Chinese evergreen or also called aglaonema is a flowering plant that is toxic to cats as it contains insoluble calcium oxides which are common to species that belong to the Araceae family.
What Is Chinese Evergreen?
Chinese evergreen or aglaonema is evergreen perennials with creeping stems that grow upright. Rooting can occur at the nodes of stems that develop along the ground. There is usually a crown of large leaf blades, which are sometimes patterned with silver and green colors in wild forms.
Aglaonemas are commonly grown in Asia as luck-bringing houseplants. Nowadays, these plants are grown and bred into a variety of cultivars that can be found in different regions around the world.
Clinical Signs of Chinese Evergreen Poisoning in Cats
Ingestion of Chinese evergreen may manifest the following clinical symptoms in cats:
- Inflammation of the mouth
- Oral irritation
- Hypersalivation
- Vomiting
- Swallowing problems
First Aid and Treatment of Chinese Evergreen Poisoning in Cats
You can administer first aid at home by rinsing out the leftover plant in your cat’s mouth and thoroughly flushing it with water. Burning sensation and irritating pain can be reduced by giving your cat some calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, or cheese as calcium can precipitate some calcium oxalate crystals.
If symptoms do not go away or your cat is suffering from severe vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulty, bring your cat immediately to the veterinarian for proper treatment.
Recovery from Chinese Evergreen Poisoning in Cats
Most cats recover fully from Chinese evergreen poisoning within 12 to 24 hours and as long as it was immediately treated. However, in some severe cases, permanent liver and kidney damage may occur. Take preventive measures to avoid another Chinese evergreen exposure.
Prevention of Chinese Evergreen Poisoning in Cats
If you have Chinese evergreen at home, place it somewhere where your cat cannot access it. Or you can also remove it to alleviate your worries of getting your cat poisoned. You can try growing other non-toxic plants that your nibbler cat can graze on. Keep your cat entertained inside your home to minimize his or her time outside your home.
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