What part of amaryllis is poisonous to cats

12/20/2010

Author: Dr. Patrick Mahaney

With Halloween and Thanksgiving behind us, the fall-winter holiday season forges forward with the festivities of Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.  As we decorate our dwellings for these celebrations, keep in mind that festive plants can be potentially toxic when eaten by your pets.  As friends and family share the holiday cheer by gifting (or re-gifting) you a seasonal plant, be aware of the toxic effects a particular plant may have on your pet if inappropriately consumed.

Here is my list of common winter holiday plants and the clinical signs our canine and feline companions can exhibit post-ingestion.

The Amaryllis contains Lycorine and other noxious substances, which can cause increased salivation, gastrointestinal abnormalities (vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain), lethargy, and tremors in both cats and dogs. The bulb of the plant is reputed to be more toxic than the flowers and stalk. The Amaryllis also goes by other names, including the Belladonna or Saint Joseph Lily, the Cape Belladonna, and the Naked Lady.

There are a variety of pine trees potentially causing toxicity, including the Australian, Norfolk, and Norfolk Island Pine.  Unlike the other plants in this list, the toxic mechanism is unknown. Ingestion of pine needles can cause gastrointestinal signs and lethargy. Even more potentially toxic is the water which nourishes our trees. The standing water can harbor bacteria, molds, or other agents (fertilizers) that can cause your pet to become extremely sick with only a few sips.

Ultimately, the best method of preventing inappropriate ingestion of a toxic plant by your pet is not allow these plants to be brought into your home, despite the altruistic intentions of your guests. Alternatively, you can obstruct your pet’s access (especially in your absence) and train your pet to avoid the plant using positive reinforcement.

If your pet is showing signs of illness in the presence of a potentially toxic plant, consider the likelihood that your pet could be sick from inappropriate ingestion of the plant. With any such suspicions, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center to determine the best treatment.  As there are numerous plants that may harbor toxic effects, please visit APSCA APC for more information on and pictures of these potentially hazardous plants.

Keep in mind that more than one toxic substance can be involved, therefore seeking an Animal Poison Control Center consultation and pursuing treatment with a veterinarian are vitally important.

Copyright of this article (2010) is owned by Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr. Patrick Mahaney.  Opinions in this article are not necessarily those of the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

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Kitties are curious by nature and may find your pretty amaryllis plants especially interesting. Unfortunately, felines tend to explore things they are curious about, like plants, by tasting them. Amaryllis plants are toxic to kitties and should be kept out of your home and garden to protect your furry friend.

Amaryllis plants are a type of lily, sometimes referred to as a Belladonna lily or Saint Joseph lily. The plant, whose scientific botanical name is Amaryllis sp. contains lycorine, a substance that is toxic to cats if ingested, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The plant produces trumpet-shaped flowers that usually appear red or scarlet, but can come in a variety of colors, including white and pink, according to University of Minnesota Extension Program. The amaryllis is found commonly in floral arrangements, especially during the holidays, so ask your florist which flowers she has included in your decorative bouquets. Note that other common names for the amaryllis include the cape belladonna and naked lady.

Your kitty can become poisoned by nibbling on the flowers, stems or leaves of an amaryllis plant. The extent of the poisoning and severity of his symptoms depends on how much of the plant he has ingested. All parts of this type of plant, especially the bulb, contain the toxic ingredient lycorine, a type of phenanthridine alkaloid that causes gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms of amaryllis poisoning include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and a loss of appetite, according to Infovets.com. Bring your kitty to the vet immediately if you believe that he has been chewing on any amaryllis plants.

Possible poisoning by an amaryllis plant is a serious medical emergency which requires treatment by your vet. If your vet isn't available, you'll need to go to an emergency veterinary clinic or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Bring cuttings of the plant you believe your kitty has been munching on to the vet so that she can identify it properly. While there isn't a cure for amaryllis poisoning, your vet may induce vomiting to rid your little one of the toxins in his system. She also may provide intravenous fluids to keep him hydrated and some activated charcoal to absorb the toxins from his system, according to PetMD. The care she'll give will depend on your particular kitty and the amount of the plant he has eaten.

All types of lilies, including all species of the amaryllis plant, are very toxic to kitties and should be kept away from them. Keep any floral arrangements you receive as gifts in rooms that are off-limits to your furry friend; you don't know exactly which flowers were included in them. If your furry companion has access to your outdoor garden, keep amaryllis plants out of there as well. Remember that your kitty is able to jump to high places so even plants placed on windowsills or counter tops aren't out of reach for your furry companion. If your kitty likes plants, provide him with some healthy barley grass to nibble on. Consult with your vet if you aren't sure if a plant is toxic or not before displaying it in your home or in your garden.