Being a cat parent is a beautiful experience. Their little meows can melt your heart and make you happy. However, caring for a pet is not easy. You might be surprised to learn that certain houseplants are highly toxic to cats. Ingesting or even coming into contact with these may lead to several symptoms, requiring an urgent vet visit in some cases. Below are seven such plants to keep away from your feline friend:

Lilies
There are several varieties of lilies, such as stargazer lilies, Easter lilies, Asiatic lilies, Japanese show lilies, and Western lilies. These are popular for decorating the home or growing on the front lawn. But unfortunately, almost all varieties of this plant are toxic to cats in different intensities. Ingestion of any part, even the pollen, can have severe consequences like kidney failure. So, if you suspect your cat has been in contact with a lily plant, get in touch with a vet to prevent an adverse event. Also, try to avoid lilies at home.

Oleanders
This beautiful flowering plant is common in places with warm weather. It is fragrant and easy to grow, making it suitable for the house. But oleanders have specific chemicals that affect the heart muscle of cats. As a result, they are at an increased risk of complications like arrhythmias, cardiac irritability, and depolarization. The common symptoms of ingestion are drooling, tremors, and diarrhea. Remember that all parts of this plant are toxic. This includes the water in which they are stored if planted at home.

Sago palm
This is another houseplant popular in warm climates but with several toxic compounds. While all parts of the plant can be dangerous, the seeds have the highest toxicity. Ingesting this plant can lead to severe health issues like vomiting, liver damage, liver failure, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and bruising. The signs may take several hours to appear, but you may need a quick vet visit even if your cat gobbles down a tiny amount.

Azaleas
Azaleas look beautiful, and there are almost 1,000 species in multiple colors. They grow in different weather conditions, making them suitable for homes in several locations. But sadly, azaleas are dangerous for cats, with the severity level ranging from moderate to severe. All parts of this plant are toxic, and ingestion can cause health problems like lack of appetite, drooling, diarrhea, transient blindness, heart arrhythmias, weakness, and tremors. The symptoms may take between 20 minutes to two hours to manifest.

Daffodils
Daffodils often feature on the list of most beautiful flowers in the world. But they also feature among the toxic plants for cats. This is because all the parts of this plant have a poisonous agent, with the bulbs posing the most significant threat. Common health issues include extremely low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, drooling, vomiting, convulsions, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause tissue irritation in some cases.

Kalanchoe
Also known as the “Mother of thousands,” kalanchoe is a popular choice for a flowering houseplant. Many people love its beautiful bloom during spring, which lasts for several weeks. But this plant is a strict no-no if you have little furry cats. It has a toxic agent that can cause diarrhea, drooling, vomiting, and other health problems in felines. Some symptoms can be severe, like seizures, collapse, and heart arrhythmias.

Cyclamen
This plant also goes by “Sowbread” and “Persian violet.” There are over 20 species of the Cyclamen plant, and they are generally kept indoors. All the parts of the plant are dangerous since they contain a toxic element, but the roots and tubers pose the greatest threat. Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs you can observe in cats if they come in contact with this plant. Other symptoms include abnormal heart rate and seizures.

It is best to not to grow the above plants at home. If you already have them, ensure to keep your furry friend at a safe distance and check on them if they tend to wander near the plant.

Besides the plants mentioned above, cats might experience other ailments such as flea, heartworm , and tick infestation. The best way to prevent these is to bathe your cat regularly, wash their fur, and keep the surroundings clean. If already affected by fleas, heartworm , or ticks, a few treatments may help:

BRAVECTO
This is a vet-recommended and FDA-approved treatment for killing fleas and ticks. It even keeps them away for around 12 weeks, longer than many alternatives available. Contact your vet to determine the correct dosage of BRAVECTO depending on the problem’s severity.

Simparica
Simparica is used to treat fleas and ticks in dogs; however, you need to check if it is safe to use on cats. Always consult your vet before using any treatment option for your pets.

K9 Advantix II
K9 Advantix II can kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes in dogs. But make sure to check if it can be used on cats. Always consult your vet before looking for a treatment option for your pets.

Cats need adequate care and attention for a healthy and content life. Apart from good food and love, keep a check on their surroundings so that they can live in a risk-free environment.