Mary Allen
In keeping with the spring-like temperatures, the first signs of spring can also be seen. In the garden and on the green belt we can now see the first snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils. But are the spring flowers a danger to cats?
They bloom in our gardens, but also on meadows and the forest floor. Or in the form of colorful spring bouquets on the living room table. What triggers wonderful spring fever in us can turn out to be a danger for cats. Many spring flowers are actually poisonous for cats – including the popular tulips and daffodils.
We have collected the most common early bloomers – and what they mean for cats – here:
Snowdrop
One of the first signs of spring is clearly the snowdrop. As soon as the tender, green stems with the white flowers push through the last remains of snow, the first hopes for warmer days rise.
However, the spring flowers also have downsides – at least for cats. Because the onions, stems, and leaves can be poisonous for cats if consumed. Possible symptoms are drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, incoordination, falling blood pressure and pulse, and seizures. The onions are particularly poisonous, informs “Pet Poison Helpline”, a helpline for suspected poisoning of pets.
Crocus
Crocuses are a welcome splash of color in spring. If your cat messes with the plants, however, it can lead to gastrointestinal complaints such as vomiting and diarrhea, explains “PetMD”.
Tulip
Hardly anything brings spring into the house more than a vase of colorful tulips. Your cat shouldn’t nibble on the flowers, however. This is especially true for tulip bulbs. If your cat eats tulips anyway, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or even depression, according to the “Village Veterinary Clinic”.
Daffodil (daffodil)
By Easter at the latest, daffodils are also very popular. Because the spring flowers contain lycorin and other alkaloids, according to the animal welfare organization “ASPCA” they are poisonous for cats (as well as for dogs and horses). Here, too, poisoning can manifest itself through vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea.
If your cat eats a large number of daffodils, it can also cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and irregular heartbeats. In the case of daffodils, the bulbs are also the most poisonous part.
Hyacinth
You can find hyacinths in almost all colors of the rainbow – and they all beguile us with their scent! However, hyacinths can also be toxic to cats. And according to the “Village Veterinary Clinic” that already applies if the kitties only smell them!
Symptoms of hyacinth poisoning in your cat: Lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea – sometimes bloody -, gastrointestinal problems, colic, drooling. In severe cases, tremors, breathing problems, and depression are also possible consequences.
What to Do When Cats Have Eaten Spring Flowers
Do you suspect that your kitty might have eaten one of the plants, or is she even showing the first symptoms of poisoning? Acting quickly is important now! Get your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
The best thing to do, of course, is to try to avoid poisoning in the first place. If possible, keep your cat away from the spring flowers. As a precaution, you should avoid colorful bouquets of flowers in the apartment. Particular caution is also required if you want to plant the spring flowers in the garden or on the balcony – because, with most plants, the bulbs, in particular, are poisonous for cats.