are wax flowers poisonous to cats

Hoya plants, often celebrated for their waxy leaves and star-shaped flowers, are a non-toxic joy for cat owners. The good news is, these tropical beauties pose no chemical threat to your feline companions.

Mother’s Day Bouquets: What’s Safe for Pets?

Every day, we are appreciative of mothers’ love and support. And even though we might not be able to hug or reach out to our mothers during these trying times, there are still plenty of ways to express our gratitude for everything that they do. A lovely bouquet of flowers is one of the most popular Mother’s Day gifts!

When selecting your Mother’s Day arrangement, keep in mind that your mother may also be a pet parent. Not every flower is safe for our pets, but fear not—the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has compiled a helpful list of flowers that are safe for pets, so you can be sure your furry friends are secure and out of danger.

Roses (Rosa sp. ), like any flower, can upset a pet’s stomach a little bit but aren’t extremely toxic. That being said, be cautious around thorns, as they have the potential to injure the paws and mouth. Examine your pet’s mouth for indications of trauma if they have been gnawing on a rose stem and are drooling more or pawing at their mouth. A trip to the vet might be necessary if they won’t eat. Large ingestions of flower stem material may increase the risk of a foreign body obstruction.

The African daisy, Veldt daisy, and Barberton daisy are other names for Gerbera daisies (Gebera jamesonii). When eating any plant material, there may be a risk of vomiting or gastrointestinal distress. However, if symptoms worsen or seem more severe than usual, consult your veterinarian.

Sunflowers (Helianthus sp. ) are a guaranteed way to make Mom smile, and who doesn’t like a flower with such a positive outlook? These are another lovely flower that, should the plant material be consumed, should not result in anything more serious than mild GI symptoms. Although all parts of the sunflower are edible to humans and are frequently added to salads, our pets might not share our enthusiasm for these foods.

Orchids (Cymbidum, Dendrobium, Oncidium and Phalaenopsis sp. ) are another safe flower to have around our pets. Again, as with any of the “safe” plants, eating orchids could result in mild gastrointestinal distress if more than a bite or two are consumed. With this delicate flower, the plant is the one that needs to be protected from pets! To fully appreciate these and appreciate their beauty, keep them out of your pet’s reach.

The beautiful flower known as Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) can be used as a garnish on a dish. Although edible, these flowers have little flavor and could even taste a little bitter. Cats and dogs may hypersalivate from the bitter taste. Everything should be alright if you give them something delicious to mask the flavor.

In many bouquets, freesias (Freesia corymbosa) are used as filler flowers to add a little something extra. Apart from the possibility of causing upset stomach if consumed by our pets, these flowers are safe, just like the others on this list.

Limonium (Limonium sp. ) and Statice (Limonium leptostachyum), which are secure filler flowers, are also appropriate for your Mother’s Day arrangement. These will make any arrangement you give your mother look nicer, and if your pet eats them, they shouldn’t pose a serious risk.

Madagascar Jasmine (Stephanotis sp. ) is a charming houseplant with star-shaped white flowers that looks great in bouquets. Once more, this flower may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, but your pets shouldn’t be at any further risk from it.

Stock (Matthiola incana) is a fragrant plant that is frequently used as a cut flower in bouquets. These flowers represent beauty as well as joy, prosperity, and happiness. What more fitting message could your Mother’s Day bouquet convey?

Another flower that’s frequently added as a filler to liven up a floral arrangement is waxflower (Etlingera cevuga). Once more, while these flowers may cause mild upset stomachs in pets, there are no significant health risks to your pet.

Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflora) is another non-toxic plant that can enhance a bouquet and is highly valued for its rose-like blooms. Because these flowers keep well in a vase for up to two weeks, they are frequently used in bouquets. These flowers would make a thoughtful addition to any Mother’s Day present!

We recognize that Mother’s Day bouquets with either safe or toxic flowers may pique the interest of nosy noses and paws. For everyone’s enjoyment, it’s best to keep your bouquets and arrangements high and out of reach!

If you think your pet may have consumed something poisonous or appears to be reacting negatively to anything, please get in touch with your veterinarian right away or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435

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are wax flowers poisonous to cats

Diagnosis of Wax Leaf Poisoning in Cats

If your cat is exhibiting severe symptoms, contact your veterinarian before you arrive. Take a sample of the wax leaf with you when you go if it is a shrub that grows in your garden. Never withhold from your veterinarian the duration of your cat’s symptoms. If you know, let them know how much of the plant your cat consumed.

When wax leaf poisoning is mild, the diagnosis can be made with the presentation of symptoms and standard diagnostic tests, which are typically blood and urine tests. If your cat is exhibiting severe symptoms, additional testing, like a neurological examination or an ECG, might be advised.

FAQ

Is wax flower plant toxic?

While a non-toxic plant like the Fung Wax Flower won’t cause severe poisoning, it can still lead to mild gastrointestinal upset or discomfort in dogs. It’s the plant world’s equivalent of eating too much junk food – not life-threatening but not recommended.

What flower is extremely toxic 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.

Are cats allergic to wax plants?

Wax Plants, or Hoya, are generally non-toxic to cats. Unlike some of their botanical brethren, they lack the nasty phenols and monoterpene hydrocarbons that send cats from the windowsill to the emergency room.

Are wax flowers edible?

The leaves of this shrub have the most wonderful aroma and taste like a lemony pine needle. They are delicious in anything with seafood and especially stuffed in whole fish. The flowers are also edible, but not in large quantities. Wax flowers are a genus of shrubs native to Western Australia.