Is Hardy Gloxinia Toxic to Cats?

Introduction

The hardy gloxinia, also known as Incarvillea delavayi, is a flowering herb that belongs to the Bignoniaceae family. It is an ornamental plant that is native to China and Burma, but it is now grown in different parts of the world due to its beautiful blooms and low maintenance. However, before you decide to plant the hardy gloxinia, you should consider its toxicity to cats.

Understanding the Toxicity of Hardy Gloxinia to Cats

Many pet owners often assume that just because a plant looks beautiful, it is safe for their pets. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and this is the case with hardy gloxinia. The plant, which contains a toxic substance called incarvilleatone, is toxic to both cats and dogs. This substance, which is mainly found in the plant's roots, stems, and leaves, has been found to cause a range of symptoms in cats. When a cat ingests any part of the hardy gloxinia plant, the incarvilleatone can cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount of the plant ingested, but in severe cases, the cat may experience tremors, seizures, and even respiratory failure.

What to Do if Your Cat Ingests Hardy Gloxinia

If you suspect that your cat has ingested any part of the hardy gloxinia plant, it is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. The sooner you seek help, the better the chances of saving your cat's life. The vet will assess the severity of your cat's symptoms and provide the necessary treatment, which may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to absorb the toxins, or hospitalization and supportive care to manage the symptoms.

Preventing Your Cat from Ingesting Hardy Gloxinia

As a responsible pet owner, it is essential to take preventative measures to ensure that your cat does not ingest any toxic substances. If you already have hardy gloxinia in your home or garden, you should consider removing it or keeping it out of reach of your cat. Remember, even a small amount of the plant can be toxic to your cat. You can also consider placing the plant in a higher location, such as a hanging basket or shelf, where your cat cannot reach it. Always supervise your cat when it is outside to ensure it does not come into contact with any toxic plants. If you notice any unusual behavior, such as chewing on plants, contact your vet immediately.

Conclusion

While the hardy gloxinia may seem like a harmless plant, it is essential to understand its toxicity to cats. As pet owners, we have a responsibility to protect our pets, and this includes being mindful of the plants we keep in our homes and gardens. If you suspect that your cat has ingested any toxic substance, seek help from your vet immediately.

Sources

- ASPCA. (n.d.). Incarvillea delavayi. ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/incarvillea-delavayi - Merk Veterinary Manual. (2021, May). In Pets, Floral and Food Safety. Merk Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/floral-and-food-safety/indoor-and-outdoor-plants - Pawculture. (n.d.). Hardy Gloxinia. Pawculture. https://www.pawculture.com/breed-basics/plants/hardy-gloxinia/ - Plantwise Knowledge Bank. (n.d.). Incarvillea delavayi. Plantwise Knowledge Bank. https://www.plantwise.org/knowledgebank/datasheet/ecosystem-inacvdLY0015