Mums (or chrysanthemums) are part of the Asteraceae family which also includes daisies and chrysanthemums. While the plant itself isn’t poisonous, the stem, leaves, and flowers contain a substance called pyrethrin which is toxic to cats. Continue reading to learn more about this as well as what to do if your cat eats a mum.
Poisonous vs Toxic
Toxic means something will make your cat sick while poisonous means eating it will likely be fatal for your cat. Just because something is toxic but not poisonous doesn’t mean it’s safe for your cat to eat!
For example, while lilies are poisonous to cats and eating just a small amount can be fatal, the pollen from the flower is only toxic. If your cat gets lily pollen on their fur, they may start vomiting or have diarrhea. However, they won’t necessarily die from it.
If your cat does eat a mum, the good news is that mums aren’t as poisonous as lilies. However, you should still take your cat to the vet right away. Symptoms of pyrethrin poisoning in cats include drooling, vomiting, weakness, and seizures.
Why Are Mums Toxic to Cats?
Mums contain a chemical called Pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is toxic to cats if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of pyrethrin toxicity include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. If your cat has eaten a mum and is showing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
It’s best to keep them away from your feline friend. If you want to bring a bouquet of mums into your home, make sure to keep it out of your cat’s reach.
Do Cats Like Mums?
Cats typically don’t eat mums because they don’t like the taste, so there’s no need to worry if your kitty nibbles on a leaf or two. Just make sure they’re not eating too much of it and you’ll be fine!
Plants That Look Like Mums But Are Poisonous to Cats:
- Lilies
- Dieffenbachia
- Philodendron
- Caladium
- Cyclamen
If your cat has consumed any of these plants, call your veterinarian immediately. These plants can cause kidney failure in cats. The good news is that mums are not on this list of poisonous plants! So if your kitty nibbles on a leaf or two, there’s no need to worry. Just make sure they’re not eating too much of it.
Signs Your Cat Has Eaten A Toxic Plant:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
If you notice any of these signs, call your veterinarian immediately. They will likely need to be seen by a professional and may need medication to treat the toxicity.
How Many Mums Must A Cat Eat In Order To Get Sick?
There is no set amount as each cat is different and will react differently to ingesting mums. Some may eat a lot and only experience mild gastrointestinal upset while others may only need to consume a small amount to get sick. If you are concerned that your cat has eaten too many mums, call your veterinarian right away. They will be able to help you determine if your cat is in danger and needs to be seen by a professional.
Cat-Safe Plants To Grow Indoors:
- Spider Plant
- Pothos
- Snake Plant
- Begonia
- Ficus Tree
These are just a few of the many plants that are safe for cats if you’re looking to add some greenery to your home.
Cat-Safe Plants To Grow Outdoors:
- Mint
- Catnip
- Rosemary
- Basil
What Does It Mean If My Cat Eats Grass?
Some people believe that grass-eating indicates that a cat is sick, but this is actually a myth! In reality, there are a few reasons why cats may eat grass.
- Some cats do it simply because they like the taste or texture.
- Others may eat grass to help with digestion or because they’re lacking certain nutrients in their diet.
- Others simply like it
If you’re concerned that your cat is eating too much grass, talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to help you determine if there is an underlying health issue or if your cat just has a taste for grass!
How Do I Tell If Something is Missing In My Cat’s Diet?
If you’re concerned that your cat’s diet is missing something, there are a few signs to look for. One is if your cat starts eating more than usual. This could be a sign that they’re not getting enough of the nutrients they need. Another sign is if your cat starts losing weight. This could be a sign that they’re not getting enough calories. If you’re concerned about your cat’s diet, talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to help you determine if there is an underlying health issue or if your cat just has a taste for grass!
Final Thoughts
If your cat eats mums, watch them closely for symptoms and get them to the vet as soon as possible if you notice something that’s off. Mums can be toxic to cats, especially in large amounts. As long as you can get your cat to the vet ASAP, you should be able to treat your cat in time. But, it’s a good idea to keep mums away from your cat in the first place.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
