The bird’s tongue flower is also known as the birds of paradise flower or crane flower because of its likeness to a soaring bird. Due to its attractive beauty and exquisite aroma, it is a favorite decorative plant all over the world. Cats, on the other hand, may find the plant’s seeds and berries to be exceedingly toxic, causing unpleasant symptoms.
The acidity of the seeds and fruit of bird’s tongue flowers causes poisoning in cats. While this is normally not an irritant to exterior tissue, it can cause vomiting by affecting the pH level of the cat’s stomach as the body works to eliminate the source of the problem. This toxin, in big enough doses, causes direct damage to the kidneys and liver, leading to their failure and, in rare circumstances, death.
What Is Bird’s Tongue Flower?
Scientifically known as strelitzia reginae from the family of streliziaceae, the crane flower is notable for its spectacular blossoms. The plant usually reaches a maximum height and width of five feet. It grows in a clump-forming, trunkless pattern. The thick, stiff, concave leaves reach a width of six inches and a length of 18 inches. At the end of the tall stalk, the flowers usually stand above the leaves. They are native to South Africa and have spread widely over the world, including the Americas and Australia.
Clinical Signs of Bird’s Tongue Flower Poisoning in Cats
Death caused by bird’s tongue flower poisoning is extremely rare. Nevertheless, if your cat nibbled or consumed a part of the bird’s tongue flower, going to the veterinarian should be a priority. The cat should be given appropriate treatment to prevent the symptoms progress to a more severe condition. The signs of bird’s tongue flower poisoning include:
First Aid and Treatment of Bird’s Tongue Flower Poisoning in Cats
The most common technique to treat poisoning in cats is to give them additional liquid intravenously. The vet will be able to prevent dehydration as a result of fluid loss due to prolonged vomiting by doing so. Fluid treatment has a more direct effect as it causes the body to flush the irritating substances out through urination. In severe circumstances, the vet may request that your cat be closely monitored in his facility for a few days. Depending on your cat’s condition, he may prescribe drugs as needed.
Recovery from Bird’s Tongue Flower Poisoning in
Your cat will totally recover in a few days or weeks, depending on the severity of the poisoning. When you arrive home, keep the cat’s activity levels low so that it has enough energy to recover from the poisoning experience. To avoid overloading the cat’s stomach, tiny portions of food should be given to it initially.
Prevention of Bird’s Tongue Flower Poisoning in Cats
You should think about how to keep your cat from getting to your bird of paradise plant, or better yet, get rid of it right away. You can also invest in repellents and deterrents and build a cat-proof plant terrarium. You can also teach your cats not to eat plants or provide them with safe alternatives to graze on.
If you love plants but have cats at home, check out these lists:
