your veterinarian and they’ll be able to help. This article is purely for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Check out the ASPCA website for a full list of plants that are toxic to cats.
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