Content
- Oleander - beautiful but deadly poisonous for cats
- Oleander deadly poisonous to humans and animals
- For symptoms of intoxication as soon as possible to the vet
- Tips
Eating oleander can kill cats and humans
Oleander - beautiful but deadly poisonous for cats
The oleander (Nerium oleander) is also a popular shrub for home and garden in this country. However, the up to five-meter-tall shrub, which belongs to the family of the dogbane family, is highly poisonous with its elongated leaves and numerous flowers.
Oleander deadly poisonous to humans and animals
All parts of the plant contain the cardioactive glycosides neroside and oleandrin, which attack the cardiovascular system until the time of cardiac arrest. In many animals, even very small amounts are enough to cause severe symptoms of poisoning or even death. For example, cats like to nibble on the leaves or whip their claws on the oleander's wood - both behaviors are potentially fatal. Incidentally, oleander is highly toxic not only to animals but also to humans.
For symptoms of intoxication as soon as possible to the vet
A poisoning with the poison of the oleander makes itself first by (also bloody) diarrhea as well as vomiting noticeable. In the further course, the pupils dilate, the animal is feverish (or, depending on the amount of poison taken, it develops an undertemperature) and is tormented by convulsions. In case of severe poisoning, cardiac arrhythmias may also be added, which may ultimately lead to cardiac arrest. As soon as you notice any of these signs, you should consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect something. Treated quickly, the cat can usually be rescued. The veterinarian will give the animal infusions of toxic drugs and treat the vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, the cat receives heart-strengthening medicine.
Tips
If you have pets and / or small children at home, you better avoid oleander. There are a variety of beautiful flowering shrubs that have no lethally toxic effect on the animal or human organism.