It only takes a nibble or a lick

• Lilies are one of the most dangerous flowers to have around cats.  It take only a nibble or a lick to send a cat into acute kidney failure, which can be fatal.

• If you live with cats, never have lilies in the house.  When sending flowers to friends or family members with cats, specifically request no lilies.

Some plants give pets a lot of grief.  Some plants can even kill dogs and cats.  The plant that creates by far the greatest amount of misery for dogs is WANDERING JEW.    This is a lush green ground cover that grows in shady, moist areas.  If dogs lie ion it they get dermatitis on their belly, legs and under their mouth. This plant is a weed and should be carefully removed.  Many dogs get poisoned by the fruit on BRUNSFELSIAS (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow).  These small shrubs have blue/purple flowers that turn white over a few days.  Remove an Brunsfelsias if you have a dog - especially a puppy. STEPHANOTIS, the climbing plant with perfumed white flowers (much loved for bridal flowers), also produce fruits poisonous to dogs.  Other dog dangers are DAFFODIL BULBS, OLEANDERS and human foods like CHOCOLATE, ONIONS, AVOCADOES and GRAPES.

Toxic flowers and cats

There is nothing that adds colour like a bunch of fresh cut flowers around the house.  They add a lovely welcoming touch to any home.  Cat owners should be aware that those lovely flowers can potentially be toxic for cats, especially LILIES.
DAFFODILS, for example, can cause stomach upsets, vomiting or worse if your cat eats the foliage, flowers or pods.  Other plants you may not suspect, such as ALOE VERA, can be toxic for cats as well.
Listed below are some of the many plants that are potentially toxic for cats and should be avoided.  Be especially careful with ALL LILIES.  All parts (flowers, leaves and stems) are extremely toxic to cats and have caused tragic deaths.

Flowering Plants

• Amaryllis
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Autumn Crocus
• Iris 
• Bird of Paradise
• Kalanchoe
• Lily of the Valley
• Cyclamen
• Narcissus
• Daffodil
• Poinsettia
• Day Lily
• Rubrum Lily
• Easter Lily
• Oriental Lily
• Elephant Ear
• Asiatic Lily
• Tulip
• Gladiolus

Ferns

• Asparagus
• Plumosa
• Lace

Indoor Plants

• Aglaonema
• Dracaena

Perennials

• Aloe Vera
• Morning Glory
• Anthurium
• Sanseveria (Mother in Law's Tongue)
• Arum and Calla Lilies
• Nightshade
• Hellerborus
• Pussy's Ears

If your cat eats or comes in contact with any of these plants or any other dangerous items you should seek immediate veterinary assistance.  If possible, take part of the toxic plant with you for identification to assist with treatment.

Poisons information phone 131126