It is amazing to have beautiful plants in your home, but it is also important to be aware that they can be harmful or poisonous to your pets. This is because some of the plants you buy can harm your pets. Although plumeria flowers are safe to eat, some species can cause gastric irritation. The only edible fruit-bearing orchids on the planet are the vanilla bean pod.
Although it is considered a mild risk, your cat may still exhibit symptoms of a potential toxin. The level of risk can vary depending on the amount of the substance ingested and the pet’s condition. In most cases, you should be able to keep an eye on your cat at home.
However, if the symptoms do not improve, or if there is a change in the animal’s behavior or other issues, you should consult a veterinarian.
What Exactly is a Plumeria?
The creamy-green leathery leaves of Plumeria are a perennial or deciduous tree or shrub with conspicuous veins and glossy dark green surfaces. Its flowers are scented and come in shades of pink, purple, yellow, orange, and red. The vibrant colors of the plant, which are used to create leis, are native to warm tropical regions such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands.
Is Plumeria Actually Poisonous for Cat?
If you have a cat, you probably know that certain flowers are safe to keep around. On the other hand, other blooms, such as the Plumeria, can be harmful to cats if your cat eats them due to being hungry or bored.
It is also common for cats to eat everything that is in their mouths when they are hungry. Unfortunately, some plumeria flowers can be toxic to pets. In this guide, we will talk about the various levels of toxicity that can be experienced by cats when it comes to eating plumeria flowers.
Why are Plumerias Toxic?
Commonly referred to as frangipanis, plumerias are poisonous plants that can cause gastric irritation. The flowers or leaves of the plant can also be harmful.
The Plumeria plant is poisonous and toxic due to its white sap. This sap can cause skin irritations and other problems for pets, especially for cats.
The entire plant can cause skin irritation, and it is harmful even to humans. Pets that eat the poisonous plant may experience more severe skin conditions, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and blistered skin.
So, if your cat ingests the poisonous Plumeria plants, you should immediately call an emergency veterinarian to treat them. These poisonous plants can be found in homes and front porches.
Unlike other garden plants, plumerias can grow to be large shrubs or small trees. They are toxic in all parts, and their sap can cause skin irritation in some sensitive individuals. However, poisoning of the Plumeria has not been reported. The alkaloids found in plumerias make the plant incredibly bitter, though poisoning of the Plumeria has not been documented.
Read also: Are Pussy Willows Toxic to Cats?
What Will Happen if Your Cat Ingests it?
Ingestion of the leaves or the flowers of a Plumeria plant can cause digestive issues. When your cat consumes whole Plumeria flowers, it may vomit, lose its appetite, and experience diarrhea and excessive salivation. You should immediately consult a veterinarian to prevent any issues.
Although Plumeria is not severely harmful to cats, it can still cause irritations that require veterinary attention. This is the reason why you should never let your pet chew it.
Gastrointestinal Issue
If the cat has ingested the plumeria sap, its gastrointestinal system will likely develop into a state of gastrointestinal discomfort. This can include vomiting and diarrhea.
Although most cats will vomit after eating Plumeria, they will still spit out the substance in the same way they would if they had eaten grass.
After your cat has gotten rid of most of the Plumeria, you can give them lactose-free milk to help them regain their digestive health. This will also help prevent dehydration.
Month irritation suffering
Your cat will most likely suffer from mouth irritation after eating or licking the sap of the plumeria plant’s milk.
Depending on the amount of sap your cat has licked, its mouth may appear swollen, but it is not likely to cause any harm. You can gently clean its teeth or wipe its mouth to remove the sap.
Cats not eating
Cats eating Plumeria will often refuse to eat its meals due to gastrointestinal issues. Though, once they have gotten rid of the poisonous substance, they should start feeling better.
However, this depends on the amount of toxic Plumeria your cat has eaten. If they consume the majority of toxic parts, they may experience other health issues.
Mild Poisoning
Although Plumeria is not toxic to cats, it can still cause mild poisoning if ingested. This is because the stem and bark can trigger a more serious reaction.
The stem and bark of Plumeria contain higher concentrations of toxins, which can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. These toxins can also trigger stomach upsets.
The stem and bark of the Plumeria are toxic. It is also quite worrying that you have this kind of plant in your garden since cats can easily access it.
What Should you do if Your Cat has already Eaten the Plumeria?
If your cat has already ingested a certain amount of Plumeria, then you should keep an eye on them throughout the day. If your cat has started to exhibit lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea, it’s important to consult a veterinarian.
If diarrhea persists for more than 12 hours, you should immediately take your cat to the nearest vet clinic. Even though plumeria poisoning can be mild, dehydration can be a major issue for cats.
If your cat has mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, drinking lactose-free milk may be enough to ease its discomfort. However, you should still monitor them for any signs of toxic exposure.
How to Prevent your Cats from Eating Plumeria?
One of the best ways to prevent your cat from getting sick or injured is by keeping them away from plumerias. However, some steps will prevent your cat from possibly eating plumerias.
Keep them inside the house.
It would be best if you kept your cat inside your house to prevent them from chasing after the plumerias in the garden. Also, make sure that your doors and windows are closed properly.
Put them on a leash.
When you bring your cat outside, ensure they are on a leash. This will prevent them from running away and eating the leaves or flowers of a plumeria.
You can put some citrus scents around the Plumeria.
For cats that are addicted to eating Plumeria, a simple solution is to add a bit of lemon juice to their diet. This will help break the habit.
Apply a bitter taste of fruit
If your cat is obsessed with plumerias and the citrus hack did not work, you can try a bitter apple instead of using citrus juice. This non-toxic spray can be purchased in pet stores.
Conclusion
Although plumerias are not exactly plants, they should always be grown with caution for their potential toxicity to pets. This plant has a toxic level if ingested by animals.
Make sure that your cat can’t access the garden where plumes of flowers and plants are located. Although it is unclear if your pet has a specific illness, many plants and flowers can be toxic to cats.
Moreover, The sap and parts of the Plumeria are toxic, and the plant can cause a rash in sensitive individuals. However, the alkaloids found in plumerias do not cause poisoning.
Keep in mind that plumerias are toxic to cats. Although the white sap will heal, providing your pet with fresh water is important.
