Alstroemeria Toxic to Cats: Protect Your Cat From Harm

25.4% of American households have cats. A cat provides companionship, gives you affection, and brings joy into your life. Have you ever wondered about Alstroemeria being toxic to cats? Certain things in your home may negatively impact the pet’s health. You must know the hazards in your home to avoid putting your pet in danger.

In particular, you must know whether the plants in your home contain toxic substances. One such plant is Alstroemeria. Keep reading to know what this plant is and how Alstroemeria is toxic to cats.

Table of Contents

What Is Alstroemeria?

Alstroemeria is a flowering plant called the Lily of the Incas or Peruvian lily. This plant is native to South America, and many cultures associate the plant with good fortune. Alstroemeria belongs to the Alstroemeriaceae family and is popular due to its many colors.

Alstroemeria seeds can germinate in as little as a few weeks, with the stem growing to three feet. The plant has uniquely colored blooms and upside-down leaves, but people often mistake it for miniature lilies. Unlike lilies, the plant has trumpet-shaped heads with dark markings. If you want to buy flowers instead of plants, expect a vase life of about two weeks.

You can identify the Alstroemeria plant by looking out for the following features: 

  • The plant’s shoots grow directly from the ground in the form of rhizome rootstock.
  • The leaves twist and resupinate so that they appear upside down.
  • When the shoots have matured, flowers in multiple colors appear on the top.

Alstroemeria flowers can be purple, red, yellow, and white, among other colors.

alstroemeria flower

(alstroemeria flower)

Why Is Alstroemeria Poisonous to Cats?

Many lilies are toxic to felines, and Alstroemeria is no different. The plant’s toxicity is due to the presence of Tulipalin A. Alstroemeria produces this substance to scare away herbivores that may try to feed on the plant. If your cat nibbles on the plant, the toxin will interfere with the cat’s protein synthesis.

The concentration of Tulipalin A is greatest in the roots and lowest in the flowers and leaves. If you have a dog, it can dig up Alstroemeria plants in your backyard and expose the roots. Your cat can then chew the roots and ingest the toxins.

A cute kitten

(A cute kitten)

What Are The Symptoms Of Alstroemeria Poisoning?

Your cat may ingest Alstroemeria today, but the symptoms won’t appear until after one or two days. The toxin will have long entered your cat’s system when the symptoms eventually appear. Reversing the effects is difficult.

Generally, the main symptoms are loss of appetite, drooling, and vomiting. Also, your cat may experience swallowing difficulties after eating Alstroemeria. Other common symptoms include dehydration, seizures, coma, and frequent urination.

Some cats suffer from a swollen tongue due to Alstroemeria poisoning. The plant can lead to behavioral changes in a cat. The symptoms will be more pronounced if your cat is small or a kitten.

Remember that the plant can also cause some symptoms in humans. For example, you can have skin rashes if you touch the plant without gloves.

sick cat

(sick cat)

Steps to Take After Ingestion

When you suspect your cat has ingested Alstroemeria, keep a close eye on your pet. At the same time, check if there are missing leaves and petals on the plant. Also, check your cats for plant remnants since they might be stuck in their mouths or claws.

Alstroemeria poisoning is a medical emergency, so immediately contact a vet. Failure to take your cat to the vet quickly can cause kidney failure. The long-term effects of Alstroemeria poisoning are not serious, and your cat is unlikely to suffer from chronic health complications.

If the cat vomits before going to the vet clinic, carry a sample of the vomit to the clinic. The doctor will analyze the sample and quickly diagnose the problem.

Vet Examining a Cat

(Vet Examining a Cat)

How To Keep Cats Away From Alstroemeria?

The best prevention method is not to have Alstroemeria in your home in the first place. If you decide to have the plant in your home, use gloves before touching the plant and rinse your hands afterward. If it does, remove clothes before touching your cat.

cute cat

(cute cat)

Conclusion

Cats are wonderful pets that can provide companionship in the home. However, protecting your cat from flower poisoning would be best, especially Alstroemeria plants, would be best. It requires knowing how the plant looks and what it can cause.

And if your cat shows signs of poisoning, visit a vet immediately. The vet will identify the problem and administer the correct treatment.