Vet shares spring flowers that are poisonous to cats and can be deadly

A vet has highlighted several popular flowers that pose a risk to cats. With the arrival of spring, many of us consider adding new floral touches to our gardens or homes. Yet cat owners should exercise caution, as some plants can be harmful to their feline friends.

Eoghan, a vet from Blue Cross, has advised on which flowers to steer clear of and what symptoms may suggest your cat has consumed something harmful. A TikTok video by Blue Cross delves into this subject. Topping the list are lilies.



According to Eoghan, "Lilies are one of the most toxic plants to cats. All parts of this plant are highly poisonous and can cause kidney failure and unfortunately, in severe cases that can be fatal." READ MORE: Graduate shares 'unique' experience working on Netflix Adolescence He warned that even slight contact with lily pollen could have serious effects.

In agreement, the UK's vet charity PDSA confirmed the dire risks posed by lilies, calling them "extremely poisonous to cats," reports the Express . They cautioned on their website: "Lilies are very popular plants due to their beautiful flowers, but unfortunately, they are highly toxic to cats. If your cat eats or licks a lily plant, they are likely to develop kidney damage which, left untreated, can lead to kidney failure and death.

" The danger extends to all parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, and pollen. Even incidental exposure, such as a cat brushing against a lily and later grooming the pollen from their fur, can result in poisoning. Then there are tulips.

Eoghan highlighted that, similar to tulips, which fall under the 'lily family', foxgloves also pose a risk to cats due to their toxicity. He pointed out that every part of the tulip is toxic with the bulb being particularly dangerous. Warning signs that a cat may have ingested part of a tulip can range from symptoms such as drooling and vomiting to diarrhoea, lethargy, and even difficulty in breathing.

Purina concurs, noting that the alkaloid and glycoside compounds, along with allergenic lactones found in tulips, are detrimental if eaten by cats. Echoing Eoghan's point, the pet food manufacturer stresses the heightened danger of tulip bulbs, citing the concentrated presence of toxins. It further advises: "Most severe cases of toxicity arise from eating tulip bulbs, but if your cat has ingested any part of a tulip, you should contact your vet as soon as you're aware of the situation - even nibbling a small amount of tulip leaf or petal can cause irritation to the mouth or gullet (oesophagus).

" On the topic of other hazardous plants, Eoghan named the foxglove as another common garden flower that is poisonous to cats, attributing its danger to a naturally occurring toxin that impacts the heart function. The Blue Cross vet elaborated on the serious effects this can have when he said: "In human medicine, we use this as a medication for heart disease but in a healthy cat, it can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, weakness and it can lead to arrhythmias, abnormal heart rhythms and potentially death." Eoghan then warned that daffodils, including the entire plant and bulb, are poisonous to cats.

He pointed out that while reactions to daffodils are "rarely fatal" any part of the flower can induce vomiting and diarrhoea, lower blood pressure, and occasionally trigger seizures. Cats Protection, the UK's leading feline welfare charity, states that daffodil bulbs contain crystals that are "extremely toxic to cats if eaten." The charity also warns that consuming the flower heads and leaves can make cats sick.

The organisation further explained that daffodils contain a toxic compound called lycorine. According to Cats Protection, ingestion of this substance can result in stomach upset, vomiting, or more severe illness. Eoghan concluded his TikTok video with a crucial piece of advice: "If you think your cat has a contact with any poisonous plants, even if you didn't see them eat it or lick it, get in touch with the vet straight away for advice.

You could save a life.".