Is Morning Glory Toxic to Cats?

Cats are curious creatures and are often known to nibble on plants. While plants can add beauty to a home, they can also pose a risk to our feline friends. One plant that often adorns gardens, porches, and balconies is the morning glory. However, before you let your cat roam near these pretty flowers, it is important to ask the question: is morning glory toxic to cats?

What is Morning Glory?

Morning glory (Ipomoea spp.) is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Convolvulaceae. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world and are known for their beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning. Morning glory plants can be found in different colors, including blue, pink, white, and purple, and can grow up to 9 feet tall. Due to their beauty, morning glories are often used in landscaping, especially in hanging baskets, trellises, and arbors.

What substances are in Morning Glory plants?

The morning glory plant contains various substances that can be toxic to animals, including cats. Some of these substances include:

• Turbopines: These are alkaloid compounds that are mainly found in the seeds of the morning glory plant. Turbopines are known to cause hallucinations and other psychoactive effects when ingested in large quantities.
• Glycosides: Morning glory plants contain glycosides, which are natural sugar compounds that can be toxic to animals. These compounds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms when ingested by cats.
• Phytotoxins: Morning glory plants contain phytotoxins that can cause skin irritation, blistering, and other allergic reactions in both cats and humans.

Can Morning Glory be toxic to cats?

Yes, morning glory can be toxic to cats. According to the ASPCA, morning glory plants are considered toxic to cats and can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors and seizures
• Agitation and disorientation
• Hallucinations and other behavioral changes

The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount of the plant ingested and the health status of the cat. In severe cases, morning glory poisoning can be life-threatening and require immediate veterinary attention.

What should you do if your cat ingests morning glory?

If you suspect that your cat has ingested morning glory, it is essential to seek veterinary care immediately. Time is of the essence, and delaying treatment can lead to serious complications or even death.

When you bring your cat to the vet, be sure to bring a sample of the plant or any other information that may be relevant to the diagnosis and treatment. The vet may perform a physical exam, blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures to assess the cat's condition and come up with an appropriate treatment plan.

Preventing morning glory poisoning in cats

Preventing morning glory poisoning in cats starts with removing these plants from your home and yard. If you are a gardener, consider using other plants that are not toxic to cats, such as catnip, basil, or thyme.

If you do decide to keep morning glory plants, ensure they are out of your cat's reach. It is also advisable to supervise your cat when they are outdoors, especially if you have morning glory plants or other plants that are toxic to cats in your garden.

Conclusion

Morning glory can be a beautiful addition to a garden, but they can pose a danger to our feline friends. The plant contains substances that can be toxic to cats, causing a range of symptoms from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures and even death. To keep your cat safe, it is important to remove morning glory plants from your home and yard. If you suspect your cat has ingested morning glory, seek veterinary attention immediately.