When your cat is stuck indoors in the middle of winter due to the snow and cold, she likes to nibble on plants out of boredom. A majestic knight star catches your cat's eye with its bright flowers and enticing, long leaves. Your concerns about the poison content of an amaryllis are justified, as the following lines show.
Amaryllis is highly toxic to cats
Knight's star makes little cats' hearts stand still
All amaryllis varieties pose a potentially deadly threat to their feline companion. Highly toxic ingredients lurk in leaves, flowers and seeds. The toxin concentration in the onion is so high that eating just a few grams can lead to cardiac arrhythmia and even cardiac arrest. These symptoms indicate knight star poisoning:
- Increased salivation
- vomiting and diarrhea
- Visible drowsiness and staggering
- convulsions and tremors
Indoor cats and young animals are particularly at risk because their play instinct - paired with irrepressible curiosity - overrides instinct. If your cat is often in the wild, it usually has a wealth of experience that protects it from the dangers of poisonous amaryllis.
Fast action saves cats lives
If you suspect that your house tiger has nibbled on a knight star in a pot or as a cut flower in a vase, please do not waste any time experimenting. If you take these immediate measures, there are good chances of rescue:
- Remove visible remains of the plant from the mouth
- Pack it in a bag and take it with you
- Transport the cat to the vet without delay
Your four-legged friend is best looked after in the capable hands of a veterinarian. The actual cause of the poisoning is quickly identified in the laboratory so that adequate countermeasures can be initiated.