Is Peacock Plant Toxic to Cats?

Introduction

Peacock plant, scientifically known as Calathea makoyana, is a popular houseplant known for its beautiful foliage. It is native to South America and is grown for its attractive leaves that have shades of green, purple, and silver. While this plant can provide aesthetic value to your indoor space, it can also pose a potential danger to your furry friends, particularly cats.

Toxicity of Peacock Plant to Cats

Peacock plant is considered toxic to cats because it contains compounds that can cause health issues when ingested. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mucous membranes in a cat's mouth, tongue, and throat. This can cause oral discomfort, increased salivation, and drooling.

Moreover, the plant contains saponins, which are toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset when ingested. When a cat eats peacock plant leaves, it can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. The severity of the symptoms depends on how much of the plant was ingested and the size of the cat.

Symptoms of Peacock Plant Poisoning in Cats

If you suspect that your cat has eaten peacock plant leaves, you should watch out for the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Inappetance
• Oral irritation
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy

If you notice these symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Delay in treatment can result in severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and even death.

Preventing Peacock Plant Poisoning in Cats

The best way to avoid peacock plant poisoning in cats is to keep these plants out of reach. Cats are curious creatures and like to explore their environment. They are attracted to plants and often chew them out of boredom or curiosity. Therefore, it's essential to place peacock plant in a location where your cat cannot access it.

If you have multiple cats, you should also ensure that no part of the plant is within their reach. When choosing a location for your peacock plant, avoid areas where your cat can jump or climb to reach it. It's also essential to ensure that fallen leaves are immediately cleaned to prevent accidental ingestion by your cat.

If you suspect that your cat has ingested peacock plant, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian may advise you to induce vomiting or bring your cat to the clinic for further examination and treatment.

Avoiding Hazardous Plants in General

Peacock plants are not the only plants that can pose a potential danger to your pets. Several plants are toxic to cats and can cause health problems when accidentally ingested. Some of the common indoor plants that are toxic to cats include:

• Lilies
• Philodendrons
• Pothos
• Aloe Vera
• English Ivy

To ensure that your cats are safe, you should avoid planting toxic indoor plants in your home. If you have these plants, keep them out of reach or opt for non-toxic alternatives.

Conclusion

Peacock plant is a beautiful indoor plant that can provide aesthetic value to your home. However, it is a potential danger to cats due to its toxic compounds. If ingested, peacock plant can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and diarrhoea in cats. To avoid peacock plant poisoning, you should keep these plants out of reach of your cat. Additionally, you should learn about other potentially hazardous indoor plants and avoid planting them in your home. If your cat shows any symptoms of plant poisoning, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.