TL;DR: If your cat eats an unknown plant, monitor for signs of distress and take a photo of the plant immediately to help your veterinarian identify potential toxins and determine the best course of treatment.
What happens if my cat eats an unknown household plant?
Finding your cat nibbling on a plant you cannot identify is a common but concerning situation for pet owners. Many common indoor plants contain botanical compounds that can cause range of reactions, from mild mouth irritation to severe systemic toxicity. Because cats are obligate carnivores, their digestive systems are not always equipped to process the diverse chemicals found in common household greenery.
Is it an emergency if my cat eats a plant I can't identify?
- The current urgency level for unidentified plant ingestion is Medium, as some species like lilies can be fatal.
- Monitor your cat closely for symptoms such as vomiting, excessive drooling, diarrhea, or lethargy.
- Seek immediate emergency veterinary care if your cat is breathing heavily or becomes unresponsive.
- Act with an abundance of caution until the plant species is officially identified.
How does a photo of the plant help my veterinarian with triage?
- Take a clear, well-lit photo of the plant's leaves, stems, flowers, or berries to aid in accurate identification.
- Provide the image to a veterinarian or poison control specialist to quickly determine if the plant is toxic.
- Speed up the triage process to decide if life-saving interventions, such as induced vomiting or fluid therapy, are required.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
When a cat ingests an unknown houseplant, clinical signs can vary depending on the plant species. Common signs include immediate intense pain and inflammation of the mouth and throat, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, dyspnea, dermal and oral mucosal irritation and edema, and in severe cases, convulsions and paralysis. Some plants contain calcium oxalate crystals which cause oral mucosal irritation and edema. Others contain GI irritants such as plumericin or triterpenoid saponins which increase systemic absorption and toxicity. Anthraquinone glycosides can cause abrupt, severe diarrhea and/or hypoglycemia, with vomiting in some cases. Treatment involves aggressive supportive and symptomatic therapy with extended monitoring, including gastric lavage and supportive care for local irritation to mucous membranes.
Chapter: Toxicology, Gastroenterology, Emergency
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 3109)