According to studies, several plants can cause toxicity in pets, including cats, dogs, and horses. While some flowers are fatal, others might show mild symptoms of gastrointestinal upsets. In any case, flower toxicity is uncomfortable and painful for pets and should be avoided at all costs. This leads us to a major question: are peonies toxic to cats? If so, how can peony toxicity be treated, and what are the symptoms?
Just as we explained lilac poisoning in cats, this blog explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment of peony poisoning in felines. We will discuss how and why peonies are toxic to cats and what to do if your curious cat ingests a part of the plant.
Are Peonies Poisonous To Cats?
If you have ever asked, “Are peony flowers toxic to cats?” the answer, unfortunately, is yes. While everybody loves to have sweet-smelling and breathtaking spring flowers at home, there are other suitable options for pet owners. This is because the peony plant contains the chemical paenol. Although healing for humans, paenol can cause toxicity in cats as their system is not suited to break the compound. This makes peonies toxic to felines as it causes gastrointestinal upsets and health issues.
Many pet owners wonder are peony tulips toxic to cats or if the entire plant causes problems. As a matter of fact, paenol is found in all peony plants, including their flowers, leaves, and roots. However, the chemical is found in higher concentrations in the peony stem, making it more dangerous for feline well-being.
How Poisonous Are Peonies?
According to cat veterinarian Dr. Bruce, “This plant isn’t one that is way up on the toxic list. As long as a large amount wasn’t consumed, then they should be ok.” Based on anecdotal evidence and scientific research, we know that peonies can only cause mild toxicity in felines. Ingesting these garden favorites can lead to vomiting and discomfort, but the flower is not fatal. This means you do not need to be extremely worried unless your cat ingests a large amount of the flower or any of its parts. Precaution, however, is crucial no matter the amount ingested.
Exploring Symptoms: Are Peonies Toxic To Cats?
To understand the peony toxicity symptoms, we again turn to Dr. Bruce: “Peonies do fall into a toxic plant category for dogs and cats. The primary effects are vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. How much has to be ingested to cause these signs varies.”
Vomiting
Ingesting peonies can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats. The urge to remove the undigestible substance from the stomach leads to vomiting in cats. Comparing the color of your cat’s vomit to the signs mentioned on the cat vomit color chart can help you understand if the upset stomach is caused by ponies or other underlying diseases.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common symptom of gastrointestinal issues, and it can be confusing at times, as diarrhea can be a sign of several feline health issues. However, diarrhea after ingesting part of the peony plants is a symptom of plant toxicity in cats. While peonies and cats are two of the most adorable things, they hardly go along well.
Depression
Have you noticed your cat losing its energy and becoming less playful? Peony poisoning can also cause loss of appetite and a general sense of lethargy. If your cat looks weak and has less energy, it is probably a sign of peony posisoning.
What To Do If Your Cat Eats Poeny?
Are peonies toxic to cats? Yes, but they are not highly poisonous and are not fatal in any way. You need to keep an eye on your furry friend in case it ingests any part of the peony. If the symptoms worsen, you might need to visit a vet; otherwise, avoiding food and water for a day would help your kitten’s stomach settle.
According to cat experts, “Treatment is decontamination and symptomatic. It is very, very, very hard to get a cat to vomit to decontaminate them. So, due to this ingestion, most cases are monitored by owners at home for physical signs of a problem. If they start to vomit, they should be seen by your vet to get medications to help settle their stomach. If they didn’t eat that much, there is a good chance they won’t have any issue.”
Which Flowers Are Toxic To Cats?
According to the ASPCA, there are a number of flowers that can cause toxicity in felines. Some of the most commonly asked-about flowers are lilacs, sunflowers, roses, jasmine, and Chrysanthemums. While some of these plants, such as lilacs and chrysanthemums, are poisonous to cats and cause mild to severe health issues, others, including roses, are highly pet-friendly.
Moreover, an essential factor to consider before adding flowers to your home is your cat’s allergies. Some pet-friendly plants can also cause adverse reactions if your cat is allergic to a particular ingredient. This is a major reason why understanding cat genetics and cat breed information is vital for all pet owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, peonies can cause toxicity in cats and can often cause mild symptoms of poisoning. If ingested, peonies can cause mild to moderate poisoning. Some common signs to watch for would be gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
For pet lovers who are also flower enthusiasts, there are a number of safe options, including orchids, baby’s breath, pansies, azaleas, African violets, bird of paradise, bottlebrushes, and mistletoe.