Is Blue Eyed Daisy Toxic to Cats?

Introduction

Blue Eyed Daisy is a beautiful and commonly available plant in many gardens. While it may look pretty, pet owners need to be aware of whether it poses a threat to their furry friends. In this article, we will explore the toxicity of Blue Eyed Daisy to cats and discuss the symptoms of poisoning.

What is Blue Eyed Daisy?

Blue Eyed Daisy, scientifically known as Argyranthemum frutescens, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Canary Islands but has now become a popular garden plant in many parts of the world, including the United States. The plant grows up to two feet tall and produces small white or yellow-colored flowers with a blue center.

Are Blue Eyed Daisies Toxic to Cats?

Blue Eyed Daisy is toxic to cats if ingested. The plant contains sesquiterpene lactones, which are compounds that can cause severe allergic reactions in cats. These compounds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite in cats. In severe cases, ingestion of Blue Eyed Daisy can lead to liver failure and even death.

What are the Symptoms of Poisoning in Cats?

If your cat has ingested parts of Blue Eyed Daisy, you should look out for signs of poisoning. The symptoms of poisoning in cats depend on the amount of plant material ingested and the severity of the poisoning. Some common symptoms of poisoning in cats include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Difficulty breathing
• Yellowing of skin and gums (in severe cases)
• Inability to urinate

What Should You Do if Your Cat is Poisoned?

If you suspect that your cat has ingested Blue Eyed Daisy or any other toxic plant, you should seek immediate veterinary assistance. The veterinarian may induce vomiting or perform gastric lavage to remove the plant material from your cat's stomach. The veterinarian may also administer activated charcoal, which can bind to the toxins and prevent them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. In severe cases, the cat may need to be hospitalized for supportive care, such as IV fluids and medications to support liver function.

Preventing Poisoning in Cats

The best way to prevent poisoning in cats is to keep them away from toxic plants such as Blue Eyed Daisy. If you have Blue Eyed Daisy growing in your garden, make sure that your cat does not have access to it. You could also consider replacing toxic plants with cat-friendly plants, such as catnip, spider plants, or cat grass.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Blue Eyed Daisy is toxic to cats if ingested. The plant contains sesquiterpene lactones, which can cause severe allergic reactions in cats and lead to liver failure and death. If you suspect that your cat has ingested Blue Eyed Daisy or any other toxic plant, you should seek immediate veterinary assistance. The best way to prevent poisoning in cats is to keep them away from toxic plants and replace them with cat-friendly alternatives.

References

• Arabzadeh, N., and Saffari, M. (2010). Plant poisoning in children and pets. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 15(5), 317-325.
• ASPCA. (n.d.). Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Cats. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list
• Pfizer. (2006). Plant Identification: 100 Common Poisonous Plants. Retrieved from https://www.avonparkcampus.com/100-Common-Poisonous-Plants.pdf