Pet Emergency: What to Do if Your Cat Eats Your Plants?

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There’s nothing like bringing the outdoors in — whether it’s a brood of pothos hanging in your windows or a splash of colour with freshly cut tulips. Unfortunately, your choice of greenery isn’t always good for your cat. In fact, some plants are highly toxic! 

Despite how dangerous they might be to your feline friend, some cats love to nibble on their leaves. If Mr. Whiskers has sampled your plants, your quick thinking can save their life. 

What Should You Do if You Know Your Cat Has Eaten a Plant?

If you catch your cat devouring your houseplants — or notice some bite marks in your plants — call your vet right away. This professional will know your cat’s snack warrants an emergency response.

What happens if it’s after-hours? You can’t wait ‘til tomorrow because some toxins work rapidly. Instead, call your local emergency veterinary clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. If possible, have the following information handy:

• The name of each plant
• How much your cat ate
• When they ate it

How to Handle an Unexpected Veterinarian Bill

Depending on the plant Mr. Whiskers has ingested, you might have to rush them to the emergency clinic. This late-night visit can be tough on your budget if you don’t have a lot of cash to spare.

An emergency vet fund helps ease this pressure. Each month, aim to put away $10 or $20 towards an emergency until you have enough saved up to cover a surprise trip to the clinic. 

Of course, this advice may come too late for today’s emergency. What happens if you don’t save enough before Mr. Whiskers chows down? You can research emergency cash advance loans online.

Cash advance loans are convenient online options that make applying simple, even in the waiting room. You can apply for an online cash advance on your phone in a matter of minutes, learning whether you qualify shortly after.

If you’re approved, you may receive your cash advance as a fast loans direct deposit in your checking account, so you can pay your vet for Mr. Whisker’s care without delay.

What Plants Are Toxic to Cats?

Here’s a short list of popular houseplants you shouldn’t keep as a cat-owner. 

• Ferns (excepting the Boston Fern variety)
• Pothos
• Tulips
• Lilies
• Azaleas 
• Marijuana
• English Ivy
• Peace Lily

Just because you don’t see your plants here doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. It’s a good idea to look up all the plants you have in your home to make sure they aren’t dangerous for your pet.  

What Are the Symptoms to Watch For?

How badly a plant may harm your cat depends on its toxicity levels. Some plants are minor irritants that can cause watery eyes or swelling around the mouth. Others attack their gastrointestinal tract or respiratory system.

Here are some common symptoms:

• Sluggishness 
• Stomach upset, including vomiting or diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Excessive drinking
• Drooling or difficulty swallowing
• Issues breathing
• Not using their litter box

The Best Medicine is Prevention

You won’t always catch your pet in the act, so you might have to rush your cat to the vet after symptoms have started. 

If you suspect your cat has ingested something they shouldn’t, call your vet right away. And remember, a cash advance can help in an emergency.

However, it’s simply safer for your pets to keep the wrong houseplants out of your home. Follow this list from the ASPCA for guidance to keep you cat safe.