Garden hyacinth, simply known as hyacinth, is a flowering plant with beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers thus, a popular choice among gardeners. Hyacinths, despite their beauty, can harm your cats because they contain lycorine alkaloids and other potentially toxic compounds.
Skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth irritation are all possible side effects of hyacinth consumption in cats. Hyacinth bulbs have the highest quantity of poisons. Nonetheless, if you caught your cat nibbling on any part of a hyacinth plant, it is always safer to contact a veterinarian for proper treatment.
What Is Garden Hyacinth?
Hyacinths, scientifically known as hyacinthus orientalis, are common bulbed plants found throughout North America. The clusters of brightly colored blossoms that arise in the early spring make this blooming plant from the Liliaceae family highly attractive. Fragrant, trumpet or bell-like flowers in blues, purples, pinks, yellows, and whites grow in bunches on stalks. Hyacinth leaves have a succulent look and are frequently narrow in shape.
Clinical Signs of Garden Hyacinth Poisoning in Cats
Hyacinth poisoning symptoms in cats vary from mild to severe. Severe cases occur when a large quantity of hyacinth bulb has been ingested. Watch out for the following poisoning symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Oral irritation
- Breathing difficulties
- Increased heart rate
- Pawing at the mouth
- Depression
- Tremors
First Aid and Treatment of Garden Hyacinth Poisoning in Cats
Managing your cat’s symptoms is the primary care that the veterinarian will provide. This may include washing out the cat’s mouth to remove all remaining bits of plant material and soothe the irritation of the oral cavity. Inducing your cat to vomit by giving it hydrogen peroxide. And performing gastric lavage to remove all toxic contents from your cat’s stomach.
Specific medications may also be prescribed by the veterinarian depending on the extremities of your cat’s illness. Your cat may be also hospitalized as it may deem necessary in his condition.
Recovery from Garden Hyacinth Poisoning in Cats
After therapy, mild symptoms of hyacinth poisoning will gradually disappear. Your cat will most likely recover completely within 48 to 36 hours, but if he or she is experiencing severe illnesses, it may take longer.
Once you are home with your feline, give him or her an ample supply of fluids as this will aid in clearing up the stomach. Make sure to ask your vet about the post-treatment care that your cat may need.
Prevention of Garden Hyacinth Poisoning in Cats
Keep your cat occupied and mentally stimulated at home to restrict him or her from going outside. You may utilize cat playpens or cages to lessen your worries. You can also try growing cat-friendly grasses that your cat can graze on. This will minimize your cat’s curiosity in nibbling on toxic plants outdoors.
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