What Are the Symptoms of Cat Plant Poisoning?

Cats commonly eat household plants, as they do in the wild for digestive and medical purposes. Many cats have the instinct to pick the proper plant for these purposes, but when only a small variety of plants are available they may eat a plant that proves to be poisonous. Symptoms of the digestive system, mouth, throat and nervous system are all signs that a cat may have eaten a poisonous plant.

  1. Gastric Irritation

    • Gastric irritation is one of the main signs of plant poisoning in cats. The cat may have nausea and vomiting immediately after eating the plant. Abdominal pain may occur, and in some cases the cat will have diarrhea. With some plants the gastric irritation is immediate, while with others it may take up to a day for signs to begin.

    Oral Irritation

    • Oral irritation occurs when cats consume certain poisonous plants. Ulcers and sores may form in the cat's mouth, or swelling may occur. Excessive salivation in cats is a sign that something is wrong. Dry mucous membranes is another symptom, and the cat may be exceptionally thirsty. In some cases swelling of the throat can interfere with the cat's breathing.

    Other Symptoms

    • Other symptoms of plant poisoning in cats include slow, irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure and depression. Alternately, a cat may experience rapid heartbeat along with excitement, shaking and twitching. A poisoned cat may have a fever. Pupil dilation, trembling, staggering and collapsing are other signs that something may be wrong in a cat. Plant poisoning can even lead to comas, convulsions and in some cases death.