If you’re like me, you love your peonies AND your cats. So, of course you’re wondering are peonies poisonous to cats?
Maybe you have indoor cats and a nice bouquet of peonies. Or perhaps, like me, you have outdoor cats and a garden full of peonies. Either way, it’s good to know if the peonies are toxic to cats. We’ll dive in and answer everything you could need to know. Scroll down or jump to your favorite section.
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Are Peonies Poisonous to Cats?
Peonies are characterized by their lush blooms and captivating fragrance, making them a favorite among garden enthusiasts. However, their beauty belies a potential threat to the health of your cats.
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, peonies contain a toxin known as paeonol, primarily found in the bark. The consumption of this toxin in large amounts can induce gastrointestinal issues in cats, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the toxicity level of peonies to cats is generally mild and does not result in fatality.
Understanding the Toxic Components of Peonies
The genus Paeonia, better known as peonies, encompasses approximately forty species of perennial, herbaceous, or shrub plants. The leaves vary from tender green to dark green, sometimes with a silvery hue. The captivating flowers can range from fragrant, erect, solitary, to cup or bell-shaped.
The toxicity of peonies to cats, dogs, and even horses is due to a compound called paeonol found in the root barks of certain peony species, such as Paeonia suffruticosa. The exact way this toxin affects cats has yet to be determined, but it has been associated with physiological reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, and depression in some pets.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Peony Poisoning in Cats
While the ingestion of peony parts isn’t likely to cause severe discomfort in your cat, being aware of the related symptoms is useful for early detection and intervention. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Stomach and small intestine: Vomiting
- Colon or small intestine: Diarrhea
- Kidneys: Excessive drinking
- Respiratory tract: Difficulty breathing
- Mouth, throat, or esophagus: Difficulty swallowing
These symptoms could also appear if your cat has consumed any other type of toxic plant.
Immediate Actions if Your Cat Has Ingested a Peony
If you observe your cat consuming a plant and you’re unsure of its toxicity, consider the following steps before consulting your vet:
- Do not induce vomiting. Only your veterinarian can make that decision, and if necessary, they will administer an appropriate substance like activated charcoal.
- Remove any plant matter from your cat’s hair, skin, and mouth.
- Confine your cat to a safe environment for easy supervision.
- Contact the Pet Poison helpline at 1-855-764-7661 or Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435.
Moreover, identifying the plant is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment. If you’re uncertain about the name of the toxic plant your cat has been exposed to, bring a sample or a photo to your vet.
But Do Cats Really Eat Peonies?
We’ve determined that peonies do contain a toxic compound that can make cats (and dogs) sick. But the more important question is, will a cat really eat a peony?
The answer to that depends on your cat. Personally, my cats spend hours each day laying in the shade of the peony plants at our off-grid farm. They’ve never shown any interest in eating the plant, so I have no concern about them being near peonies.
That said, if your cat likes to eat everything you may need to be more cautious about the plants you have indoors or out.
Popular Flowers and Their Toxicity to Cats and Dogs
Apart from peonies, several other popular flowers can be harmful to cats and dogs. This includes lilies, tulips, chrysanthemums, amaryllis, daffodils, poppies, hyacinths, dahlias, wisteria, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Each of these flowers contains specific toxins that can cause a variety of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe health conditions.
Pet-Safe Flowers and Plants
While it may seem like many plants and flowers are toxic to dogs and cats, there are still plenty of safe options for pet owners to enjoy. Roses, sunflowers (which are among my favorites for a cut flower garden), alstroemeria, phalaenopsis orchids, snapdragons, and spider plants are all safe for cats and dogs.
FAQ: Are Peonies Poisonous to Cats?
What happens if a cat eats a peony?
Peonies contain a toxin known as paeonol, primarily found in the bark. The consumption of this toxin in large amounts can induce gastrointestinal issues in cats, such as vomiting and diarrhea
What part of the peony is poisonous to cats?
The bark of a peony is where most of the toxic substance, paeonol, is concentrated.
Are peonies toxic to cats?
Yes, peonies can be toxic to cats. They contain a toxin known as paeonol, primarily found in the bark. That said, the risk is generally mild and most cats don’t tend to ingest peony bark.
In conclusion, while peonies do contain a toxic compound that can cause discomfort and gastrointestinal problems in cats, the risk is generally mild. If you have a cat that tends to eat everything keep them away from peonies. But in my experience, my cats have never tried to ingest them, so I can happily grow and cut peonies and have cats, too.
