Is Poison Sumac Toxic to Cats?

Cats are curious creatures, often exploring the outdoors and encountering various plants and foliage. The safety of these plants is always a concern for pet owners, especially with the awareness of the poisonous plants such as poison ivy or poison oak. Another plant that owners may worry about is poison sumac, which is a member of the cashew family that grows in swampy or wet areas. But is poison sumac toxic to cats?

Identifying Poison Sumac

Poison sumac is a rare plant, unlike its cousins poison ivy and poison oak, which are more commonly found in wooded and shaded areas. Poison sumac trees can grow up to 30 feet tall and have smooth grayish-white bark that peels away in strips. It has clusters of seven to thirteen smooth-edged leaflets that are pointed at both ends and often have a reddish tint. Its berries are green and mature into whitish-green fruits that hang in loose clusters and can be found between August and early November.

Toxic Components of Poison Sumac

The toxic component of poison sumac is a resin called urushiol, which is also present in poison ivy and poison oak. When a cat or any animal comes into contact with poison sumac, the urushiol resin will create an allergic reaction that causes a red, itchy rash that develops within 24-48 hours. If the cat eats poison sumac, the urushiol resin can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Ingesting poison sumac berries may also pose a risk to cats. The berries contain a compound called anacardic acid, which can cause contact dermatitis when it comes into contact with the skin. If ingested in large amounts, anacardic acid may cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and loss of appetite.

Symptoms of Poison Sumac Toxicity in Cats

If a cat has been exposed to poison sumac, symptoms may appear in as little as a few hours or up to several days later. The first signs of poison sumac toxicity in cats are dermatitis symptoms, including redness, swelling, and itching. If a cat ingests any part of the plant, they may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Dehydration

Seek immediate veterinary care if any of these symptoms are present.

Preventing Poison Sumac Toxicity in Cats

The best way to prevent poison sumac toxicity in cats is to avoid exposure altogether. Keep cats indoors as much as possible, especially during the summer months when poison sumac is most abundant. If cats must go outside, keep them on a leash and supervise them closely to ensure they do not come into contact with any poisonous plants. It may also be helpful to remove any poison sumac plants from your yard, and wear protective clothing if you are working in an area that may contain poison sumac. Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling poisonous plants, and avoid touching your cat until you have thoroughly washed your hands.

Treatment for Poison Sumac Toxicity in Cats

If you suspect your cat has come into contact with poison sumac, it is essential to seek veterinary care immediately. Treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms and may include medications to reduce itching and inflammation, as well as intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration in cats that have vomiting or diarrhea.

It is important to note that cats that have been exposed to poison sumac may be more sensitive to the resin in the future, as repeat exposure can cause more severe symptoms over time. Therefore, taking preventative measures to avoid exposure is the best way to protect your cat's health.

Conclusion

Poison sumac can cause a range of toxicities in cats, and it is essential to take preventative measures to keep your cat safe. If you suspect your cat has come into contact with poison sumac, seek veterinary care immediately. Taking simple precautions such as keeping cats indoors, removing poison sumac plants from your yard, and washing your hands after touching poisonous plants can help prevent future incidents and keep your cats healthy.

References:

• Plants Poisonous to Cats. (n.d.). The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. https://cfa.org/plants-poisonous-to-cats/
• Controlling Poison Sumac. (n.d.). The Spruce. Retrieved August 25, 2021, from https://www.thespruce.com/control-poison-sumac-3269710
• What You Need to Know About Poison Sumac. (2018, April 13). American Skin Association. https://www.americanskin.org/resource/poison-ivy-oak-sumac.php