If you have a cat, you should rather avoid one or the other green plant in the apartment, because many indoor plants are poisonous for the little house tiger. Unfortunately, the decorative and easy-care elephant foot also belongs in this category.
Cats like to nibble on indoor plants
The long narrow leaves easily tempt cats to play with or nibble on them. Unfortunately, the elephant's foot is not only poisonous for cats but also for other animals and small children. It is best to consider this before you buy it, but at the latest when choosing a location. Make sure that the plant is not within the reach of animals or small children.
What symptoms can elephant foot cause?
The first symptoms of elephant foot poisoning may not be easy to spot from the outside, and include malaise, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Visual disturbances, abdominal pain and cramps are also among the symptoms that can be difficult to recognise. If you suspect your cat of nibbling on the elephant's foot, watch the animal closely.
At the latest when your cat vomits after nibbling on the elephant's foot, you should prick up your ears. Repeated consumption can also lead to chronic intestinal inflammation, which is very painful for your animal. In this case, take your cat to the vet immediately.
The essentials in brief:
- Toxic for cats, small animals and birds, but also for small children
- contains saponins
- possible symptoms: feeling unwell, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, cramps
- can cause gastroenteritis and chronic intestinal inflammation
tips
If you have a cat, do without an elephant foot or place it where your pet cannot reach it.