Poinsettia Toxicity in Cats
Symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Skin irritation (if sap gets on skin or fur)
- Rashes
- Pawing at mouth
- Lethargy
Treatment:
If you suspect your cat has ingested a poinsettia, it is important to act quickly.
1. Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately:
- Describe the symptoms and the amount of poinsettia consumed.
- Bring a sample of the plant for identification.
2. Induce Vomiting (if directed by veterinarian):
- Use hydrogen peroxide 3% solution (1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight) and give orally.
- Repeat every 10-15 minutes until your cat vomits up the plant material.
3. Give Activated Charcoal:
- Veterinarian may administer activated charcoal to absorb the toxins from the poinsettia.
4. Monitor Your Cat:
- Observe your cat closely for any signs of distress.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, seek immediate veterinary attention.
5. Provide Supportive Care:
- Keep your cat hydrated and comfortable.
- If your cat is experiencing skin irritation, wash the affected area with cool water and seek veterinary attention if necessary.
Prevention:
- Keep poinsettias out of reach of cats.
- Place them in a high location or behind closed doors.
- Consider using artificial poinsettias instead.
The article was created by AI.
We received responses from Google Gemini to the following questions.
My cat ate an “poinsettia”. What should I do? Answers should be in English.
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