I am a veterinarian. This is why this Mother’s Day can be fatal for cats
Vets warn people to buy flowers on Mother’s Day this Sunday, and buy pet-friendly floral prints to avoid addiction to their beloved pets.
Vets warn people to buy flowers on Mother’s Day this Sunday, and buy pet-friendly floral prints to avoid addiction to their beloved pets.
RSPCA veterinarian Vanessa Howey issued a warning this weekend before her mother on Sunday to help pet owners avoid unexpected trips to the vet.
Vanessa said: “Flowers are a great gift for Mother’s Day. I, like many, love receiving flowers no matter what the opportunity is. But sadly, it’s important to avoid these as some flowers and plants can be toxic to our pets.
“Lilies are far the worst offenders as they are so popular during this time of year, but people don’t always know how dangerous it is to cats. Cats can actually die from ingesting a few petals from lilies, and the leaves, pollen and water from vases are also fatal.
“It’s very important to convey the message that lilies can be fatal for cats and even small leaves can kill them. Once the stamens are opened, cutting them off is not enough. Small stains of pollen can be transferred to the cat’s fur, and once the cat starts cleaning itself, it will soon become sick.”
“I have seen for myself how cats can suffer after Lily addiction, and seeing and heartbreaking for pet owners is very painful.
“Thankfully, it’s really easy for the public to help with their bits. Of course we want to treat every mother there this Mother’s Day, but if you’re a mother of a cat, don’t buy a lily.”
In 2021, Jasper, a gray and white kitten, sadly died after her owner bought a bouquet of roses and lilies as gifts. Croydon’s cat owners didn’t know that flowers were toxic to cats..
Vanessa adds: “Although other flowers, such as tulips, holly and hyacinths, are considered less toxic, they are toxic to cats and dogs. However, don’t forget to keep the flowers out of reach of pets, as even non-toxic plants can cause stomach upset if ingested.”
The RSPCA also reports that chocolate addiction is the most commonly reported type of animal addiction. That’s why charities are reminding people to protect Mother’s Day, out of reach of cats and dogs.
Veterinarian Vanessa said: Your vet will want to know how much chocolate your pet has eaten and what type of chocolate it is. If possible, keep the label and get your pet’s weight. ”
There are various indications that your pet may have been poisoned, and can include one of the following:
“As we all strive to create a better world for all animals ahead of Mother’s Day celebrations, we encourage pet owners to ensure that the opportunity is as pet-friendly as possible, and share this advice with others to help spread the word,” adds Vanessa.
For more information about toxic items and products, please see Veterinary poison information service.
See how RSPCA helps rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming animals that are desperately in need of care. www.rspca.org.uk/give.
