What is Mum Plant Poisoning?
The mum plant, short for chrysanthemum, is a popular plant in homes and gardens nationwide. Unfortunately, it's also mildly toxic to cats.
There are several different species of
chrysanthemum, all of which are toxic to cats. However, the good news is that the mum plant does not usually cause severe poisoning in cats. If your cat ingests the mum plant, they may show signs of gastrointestinal discomfort such as vomiting and diarrhea. Drooling and a loss of coordination can also occur, while the mum plant may cause contact irritation to your pet's skin as well.
If your pet ingests any mum plant or is showing signs of mum plant poisoning, seek veterinary attention to help relieve their discomfort as soon as possible.
Mum Plant Poisoning Average Cost
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Average Cost
$200
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Symptoms of Mum Plant Poisoning in Cats
Symptoms of mum plant poisoning will usually appear within 2 hours of ingestion and are generally mild. If you notice any of the following symptoms, take your cat to the vet to reduce any stomach upset and/or skin irritation:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Red, swollen, or inflamed skin
- Bumps or lesions where the plant has touched your cat
Causes of Mum Plant Poisoning in Cats
The most common cause of mum poisoning in cats is ingestion when a cat eats part of the plant. However, some pets will develop skin irritation after simply coming into contact with chrysanthemums.
Chrysanthemums are part of the Compositae family and contain toxins including lactones, pyrethrins, and sesquiterpene. Pyrethrins are actually a common ingredient used in insecticides and flea and tick medications for cats and dogs. They produce symptoms of gastrointestinal upset when eaten, but can also cause a loss of coordination if consumed in large quantities.
It's quite rare for cats to consume large quantities of poisonous plants, but it's best to err on the side of caution if your pet ingests any mum plant. Take them to the vet so that any problems can be diagnosed and treated promptly.
Diagnosis of Mum Plant Poisoning in Cats
In any case of plant poisoning, you should seek veterinary attention even if your pet's symptoms are mild. If possible, take a sample of the plant your cat has ingested with you to the vet clinic.
If you know how much of the plant your cat ingested, this information could help your vet make a diagnosis. You'll also need to tell your vet how long your cat has been experiencing symptoms.
Your vet will examine your cat and may need to perform blood and urine tests to confirm a diagnosis of poisoning. Other tests may be recommended by your vet based on your cat's symptoms.
Treatment of Mum Plant Poisoning in Cats
Treatment for mild cases of mum poisoning in cats is typically straightforward and will involve standard methods used to treat plant poisoning in domestic animals. Your vet may induce vomiting to help clear undigested toxins from your cat’s stomach, and activated charcoal may be administered to absorb remaining toxins in the stomach.
Intravenous fluid therapy is usually recommended in most cases of plant poisoning to correct fluid imbalances, especially if the cat has persistent vomiting. For cats experiencing vomiting, antiemetic drugs may be given to keep this under control. Ant acids may also be given, to help things settle.
Mum plant poisoning can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of mum plant poisoning, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
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Recovery of Mum Plant Poisoning in Cats
The prognosis for mild cases of chrysanthemum poisoning in cats is usually good or excellent with prompt and effective treatment. Cats with mild bouts of mum plant poisoning typically make a full recovery within 24 hours following ingestion. Happily, severe cases of poisoning are rare.
Mild cases of poisoning do not typically warrant follow-up appointments.
In more serious cases of poisoning, your vet will schedule follow-up appointments on an as-needed basis depending on your cat’s symptoms.
It's also important to take steps to minimize the risk of your cat coming into contact with chrysanthemums or other toxic plants like lilies and sago palms. Be careful not to keep any toxic plants or flowers inside your home, and consider keeping your cat indoors at all times to help them stay safe.
Mum poisoning can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of calla lily poisoning, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Mum Plant Poisoning Average Cost
From 471 quotes ranging from $100 - $300
Average Cost
$200
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Mum Plant Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
tabby
Anan
7 Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Seizures
On Wednesday, May 16 I purchased some chrysanthemums and put them on an altar I have on my floor. That night my cat started acting very strange by crying a lot pacing and then he would suddenly drool and freak out and run around. All that night he cried as if you were in pain. In the morning he seemed to have some gas and was better but I took him to the vet. They tested him and everything was OK. On Friday I went to the pet store and bought some fresh catnip. On Friday night my cat had a seizure and again on Saturday morning. So I took him to the vet and they started him on phenobarbital. He also started having diarrhea and his ears were red as if he had allergy. ( A year ago I had to stop him from eating spider plants because I figured out they are causing an allergy). My vet says he will probably have to stay on phenobarbital for the rest of his life and the diarrhea and red ears had nothing to do with the seizures. I strongly disagree and think that the chrysanthemums, catnip and other plants that he frequently nibbles on caused some kind of toxic reaction. I have just figured all of this out and removed all of the plants from my house tonight.
May 29, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
10 Recommendations
Chrysanthemums can cause GI problems in cats, but aren't known to cause seizure activity, from what I am aware. I"m glad that you removed the plants, but think that it would be best to follow your veterinarian's advice on the medications.
May 29, 2018
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Mum Plant Poisoning Average Cost
From 471 quotes ranging from $100 - $300
Average Cost
$200
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