Is Celosia Poisonous for Cats? Keeping Your Cat Safe!
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Cats will play with anything you leave around your house. Even if you have mountains of toys and activities around your home, your curious kitty will find a way to play with something they shouldn’t. Most pet owners have observed their cats chewing on something and immediately responded by saying, “what is in your mouth?” However, if your precious kitty has a hold of Celosia, don’t fear—according to the ASPCA, it’s non-toxic.1
Our cats are family members and are often just as precious to us as our children. Like toddlers, cats can be curious about everything under the sun. They think a cardboard box is a great hideout, random fuzz and crumbs off the ground are new delicacies, and your houseplants are their favorite snack. Nothing is safe, not even your flowers! Cats will climb flowers, jump on them, scratch them, eat them, or even consume an entire plant.
Many cat owners keep houseplants in their home without knowing if they’re poisonous. Most common houseplants are not fatal if chewed or eaten by pets, but some species can harm your beloved felines. Never assume that because a species is poisonous your cat instinctively won’t try to eat it. All too often, pets are rushed to the vet because of an adverse reaction from houseplants.
What Is Celosia (Cocks Comb)?
Celosia, also commonly known as Cock’s Comb, is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals. The plant itself is edible and often eaten in the wild by deer. The name Celosia comes from a Greek word meaning “burned” or “fire”. Celosia plants are bright, feathery flowers that come in varying shades of red, orange, yellow, and scarlet— hence their burning, fire-like appearance. These flowers typically resemble a flaming bush.
Celosia is a small genus of edible plants from the Amaranth family. It is a flowering annual with varieties that bloom in both summer and fall.
While Celosia isn’t poisonous for cats, there are several other popular house plants, like lilies, that are toxic to pets.
What Symptoms Should You Look For if Your Cat has Been Poisoned?
Your cat’s behavior is a tell-tale sign of their current mood and health. Carefully noting any changes in your cat’s behavior is the first step in monitoring its health. The most common symptoms include irritation, inflammation, swelling, or itchiness on the skin and mouth. Other symptoms may include:
- Difficulty breathing (labored panting)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive water consumption or urination
- Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- Drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
What Do You Do If You Notice These Symptoms?
The first step is always to determine what your pet ate if possible. If it was a plant, you need to identify the species your cat has ingested. Not only will this help your vet treat your cat, but it can help you as the pet owner figure out which plants to keep in your home.
If your cat is showing symptoms and you know it ate a plant or other household toxin you can call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 213-6680 to get immediate advice.
Final Thoughts
Common household plants can cause uncommonly dangerous health problems. Aloe, Lilly, Mistletoe, Tulips, and Holly plants can be dangerous and even fatal if they’re eaten by felines. Some houseplants may cause health problems, your primary goal as a cat owner should be to keep your kitty safe at all times. Luckily, if you love Celosia plants in and around your home, your furry friends are perfectly safe!
Featured Image Credit: ignartonosbg, Pixabay
