String Of Dolphins Toxic To Cats: A Comprehensive Guide

Oleh Janice Gerlach June 15, 2023 Post a Comment

As pet owners, we all care about the safety and well-being of our furry friends. And when it comes to indoor plants, we need to be extra cautious as some of them can be toxic to our pets. One such plant that has been in the limelight lately is the "String of Dolphins." In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this plant and understand why it may not be ideal for homes with cats.

What is String of Dolphins?

The string of dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) is a succulent plant that belongs to the daisy family. Its unique feature is its leaves that resemble tiny jumping dolphins, which makes it an attractive houseplant. The plant is native to South Africa and is relatively easy to care for, making it a popular option for indoor gardening enthusiasts.

Why is the String of Dolphins Toxic to Cats?

While the String of Dolphins may look adorable, it can be dangerous for your feline friend. The plant contains toxins that can cause adverse reactions in cats upon ingestion. The toxins are called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can affect the liver and cause irreversible damage.

Symptoms of String of Dolphins Poisoning in Cats

If you suspect that your cat has ingested any part of the String of Dolphins plant, you should keep a close eye on them and look out for the following symptoms:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Jaundice
Increased thirst and urination
Seizures

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to take your cat to the vet immediately.

How to Treat String of Dolphins Poisoning in Cats?

The treatment for String of Dolphins poisoning in cats involves hospitalization and supportive care. The vet may induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the toxins. They may also provide intravenous fluids to help flush out the toxins from the cat's system.

Alternatives to String of Dolphins for Cat-Friendly Homes

If you're a cat owner and looking for safe plant options for your home, here are some alternatives to String of Dolphins:

Spider Plant
Boston Fern
African Violet
Bamboo Palm
Parlor Palm

These plants are non-toxic to cats and can add a touch of greenery to your home without posing any risks to your furry friend.

How to Keep Your Cat Safe Around Houseplants?

Apart from being cautious about the plants you bring home, there are a few other measures you can take to ensure your cat's safety around houseplants:

Keep plants out of reach: Place plants on high shelves or hanging baskets where your cat can't reach them.
Provide alternative chewing options: Cats love to chew on plants, so providing safe alternatives like cat grass can keep them satisfied.
Train your cat: Train your cat to stay away from plants by using positive reinforcement techniques.
Observe your cat's behavior: Keep an eye on your cat's behavior around plants and intervene if necessary.

Can String of Pearls be Toxic to Cats as Well?

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is another popular succulent that resembles the String of Dolphins. While it doesn't contain the same toxins as the String of Dolphins, it can still be harmful to cats if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting in cats.

Is String of Dolphins Toxic to Other Pets?

While String of Dolphins is known to be toxic to cats, it may not pose the same risk to other pets like dogs or rabbits. However, it's always best to keep the plant away from all pets to be on the safe side.

How to Identify String of Dolphins?

String of Dolphins can be identified by its unique leaves that resemble tiny jumping dolphins. The leaves are green and oval-shaped with a pointed tip. The plant grows long, trailing stems with small, white flowers that bloom in the summer.

How to Care for String of Dolphins?

If you're looking to add a String of Dolphins plant to your collection, here are some care tips:

Place the plant in bright, indirect light.
Water the plant when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
Fertilize the plant every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Prune the plant regularly to encourage bushy growth.

Can String of Dolphins be Harmful to Humans?

While String of Dolphins is known to be toxic to cats, it may not pose any harm to humans unless ingested in large quantities. However, it's essential to handle the plant with care and avoid direct contact with the sap as it can cause skin irritation.

In conclusion, the String of Dolphins plant may look cute and charming, but it can be toxic to cats due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloids content. As pet owners, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with indoor plants and take necessary precautions to keep our furry friends safe. By choosing cat-friendly plants and adopting good houseplant practices, we can have a thriving indoor garden without compromising our pet's health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is String of Dolphins poisonous to cats?

Yes, the String of Dolphins plant is toxic to cats due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloids content.

2. What are the symptoms of String of Dolphins poisoning in cats?

The symptoms of String of Dolphins poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, jaundice, increased thirst and urination, and seizures.

3. How can I treat String of Dolphins poisoning in cats?

4. What are some cat-friendly plant alternatives to String of Dolphins?

Some cat-friendly plant alternatives to String of Dolphins include Spider Plant, Boston Fern, African Violet, Bamboo Palm, and Parlor Palm.

5. Can String of Pearls be toxic to cats as well?

Yes, String of Pearls can be harmful to cats if ingested due to its calcium oxalate crystals content.

6. How can I keep my cat safe around houseplants?

You can keep your cat safe around houseplants by keeping plants out of reach, providing alternative chewing options, training your cat, and observing your cat's behavior.

7. How do I identify String of Dolphins?

String of Dolphins can be identified by its unique leaves that resemble tiny jumping dolphins.

8. Is String of Dolphins toxic to other pets?

While String of Dolphins is known to be toxic to cats, it may not pose the same risk to other pets like dogs or rabbits.

9. How do I care for String of Dolphins?

To care for String of Dolphins, place the plant in bright, indirect light, water it when the topsoil feels dry to the touch, use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes, fertilize every 2-3 months during the growing season, and prune the plant regularly.

10. Is String of Dolphins harmful to humans?

String of Dolphins may not pose any harm to humans unless ingested in large quantities. However, it's essential to handle the plant with care and avoid direct contact with the sap as it can cause skin irritation.