If you have kittens, you may wonder if coffee plants are safe in your home. The truth is that they can potentially make the animal sick.
Although coffee plants are not harmful to cats, they can still contain harmful compounds. For instance, coffee beans can cause diarrhea and vomiting in some cats. On the other hand, coffee leaves can also be toxic if ingested in large amounts. It is essential to keep these plants away from curious felines.
Get to know the different dangers of coffee plants and how to keep them away from your cat.
What Is Coffee Plant Poisoning?
The coffee plant contains saponins, which can cause skin irritation and inflammation in cats. Your cats can ingest it and may come into contact with these toxins by rubbing against them or chewing on them. Some signs of this illness include vomiting, skin rashes, loss of appetite, fatigue, and increased heart rate.
Although it’s rare for coffee tree poisoning to lead to death, it’s still vital that you take your cat to a veterinarian immediately. They may need treatment to remove the toxins from their body and prevent further complications.
The coffee tree, also known as wild coffee, aralia, and aralia, is native to North and Central America. It’s popular in residential landscaping due to its tall stature and dense foliage.
Are Coffee Plants Toxic to Cats?
Yes, coffee plants are toxic to your cats at home. The aralia, wild coffee, and geranium-leaf aralia are all native to North and Central America and are prevalent in gardens in the US. The tall and dense foliage make them an ideal choice for home gardening.
The coffee tree contains toxins that can irritate a cat’s skin or cause inflammation in his gastrointestinal tract and mouth if consumed or chewed. These toxins can also be exposed if they rub against plants.
Although coffee tree poisoning rarely kills or even seriously affects a cat, taking them to the vet clinic for treatment is still essential.
Besides cats, coffee tree poisoning can also affect other animals, such as horses and dogs. They can suffer from exposure to the plant, chewing on the bloom, or exposure to toxins.
Signs and Symptoms of Coffee Plant Poisoning to Cats
While most plants are harmless, cats are known to eat plants that are not. Some of these include coffee trees, which can cause health problems if ingested.
Weakness
One of the most common symptoms of coffee tree poisoning in cats is weakness. This condition usually accompanies seizures, tremors, and an irregular heartbeat.
Contact Dermatitis
One of the most common symptoms of contact dermatitis is swelling and redness on the skin. This condition can develop after the plant’s oils have come into contact with the animal’s body. In severe cases, the animal may develop ulcers or blisters. Pets who have ingested coffee trees may also experience diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset.
Loss of Appetite
If your cat has ingested coffee beans or leaves, it may experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, tremors, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, such as those involving seizures, coffee tree poisoning can lead to death. Pets suffering from coffee tree poisoning should immediately contact their veterinarian.
Things You Need to Do After Your Cat Ate Coffee Plant
You must provide the veterinarian with the necessary information to diagnose and treat your cat’s illness. Here are some steps you can take: Describe the symptoms to the vet and remember the incident as accurately as possible. You can also take pictures of the plant your furry friend ate so the veterinarian can inspect it.
Unfortunately, there is no test for coffee tree poisoning. However, your veterinarian will use all the information you provide to develop a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Although it’s scarce for cats to suffer complications after eating coffee tree poison, most of them will recover. It doesn’t make the incident any less frightening.
How to Keep Your Cats Away From Coffee Plants?
Some of the safe plants for humans can be toxic to felines. It means that if your cat gets into your collection, it could result in an upset stomach.
To keep your kitties away from these dangerous plants, keep them away from the plants by putting them in high-shelved containers or inside cabinets designed to prevent them from accessing them.
If you can’t prevent your cat from accessing the plants, consider using a cat-resistant barrier around them. You can also choose safe plants for you and your pet. Some of these include catnip, rosemary, and lavender. Making a safe and cozy space for your cat can be done with some planning.
Is Arabica Plant Harmful to Felines?
The Arabica coffee plant is toxic to animals, such as dogs and cats. It can also affect humans. The ripened fruit of the coffee tree is sometimes harmful to humans when consumed not in moderation. Caffeine is an active component in the plant, and coffee plants are toxic to animals.
Drinking coffee in small amounts can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Large amounts can lead to seizures and even death.
It is essential to keep away from Arabica coffee plants as they can harm animals. You should also avoid growing these plants in your house if you have cats or other pets.
What Are Safer Plants for Your Cat at Home?
Although it’s not necessary to give up on your passion for plants to keep your cats safe, there are still plenty of cat-friendly alternatives to coffee plants.
White flowers are a beautiful feature of hibiscus, which can be grown indoors or in various other settings. This plant is also very versatile.
These types of plants are great for beginner and cat-friendly gardeners. Bromeliads are also great for cats as they have vibrant foliage. Roses are another type of plant that produces beautiful blossoms.
Read also:Is ZZ Plant Toxic To Cats?
Can Cats Eat Coffee Grounds?
Please do not feed your cats at home coffee grounds because it might kill them. Coffee grounds contain caffeine, which can be harmful to cats. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even cause loss of appetite.
If your cat drinks large amounts of coffee grounds, it can cause health problems and even death. It is why it’s essential to keep the animal away from caffeinated products, such as energy drinks and coffee beans.
Read also: Is It Safe To Put Coffee Grounds In A Cat litter?
Best Treatment for Cats When They Ate Coffee Plants?
After the vet has diagnosed your cat with coffee tree poisoning, he’ll begin treatment immediately. His condition may worsen due to diarrhea and dehydration.
After vomiting, the veterinarian may give activated charcoal to help absorb the toxins from the animal’s system. They can also perform gastric lavage to remove the accumulated fluids from the cat’s stomach. Professionals conduct this procedure to clean the stomach using fluids.
If your cat has not exhibited gastrointestinal symptoms, he might just be suffering from atopic exposure to the coffee tree. The veterinarian may give him a corticosteroid to ease the inflammation and swelling on his skin.
After treating your cat, the veterinarian may suggest that you keep him for at least 24 hours to prevent his condition from worsening. It is imperative in cases where the animal is dehydrated.
Conclusion
Are coffee plants toxic to cats? Yes! That’s why it’s critical to keep your cat away from toxic plants, as well as any other substances that can affect its health, such as coffee or caffeine. They should immediately get to the vet if they come in contact with these.
If you want to keep your coffee plants away from cats, you should get them to a higher place. However, if your cat has any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian immediately.
