Is Aglaonema Poisonous to Cats and Dogs?

Is Aglaonema Poisonous? the aglaonema plant, despite its attractive foliage, is supposedly a poisonous houseplant. Okay, well, let’s check this out.

One of the most well-liked indoor plants is the Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen), and the fact that it may come in a range of colors, from dark green and silver to scarlet, gives it a unique look that complements the furnishings in your house. Flowers appear either in the spring or the summer on older plants, and their leaves are always broad, thin, and glossy oval shapes that are arranged on short stems.

Since of their slow growth rate, Chinese evergreens make great interior foliage plants because they can be kept in a container and their care is minimal throughout the year.

However, there are several plants that are poisonous to cats, and as a result, you need to exercise caution around those plants. One of these plants is the Aglaonema, sometimes called the Chinese Evergreen because of its appearance. Aglaonema is toxic to humans, dogs, and cats in addition to being toxic to cats.

The question is, how toxic are they? How can you prevent harm from coming to your cat? What makes them toxic is. In this post, we will address not just these questions but also others along these lines.

Is Aglaonema Poisonous to Cats and Dogs?

No, Aglaonema should not be given to cats. In point of fact, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that Chinese evergreens or Aglaonema are poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses. This occurs as a result of the existence of toxic insoluble calcium oxalates as the principal constituent.

This particular plant is toxic to the health of felines due to the presence of a class of compounds known as insoluble calcium oxalates, that are capable of inducing serious illness in felines. Sadly, these are not the only plants that contain this toxin; other plants do as well. The following are some examples of some common plants that contain this chemical: Philodendron, Elephant’s Ear, Pothos, Schefflera, Umbrella Plant, Peace Lilies, Arrowhead, Dumbcane, Dieffenbachia, Calla Lilies,

These crystals are released from the plant in the event that your cat companion nibbles or chews on a Chinese evergreen plant.

After penetrating tissue, these crystals can cause excruciating pain as well as irritate the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract. In extreme situations, they cause edema of the upper airway, which leads to difficulty breathing because of the restricted airflow.

What Signs and Symptoms Indicate Aglaonema Toxicity in Cats?

Get your cat to an emergency vet immediately if you suspect he has eaten any of your Aglaonema plants. Some signs to keep an eye out for in your cats:

Oral irritation
Trouble swallowing
Swelling of the throat
Choking
Excessive drooling
Redness, swelling, and pain in the mouth and lips

These symptoms may appear immediately or up to two hours after the administration of the substance. Following ingestion of the poison, it is possible that your cat will continue to exhibit the symptoms that have been described above for up to two weeks.

When used in higher quantities, Chinese evergreens/Aglaonema can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, extreme difficulty breathing, and rapid, short gasps (dyspnea).

Can Chinese Evergreen Poisoning Be Recovered From?

Even severe cases of calcium oxalate poisoning do not preclude the possibility of a full recovery. However, in the most severe cases, there may already be damage to the liver and kidneys that are permanent.

What Must You Do If Your Cat or Dog Consumes Aglaonema?

It is imperative that you take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible if you know or think that they have consumed Aglaonema. Your veterinarian will be able to determine whether or not they have Aglaonema poisoning based on a combination of seeing their symptoms and conducting a blood test. After determining whether or not a substance is toxic, your veterinarian may recommend that you make your cat vomit in order to rid its body of the poison and clean out its digestive tract.

In 12 to 24 hours after ingestion, the majority of poisoned pets, even cats, are able to make a full recovery.

If your cat is experiencing more severe gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea, it is imperative that you keep a close eye on it to look for symptoms of dehydration. Ensure that the patient receives a suitable amount of fluid intake if it is required.

We can give the cat an antihistamine medicine not just as a preventative precaution but also in circumstances where there is visible oral edema. This will help prevent or minimize swelling, as well as discomfort and obstructions of the airways. There is also the possibility of taking a prescription to calm the stomach and intestines.

READ: How to Care for a Pedilanthus Plant (Devil’s Backbone, Zig-Zag Plant)?

What You Can Do to Prevent Your Cat or Dog From Eating Aglaonema?

You are well aware that your cat should not come into contact with the Aglaonema plant since it contains a substance that is toxic to cats and dogs. Due to the fact that cats are naturally inquisitive creatures, this is typically easier said than done.

The most effective strategy to protect your cat from the dangers posed by Aglaonema is to remove the plant from its environment entirely. The same is true for any plants that cats should avoid because they are poisonous. Having a cat and having a passion for plants, on the other hand, can make this task a little more challenging. When you have a Chinese Evergreen or Aglaonema plant within your home, here are some safety measures you may take to protect your cat.

Put the Aglaonema/Chinese evergreens in a plant terrarium to keep them healthy and happy.
Make use of various repellents that are safe for both pets and humans. You could also try some home cures, such as lemon peels and sprays made from lemons.
Place your Chinese evergreen in places of your home that your cats do not frequently visit.
To satisfy your cat’s desires, provide alternative plants that are safe and secure, such as grass that is friendly to pets.
To prevent your cat from becoming bored, increase the amount of playtime she gets.
Spraying your cat with water every time it comes near the Aglaonema will teach it not to eat plants and will prevent it from doing so in the future.
Make sure to use dry deterrents if you are growing these Aglaonema outside. They are more resistant to the effects of moisture.

Is aglaonema toxic to humans?

When consumed by humans or animals, aglaonema is known to have toxic effects. Rashes, localized pain, and mucous membrane irritation are among other symptoms that individuals may experience.

Poisoning can occur in both human beings and animals due to the presence of insoluble oxalates in the substance.

READ: Royal Begonia (Rex) – Complete Care Guide

Conclusion

The Aglaonema plant (Chinese Evergreen) can be toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Even while your cat is probably not going to die from the toxicity, it can still cause serious illness and symptoms. If you follow the advice given above, you should be able to care for both the cat and your plants without putting the well-being of either of your four-legged friends in jeopardy.