I just want to know if it's possible that philodendron could've been the cause of my cat's death. I left town for five days, leaving my roommates to care for my two cats. When I returned, Bri (my now dead cat) was crying in pain. I immediately took her to the vet. He took blood and told me to wait until tommorow for the results before treating. She had a thickening in the abdomen he said, but there was no blockage. That night Bri was silent and still with her head on the floor (like sleeping in a very uncomfortable position). She responded very minimally and would occasionally walk a few steps to sit in a different spot. Her eyes were not blinking very much. She did not eat or drink. She urinated on the floor from the IV (given at the vet earlier). I noticed at that time my roommates had brought a philodendron and peace lily into the house. The next morning she was worse looking, moaning and looking dead. The vet said she was having a stroke with seizure like leg movements. Her blood pressure was high. She stayed in his care on oxygen. A couple of hours later her heart stopped and he couldn't revive her. Did the philodendron do this to her?
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Did philodendron kill my cat?
- Thread starter osprey
- Start Date
I'm very sorry for your loss. Both philodendron and peace lilies are toxic to cats, so it's a possibility.
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Cats
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Cats
So much pain and sorrow. I am sorry for your loss.
Taking a guess is not equivalent to knowing. Presence of a toxic plant does not mean that plant actually kill the cat. Coincidences are always possible.
To know, you need proof, that you can find following careful examination of the plants. You may find missing leaves (or parts of leaves), or you may not find. Relevance is however low in either case.
The dose, weight of the cat, individual sensitvity, way of access (digestive, respiratory etc.) are also relevant.
But there is also a possibility of coincidental disease (neither heart attack, nor toxic shock) - that couldnt be spotted by regular tests and clinic examination. One may think to a histopatologic test and organs examination to obtain more info.
Finding cause of death is a detective and coroner work.
You are so nice and wonderful person and I admire your committment to find the cause of this sad event.
Head bow for Bri the rainbow cat and hugs for you.
Taking a guess is not equivalent to knowing. Presence of a toxic plant does not mean that plant actually kill the cat. Coincidences are always possible.
To know, you need proof, that you can find following careful examination of the plants. You may find missing leaves (or parts of leaves), or you may not find. Relevance is however low in either case.
The dose, weight of the cat, individual sensitvity, way of access (digestive, respiratory etc.) are also relevant.
But there is also a possibility of coincidental disease (neither heart attack, nor toxic shock) - that couldnt be spotted by regular tests and clinic examination. One may think to a histopatologic test and organs examination to obtain more info.
Finding cause of death is a detective and coroner work.
You are so nice and wonderful person and I admire your committment to find the cause of this sad event.
Head bow for Bri the rainbow cat and hugs for you.
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I doubt it. It causes significant symptoms (see below) but not death. Same as peace lily. What your vet said sounds correct. I'm very sorry.
Ceriman
Additional Common Names: Cutleaf Philodendron, Hurricane Plant, Swiss Cheese Plant, Mexican Breadfruit
Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa
Family: Araceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
Toxic Principles: Insoluble calcium oxalates
Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
If your pet ingested this plant, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.*
