When considering different backyard ideas and choosing plants to grow in your garden, it's important to consider your lifestyle. For pet owners, this means ensuring pet-friendly plants that are non-toxic and won't harm your furry friend if they get a little curious.
Unfortunately, unlike indoor plants that are cat-safe, hydrangeas are one of the mid-to-late summer flowers that are toxic to cats. These contain toxins that can make your cat sick if ingested.
There are so many varieties of hydrangeas that they can be grown in pots or even cut for flower arrangements, making them very versatile, but it's important to know that they can be harmful to cats. . We asked an expert, “Are hydrangeas poisonous to cats?” And this is what they had to say.
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Are hydrangeas toxic to cats?
Simply put, hydrangeas are toxic to cats, and it's important to understand the risks before planting them in your garden. But don't worry. We asked experts what to do if your cat eats a hydrangea.
What happens if a cat eats hydrangeas?
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Plants that are considered unsafe for pets usually contain toxins that can make them sick if ingested. In the case of hydrangeas, the harmful toxins are blue-producing gliosides.
“Ingestion of these compounds causes gastrointestinal distress,” says Dr. Aziza Glass, veterinarian and owner of CAWLM Animal Hospital. “When cats eat this plant, the toxins become active and can progress to cyanide poisoning,” she added.
All parts of the hydrangea are poisonous, and Dr. Glass notes that it is difficult to determine how many leaves and flowers must be ingested to become poisonous. In fact, dogs are also likely to become sick if they ingest hydrangea. “However, because cats are smaller than dogs, they are more susceptible to severe poisoning,” Dr. Glass explains.
Depending on the amount of the plant ingested, cats can experience a variety of symptoms. “Pets can experience anything from mild symptoms such as lethargy to more severe complications such as vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal complications,” says Mary Helen Horn, pet health expert and president of ZIWI. and talk. “If left untreated or ingested for a long period of time, it can be fatal,” she added.
Dr. Glass is the owner of CAWLM Animal Hospital, which focuses on integrative medicine with an emphasis on acupuncture and other alternative therapies. Dr. Glass is dedicated to promoting pet health and provides veterinary advice.
Mary Helen Horn is a leader in the pet food industry and serves as President and Executive Director of ZIWI, the leading pet nutrition brand worldwide. With 20 years of industry experience, she is dedicated to educating pet owners about the important role of nutrition in keeping their pets healthy.
What should I do if my cat eats a hydrangea?
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Fortunately, experts say it's unlikely, though not impossible, that your cat will experience serious symptoms from hydrangea poisoning.
“Thankfully, hydrangea poisoning this severe is rare,” says Dr. Tony Coronado, a veterinarian and vice president of emergency medicine at Thrive Pet Healthcare.
Nevertheless, if you suspect your pet has ingested something it shouldn't, it's always best to seek professional veterinary advice.
“Be sure to contact your veterinarian, Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) as soon as possible,” says Dr. Coronado. “Don't wait until signs of toxicity appear. Early care and decontamination are essential for successful management of any toxin ingestion,” Dr. Coronado added.
Dr. Coronado is a veteran veterinarian with a passion for helping animals in crisis. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, he began his career in general practice and transitioned to emergency medicine five years later. Dr. Coronado has dedicated the past 25 years to building and managing specialty and emergency facilities. He currently serves as Vice President of Emergency Medicine for Thrive Pet Healthcare.
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FAQ
How can I protect my cat from hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas contain toxins that can make your cat sick if ingested. The easiest way to protect your cat from hydrangeas is to choose not to plant them in your backyard or display them inside your home. However, if you still want to grow this beautiful flower, you can keep your cat safe by installing a fence around it to keep them away from poisonous plants. Alternatively, you can spray your plants with a pet-safe repellent. You can also keep an eye on your cat to make sure they don't chew on your hydrangeas. Always seek veterinarian advice if you think your pet has ingested a poisonous plant.
Are hydrangeas toxic to dogs?
yes. Hydrangeas are toxic to all pets because they contain toxins called cyanogenic gliosides. If your dog ingests these toxins, they can cause gastrointestinal complications, including vomiting, among other symptoms. However, experts note that cats are more likely to experience hydrangea poisoning than dogs because of their smaller size.
Hydrangeas are beautiful, but unfortunately they are poisonous to cats, so if you have a curious cat at home, you should be careful about planting hydrangeas in your garden.
For cat owners planning what to plant in their backyards this year, be sure to familiarize yourself with other plants that are toxic to cats to keep your furry friends safe.
