Poinsettia Leaves And Cats

New plants indoors and outdoors are tempting for our pets and many will ingest the leaves.

Poinsettia leaves and cats. Can poinsettias kill animals. Poinsettias are commonly called poisonous to pets but they are usually not deadly. Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima is a flowering plant native to Mexico which is typically characterized by its green leaves red bracts and yellow flowers.

Many cats are interested in this plant and begin to nibble on its leaves or petals. They would need to ingest a significant amount to cause a more serious reaction though. Luckily this plant has a very low risk of toxicity.

It all started back in the early 20th century when the 2-year-old child of a US. In rare cases it can be fatal but this is usually in young elderly or dehydrated cats. The fable of poinsettias being an extremely poisonous plant began in 1919 in Hawaii when the young child of an army officer died after allegedly eating poinsettia leaves.

The biggest danger is if the cat consumes a large enough quantity to cause a gastrointestinal blockage. Importantly for our companion animals poinsettia are toxic to dogs and cats. Poinsettias The truth is the poinsettias leaves produce a sap that can irritate your dog or cats mouth and esophagus.

Poinsettias are easy to recognize due to their bright red pink white or marble-colored leaves. But as a pet owner youve admired them from a far worried that your dog or cat may gnaw on the. Are Poinsettias Really Toxic to Dogs and Cats.

If ingested these substances will cause digestive upset such as vomiting drooling or rarely diarrhea may be seen. Can poinsettia kill a cat. The poinsettia may cause a rash on the mouth and skin of a cat who chews the plant.