Is False Queen Anne’s Lace Toxic to Cats?

Cats are curious creatures and they like to explore their surroundings. As a cat owner, it’s important to be aware of the plants in and around your home, especially if your feline friend likes to nibble on them. One plant that raises concerns for pet owners is the False Queen Anne’s Lace. This plant is often found in gardens and can be mistaken for the harmless Queen Anne’s Lace wildflowers. However, pet owners should be aware that False Queen Anne’s Lace can be toxic to cats.

What is False Queen Anne’s Lace?

False Queen Anne’s Lace, also known as Bishop’s Weed or Goutweed, is a flowering plant that is commonly grown as a groundcover in gardens. It is native to Asia and Europe but has now been introduced to many parts of the world, including North America. False Queen Anne’s Lace can grow up to 18 inches tall and has white, umbel-shaped flowers and green, fern-like leaves.

Is False Queen Anne’s Lace Toxic to Cats?

False Queen Anne’s Lace contains a chemical called beta-sitosterol, which can cause digestive upset in cats if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. In severe cases, it can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. If you suspect that your cat has ingested False Queen Anne’s Lace, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

How to Identify False Queen Anne’s Lace?

False Queen Anne’s Lace looks similar to the Queen Anne’s Lace wildflowers, which are a common sight on roadsides and fields. The easiest way to tell the difference is by looking at the leaves. False Queen Anne’s Lace has larger, darker green leaves that are more deeply divided than the Queen Anne’s Lace which has more delicate, fern-like leaves. Additionally, the flowers of False Queen Anne’s Lace are more tightly bunched than those of Queen Anne’s Lace.

What to Do if Your Cat Ingests False Queen Anne’s Lace?

If you see your cat eating False Queen Anne’s Lace, the first thing you should do is remove any remaining pieces of the plant from their mouth. Then, you should call your veterinarian to determine the best course of action. Your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal to help absorb any toxins in your cat’s stomach. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to ensure that your cat is properly hydrated and to manage any other symptoms.

Preventing Your Cat from Ingesting False Queen Anne’s Lace

The best way to prevent your cat from ingesting False Queen Anne’s Lace is to keep it out of your garden. If you do have False Queen Anne’s Lace growing in your garden, it is important to keep a close eye on your cat when they are outside to ensure that they don’t try to eat it. You may also want to consider planting cat-friendly plants in your garden, such as catnip or cat grass, to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for your furry friend.

Cat-Safe Plants to Grow in Your Garden

There are many cat-safe plants that you can grow in your garden to provide a safe environment for your cat. Some examples include:

• Catnip - a favorite of many cats
• Valerian - can have a calming effect on cats
• Cat grass - safe for cats to nibble on
• Lemongrass - can repel fleas and ticks while also providing a pleasant scent
• Calendula - has anti-inflammatory properties and can be soothing to cats

Conclusion

False Queen Anne’s Lace can be toxic to cats and can cause digestive upset if ingested. It is important for cat owners to be aware of the plants in and around their home, especially if their cat likes to nibble on them. If you suspect that your cat has ingested False Queen Anne’s Lace, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. The best way to prevent poisoning is to keep False Queen Anne’s Lace out of your garden and to provide safe, cat-friendly plants for your furry friend to enjoy.