Morning glory is popularly grown for its showy trumpet-shaped flowers and appealing leaves. While most morning glory species add beauty to gardens and homes, this plant contains indole alkaloids such as lysergic acid, lysergamide, elymoclavine, and chanoclavine, which can affect cats.
Natural LSD or lysergic acid typically works by interfering with the serotonin’s natural activity in the brain, resulting in delusions, stupor, or hallucinations. If your cat consumed a portion of the morning glory plant, it may become more aggressive, lose its ability to stand, or become drowsy with heavy panting.
What Is Morning Glory?
Morning glory or scientifically called ipomoea species consists of over 1,000 species of flowering plants belonging to the family Convolvulaceae. The majority of morning glory flowers bloom in the early morning, as the name suggests. The blooms typically begin to fade a few hours before the corolla begins to curl visibly. Morning glories such as Ipomoea muricata, Ipomoea alba, and Ipomoea macrorhiza, on the other hand, bloom at night.
Clinical Signs of Morning Glory Poisoning in Cats
Although not all morning glory species are harmful, some species might produce significant symptoms if taken in sufficient quantities. In cats, morning glory seeds have been found to produce hallucinations. Other warning signals of morning glory poisoning that cat owners should look out for include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increase in aggression
- Inability to stand
- Lack of coordination
- Lethargy with excessive panting
- Hallucinations
First Aid and Treatment of Morning Glory Poisoning in Cats
Veterinary intervention is still essential to be on the safe side, whether the symptoms of your cat are only mild to moderate. According to your cat’s needs, the veterinarian will most likely administer symptomatic and supportive medication. Inducing vomiting, intravenous hydration therapy, and the administration of activated charcoal are all possible treatments. Your veterinarian may also prescribe medicine to help your cat with other symptoms.
Recovery from Morning Glory Poisoning in Cats
Generally, cats fully recuperate from morning glory poisoning within 24 to 48 hours. Before going home from the veterinary office, discuss with the veterinarian if there is any post-treatment care that you should give your cat. Take preventative measures to avoid another plant poisoning incident.
Prevention of Morning Glory Poisoning in Cats
Morning glories are not recommended to be grown within a residence with cats living in it. Make sure to remove this plant from your gardens. Limit your cat from going outside your house to lessen the possibility of an encounter with morning glory and other poisonous plants that may be growing in your neighborhood.
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