are peony toxic to cats

A popular choice for birthday bouquets, these flowers are also toxic to cats and dogs. Peonies contain paeonol, a toxin known to be harmful to both cats and dogs. If ingested, peonies can cause mild to moderate poisoning. Some common signs to watch for would be gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

A Little About the Peony

Although they originated in Asia, Europe, and North America, peonies have been around since 1,000 B.C. C. in China.

Because peonies are perennials, you can enjoy their blooms for the rest of your life, even if you live to be 100 years old!

Their typical bloom period is seven weeks, occurring in late spring (they typically bloom from mid-May to late June). There are three different kinds of peony plants:

Tree peonies
Herbaceous peonies
Intersectional/Itoh peonies (essentially a cross between the first two)

There are also six types of peony flowers:

Semi-double
Double
Single
Anemone
Japanese
Bomb

There are more than 200 types of peonies to pick from, and the flowers come in a variety of hues and scents. Although pink and white are the most popular hues, peonies can also be found in red, orange, yellow, and even purple.

Why Are Peonies Toxic to Cats?

Both the ASPCA and the Pet Poison Helpline have the peony listed as toxic for pets. Peonies contain paeonol, which is a toxin that is particularly concentrated in the bark but can be found in all parts of the plant. Paeonol has been used as a medicine in China and Japan because it can be used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial ingredient.

However, this compound is toxic for cats, dogs, and horses. When paeonol is consumed in small doses, the symptoms usually subside, but larger doses can cause your pet’s symptoms to become more noticeable.

Peonies are a shrub that blooms in early spring and has stunning, large, colorful flowers (e g. , pink, white, red, etc. ). The toxin paeonol is found in this plant, and it is mostly concentrated in the bark. Large doses of it may result in gastrointestinal distress (e g. , vomiting, diarrhea, etc. ).

FAQ

Are Peony flowers poisonous to cats?

Peonies do fall into a toxic plant category for dogs and cats. The primary effects of it are vomiting, diarrhea and depression. How much has to be ingested to cause these signs varies. Treatment is decontamination and symptomatic.

What part of the Peony is poisonous?

The toxic substance in Peonies is paeonol, and is found primarily in the roots of a Peony plant, but can also be present in the flower petals, bark, and stems, and can cause digestive upset to dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Are peonies pet friendly?

Though the peony is a beautiful plant that fills garden spaces with vibrant colors, it does pose a poisonous risk to our pets. Cats, dogs, and horses have been reported to suffer gastrointestinal effects from eating the plant.

What is the most toxic flower to cats?

Lilies. This beautiful unofficial symbol of Spring is among the most toxic flowers to cats. All varieties – including the Easter, Tiger, Stargazer, Red, Wood, and Day – are unsafe. With some flowers, the petals and the buds are the hazards for cats but, with lilies, it’s also the pollen, the leaves, and the stems.