Is Gold Bloom Toxic to Cats?

If you are a cat owner, it is essential to know what items, both food, and non-food, could be toxic to your furry friend. One such item you may be wary of is the gold bloom plant, and you may be wondering whether it is toxic to your cat. Well, you are in the right place. In this article, we will delve into whether gold bloom is toxic to cats and the effects it could have on your feline friend.

What is Gold Bloom?

Gold bloom, commonly known as the yellow elder or Tecoma stans, is a tropical shrub plant with bright yellow trumpet-like flowers that bloom in spring and summer. The plant is native to South and Central America, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Australia, Asia, and Africa. The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful flowers, and its toxic effects are often unknown to many people.

Is Gold Bloom Toxic to Cats?

The answer is yes. Gold bloom is toxic to cats. The plant contains two toxic substances: oleander glycosides and thevetin. These two substances are dangerous when ingested, and they could have fatal effects on your feline friend.

Oleander glycosides are the same toxins found in the oleander plant, and as little as 0.006% of these toxins can cause toxicity in cats. Consumption of oleander leaves, flowers, or stems could cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, tremors, and changes in heart rate. In severe cases, oleander toxicity could lead to death.

On the other hand, thevetin is a cardiac glycoside that interferes with the function of the heart. The toxin is found in the fruits and leaves of the yellow elder plant and could cause similar symptoms to those caused by oleander glycosides.

It is, therefore, crucial that you keep your cat away from gold bloom plants, especially if you grow them in your garden or have them in decorative pots in your house.

What are the Symptoms of Gold Bloom Toxicity in Cats?

If your cat ingests any part of the gold bloom plant, whether intentionally or accidentally, there are various symptoms that you should be on the lookout for. These symptoms could range from mild, moderate, to severe, and could include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Abdominal pain
• Increased heart rate
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Tremors
• Weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Coma
• Death

The signs could start to show immediately after ingestion of the plant or could take several hours to manifest. The severity of the symptoms could also vary depending on the amount of gold bloom plant ingested and the time elapsed before proper treatment is administered.

What Should You Do if Your Cat Ingests Gold Bloom?

If you suspect that your cat has ingested gold bloom, you should take immediate action to reduce the severity of the symptoms and prevent any fatalities. Here are some steps you should take:

1. Call your vet: The first thing you should do is to call your vet and inform them of the situation. They will advise you on what to do next. If the symptoms are severe, they may ask you to bring your cat in for emergency treatment.
2. Induce vomiting: If the ingestion occurred a few minutes ago, your vet may advise you to induce vomiting to eliminate the plant material from your cat's system. However, you should only induce vomiting if your vet advises it, and you should never induce vomiting if your cat is unconscious or having difficulty breathing.
3. Provide supportive care: You can provide supportive care to your cat at home while you wait to take them to the vet. This can include giving them milk, which can help to dilute the toxins, and activated charcoal, which can absorb the toxins and prevent them from being absorbed into your cat's system.
4. Administer medication: Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your vet may prescribe medication such as antiemetics to control vomiting, antidiarrheals to control diarrhea or medication to regulate your cat's heart rate.
5. Monitor your cat: After treatment, you should monitor your cat for any recurring symptoms and ensure they stay hydrated.

Conclusion

Gold bloom is a beautiful plant that could brighten any garden or house, but it is toxic to cats. The oleander glycosides and thevetin found in the plant could have fatal effects on your cat if ingested, and it is, therefore, essential to keep your feline friend away from the plant. If your cat ingests any part of the gold bloom plant, you should take immediate action to reduce the severity of the symptoms and prevent any fatalities. Your vet is always the best person to advise you on what to do in such situations.

Being aware of the items that could be harmful to your cat and keeping them away from your feline friend is the best way to ensure they remain healthy and happy. Always remember a little prevention goes a long way.