Some plants are dangerous for our pets. For example, can you recognize begonia poisoning in cats? Here’s what to know.
As we know our cats are curious animals, attracted to every little thing that moves in front of their path. But not only that: flowers and plants also attract them, with their scents to discover. Some, however, can be very dangerous to your health. Can you recognize the symptoms of begonia poisoning in cats? Here’s what to know about it.
The begonia
Begonias are a very common variety of flowering plants. They adorn our terraces or the flower beds of our condominiums with their flowers. They have large, colorful flowers, and give off a nice scent. But for the cat it is a dangerous plant.
In fact, if the cat ingested a small part of the plant, it would incur begonia poisoning. This is why it is not recommended to keep these plants, at least in places that are accessible to our cat.
In fact, begonia contains in large quantities the so-called oxalate. This substance once ingested can cause irritation to the animal, involving all the organs of the cat’s digestive system.
Symptoms of begonia poisoning in cats
It is good to reassure yourself right away. Normally begonia poisoning does not endanger the life of the cat, as long as it is treated immediately by taking the animal to the vet immediately. Timeliness, as always, avoids more harmful consequences.
But how to recognize the symptoms of begonia poisoning? Here are the main ones
Excessive salivation
Dehydration
Difficulty in swallowing
Lack of appetite
Redness of the oral cavities
He retched
It is very important to recognize these symptoms and to understand that prompt action must be taken. Of course, you may be aware of the danger begonias pose to the cat. Maybe you have them in a place that is inaccessible to him, but it can always happen that the cat escapes and enters them.
Just as it is probable to live in a condominium in whose common areas this plant is present. In short, it is always good to have a clear vision of the places where the cat can access and those where it is forbidden.
Never do it yourself diagnosis
As much as you may have recognized the symptoms of begonia poisoning, avoid taking personal initiatives. Always and exclusively entrust yourself to a veterinarian. It will be he who will analyze the actual substance that the cat has ingested and choose the correct therapy.
Blood tests are usually done. If the cat has vomited something, he will collect a sample and give it to the vet. It could make it easier to identify the substance ingested by the cat, especially if you have not seen with your own eyes that the cat ate the begonia.
If you have this plant at home or in the common areas of the condominium, report the circumstance to the veterinarian. It could be a decisive factor in decreasing the timing of diagnosis.
Treatment of begonia poisoning in cats
As mentioned in most cases begonia poisoning does not endanger the life of the cat. So usually in a few days the cat will be as good as ever again. It is necessary that you observe a period of rest, and a diet of liquid foods, which facilitate the process of purification of the stomach and intestines of the cat.
If the cat has any pain, anti-inflammatories will also be needed to be administered always for a few days. If dehydrated, the cat may also need to be given a drip. In more severe cases of begonia poisoning, recovery times may be significantly longer.
In fact, it could take up to two weeks; in this case, however, it will also be necessary to assess whether the internal organs of the cat have suffered any damage.
