7 common plants that are dangerous for cats

7 common plants that are dangerous for cats

Cats are naturally curious and tend to grab and play with things they find in their environment. So, they can end up grabbing or even chewing on dangerous plants, which can cause multiple complications and health-related issues. Cat parents should exercise caution when exposing their feline companions to outdoor environments or their own home and garden that can house poisonous plants. Some of the common plants that are toxic to cats are:

Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a popular indoor and outdoor plant that is grown in pots and containers, making it a popular gift during the holiday season. Cats can be drawn to its vibrant flowers, however, the plant contains toxins like lycorine and phenanthridine alkaloids. While the bulbs have the highest concentration of toxins, the stalks are also poisonous to cats. If ingested, cats can experience symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. They may even seem lazy, lethargic, and show no willingness to eat. Other severe effects include a drop in their blood pressure and seizures.

Autumn crocus
The autumn crocus contains colchicine and other alkaloids, which can be toxic to many animals, including cats. If cats chew on the flower or seeds of this ornamental plant, they can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. Ingesting it can also lead to gastrointestinal issues, breathing problems, fever, loss of appetite, and even bloody stool. Symptoms may begin to appear shortly after ingesting the plant or days after.

Rhododendrons or azaleas
Rhododendron is a common shrub with many subspecies, including azaleas. Its beautiful bell-shaped flowers make it a popular choice among gardeners. However, all parts of this shrub are extremely poisonous to cats. The toxicity is caused by grayanotoxins, a component that contains diterpenoid compounds. On ingestion, these toxins attach themselves to the cat’s cells and wreak havoc on their tiny bodies. It impacts the normal functioning of the feline’s internal organs and central nervous system. The damage can extend to the cat’s GI tract and can cause hemorrhage or internal bleeding, pneumonia, and kidney and liver failure. Initial symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal discharge, and drooling. Other severe complications of rhododendron poisoning in cats are blindness and limb paralysis.

Castor beans
Castor beans are used to produce oil as a natural remedy for constipation, however, these beans can be highly dangerous for pets. The toxin at play here is ricin, present in high amounts in castor beans. This plant can be deadlier than cobra venom to cats. Even a small amount of the toxin can be fatal or can induce symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, weakness, and tremors. More serious consequences of castor bean poisoning are kidney failure, seizures, and coma.

Chrysanthemum
This plant is easy to grow, requires minimum maintenance, and comes with beautiful, bright-colored flowers. However, chrysanthemum is off-limits to cats as it contains toxins like lactones, pyrethrins, and sesquiterpene and can cause severe gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested. Initial symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, itching, loss of appetite, skin lesions, or swelling.

Cyclamen
Cats are drawn to the bright butterfly-shaped flowers of cyclamen (or sowbread plant). It contains toxins known as terpenoid saponins, which get absorbed into the cat’s bloodstream when ingested. Cyclamen poisoning can be fatal and cause irregular heartbeat and seizures. Other complications include gastritis, pain, paralysis, terminal convulsions, and respiratory failure. Initial symptoms include drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, and roughening of the cat’s coat.

Paperwhite
Paperwhite, along with other plants of the Narcissus genus such as daffodil and jonquil, contains toxic components like galantamine, calcium oxalate crystals, and narciclasine along with a primary toxin lycorine. Paperwhite plants are poisonous to most animals, and cats may be attracted to the bright flowers or bulbs that are the most toxic part of the plant. Ingestion of this plat can lead to convulsions, increased heart rate, breathing and respiratory problems, and kidney damage in cats. Common initial symptoms include drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach aches.

Not just poisonous plants, pets are susceptible to a variety of infections, diseases, and infestations which can lead to serious health complications. Here are a few popular treatment options that can keep them safe:

Bravecto for cats
This topical solution for cats can provide 2-month protection from fleas, ticks, and also heartworm, which is an infection carried by mosquitoes. Bravecto Plus can also treat other infections such as intestinal roundworm and hookworm. A single dose every two months can protect your cat from a host of deadly infections caused by parasites.

Simparica
This  is a fast-acting chewable treatment option for dogs and is effective in treating flea and tick infestation in dogs over six months. Simparica is approved for use in dogs, and a veterinarian doctor should be consulted before using this for cats.

Advantix
This is a flea and tick treatment suitable for dogs. Advantix or K9 Advantix II can also repel mosquitos, protecting dogs from infections like heartworm. Cats can be sensitive to the product’s active ingredients, so a vet should be consulted before opting for this product. In fact, pet parents that have both cats and dogs in the house should consult a vet before using it for their dogs. The same company offers another product called Advantage, which is considered to be safe for cats.

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4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don't have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother's body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies. However, avoid bananas if you have allergies, a bout of cough and cold, or diabetes. Mothers can eat bananas after any meal or even add them to smoothies or pancakes as part of a meal. Fatty fish Fatty fish are naturally rich in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Fish like salmon and sardines are one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for mothers and their infants. A deficiency of vitamin D in infants, though uncommon now, can lead to weak and deformed bones. These fish also contain DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid essential for an infant's brain and heart development. DHA can be naturally found in breast milk if a mother eats fatty fish, eggs, or red meat. Omega-3 acids can also help in preventing postpartum depression. Mothers can choose from freshly caught fish, buy from verified farms, or use canned salmon. However, ensure that you have salmon or sardines twice a week to get its benefits and increase the production of breastmilk production. Homemade stock Soups and broths are wholesome and satisfying meals for nursing mothers. The most significant advantage of broths or soups is you can make large quantities and freeze them. The first three months can be hectic for new moms, which is why broths are perfect. They are nutritious, time savers, and can instantly replenish nutrients and strength. Mothers can use the bones and cartilage of chicken or lamb for meat broths. However, slow-cook them as the soup will have time to absorb all the nutrients and minerals from the meat and bones.  On the other hand, vegetarian mothers can make soups and broths of various vegetables and lentils. Bell pepper, carrots, celery stalks, french beans, lentils, mung, cottage cheese, and peas are ideal ingredients for vegetarian soups. Broths and soups can also help deal with postpartum depression and help regain bone density. It can also help reduce joint pain and strengthen joints right after childbirth. Leafy green vegetables It is widely known that green leafy vegetables contain multiple nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, and K, fiber, minerals, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach has a high concentration of phytoestrogens and iron. When a nursing mom increases the intake of spinach, it raises the estrogen level and helps stimulate milk production. Phytoestrogens also help in regulating and reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They are low on calories; hence, you do not have to worry about gaining weight. One serving of green leafy vegetables daily is the recommended quantity for nursing moms.  Mothers can also eat broccoli and Swiss Chard, which are high in calcium and iron. The daily calcium requirement for nursing moms is about 1,300 milligrams a day. Kale or collard greens also can supply about 20% of the daily calcium requirement. Moms can also have milk and yogurt to ensure they receive the necessary supply of calcium. They can add greens to salads, smoothies, soups, or casseroles. Cigna breast pump Cigna is a global health service company that offers health, pharmacy, dental and supplemental insurance, and Medicare plans. You can get 100% of Cigna's insurance for hospital-grade and standard electric breast pumps with a prescription from your physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner. Cigna also covers the cost of renting a heavy-duty hospital-grade breast pump if a standard breast pump fails. Elvie Free Elvie, one of the brands covered by Cigna with a doctor's prescription, has introduced a revolutionary, silent wearable breast pump that women can discretely fit in their clothes. It is a wireless breast pump that can be operated through a smartphone. This easy-to-use pump can be used confidently and without any hassle. Since it is silent, it can be used anywhere without any disturbance or the need for privacy. Moreover, there are no tubes or pipes. It consists of five easy-to-assemble and clean components that make pumping clean and safe. If you're a new mother who wants to try out breast pumps, give this a try after consulting a doctor. 

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6 toxic plants to keep away from dogs

It has become the norm to keep ornamental at home, especially since they beautify the space tremendously. But, if you are a pet parent, you must exercise caution in picking the potted plants you want. While some plants can cause vomiting or dysentery, a few can cause respiratory, digestive, neurological, or cardiac problems, leading to death. If you have become a pet parent recently, here are six plants toxic to dogs to note: 6 plants that dog parents must take note of Sago palm Sago palm is a very popular ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor spaces. It is known by many names like coontie palms or cardboard palms and is part of the Cycads group of plants. It contains multiple toxins, including cycasin and BMAA. Every part of the sago palm is toxic for your dogs, and the seeds can be the most dangerous. If a dog ingests even a small amount of any part of a sago palm plant, it can affect its nervous system, liver, or gastrointestinal system. You may see symptoms within 15 minutes or many hours. The most common reaction is gastrointestinal irritation, with initial symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to serious complications like neurological problems, resulting in weakness, seizures, and tremors. If your dog has accidentally ingested any part of this plant, it is imperative to visit the vet immediately and begin an aggressive treatment and decontamination process. Castor bean plant The castor bean plant is a pretty-looking wild plant; the oil from its seeds is used as a remedy for constipation. Some also use it as an outdoor decor plant. However, if you are a dog parent, you should avoid having it in your home, as the castor bean is quite toxic to dogs. Dogs tend to get attracted to the pods and relish the bean, which contains ricin, a lethal toxin. You may see vomiting, nausea and diarrhea symptoms within 12 to 48 hours of ingestion. Depending on the number of beans they eat, dogs may also have seizures, go into a coma, or face fatality. Vets provide supportive care by administering intravenous fluids and antibiotics to improve the symptoms as there is no antidote for ricin yet. Cyclamen Cyclamen contains saponins; a toxin concentrated in its roots and tubers. If your pup or dog has eaten lots of these parts of the plant, it can lead to severe cardiac problems. Excess saponin can cause abnormal heart rate and rhythm, seizures, and death. If your pet dog has only ingested a little bit, you may notice symptoms like diarrhea, drooling, and vomiting. Take them to a vet at once if you notice any of these symptoms and if you are unsure how much Cyclamen they may have eaten, mention that. Dumbcane Dumbcane is a hardy plant whose bright foliage cheers up indoor and outdoor spaces. The leaves contain oxalic acid, needle-shaped oxalate crystals, and asparagine protein. The toxin is more commonly found in the leaves and stems. If your dog has ingested dumbcane, you may notice continuing pawing at the face due to inflammation, restlessness, drooling, loss of appetite and respiratory issues. The toxin can be life-threatening, and if untreated on time, it can lead to death. Dumbcane is toxic to humans and most pets; hence, avoid them or place them in areas where children or pets cannot reach them. Water hemlock Water hemlock is one of the most toxic plants in the country and can harm all pets and livestock. It is most commonly found in damp and marshy lands, irrigation channels, and riverbanks. If you live in these areas, ensure that you do not allow your dog to be free near the marshes. Water hemlock contains the toxin cicutoxin, with the roots having the highest concentration of it. The toxins impact the brain and central nervous system. If your dog has ingested it, you will see symptoms like drooling, weakness, nervousness, dilated pupils, breathing difficulties, and cardiac changes. It may also lead to respiratory paralysis, causing death. Oleander Oleander is a popular, elegant plant with beautiful flowers. However, it is undoubtedly harmful to your pets. Every part of oleander is dangerous, as it contains a toxic compound called cardiac glycosides, with the roots and seeds having the highest percentage of it. If your dog eats the leaves or the flowers, it can slow down their heart rate and potentially lead to death. Some dogs can also have GI tract problems and hypothermia. Several times, dogs can also be victims of flea and tick attacks. This makes them prone to itchiness, inflamed skin, rashes, and irritability. Given below are some top prescription options that help manage and further prevent flea, tick, and heartworm infestation in dogs. BRAVECTO® BRAVECTO® is one of the leading options to treat tick and flea infestation, and it is effective for 12 weeks. It can be used for topical application or as an orally-ingested option. Simparica TRIO Simparica TRIO is a chewable tablet that contains three ingredients proven to offer total protection against ticks and flea infestation, heartworm diseases, roundworms, and hookworms. It is also effective in killing deer ticks that may cause Lyme disease. Advantix® Advantix® is a topical option for dogs that repels and kills multiple parasites like ticks, fleas and their eggs, mosquitos, flies, and lice. You can apply it monthly to protect your dog and puppies (7 months and older) from diseases like heartworms. For added protection for their dogs, especially in the case of accidents and illnesses, owners must also consider investing in pet insurance. These policies provide coverage for various veterinary costs, allowing for reimbursement and access to the best possible healthcare. 

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