Cats are curious creatures and love to paw and nibble at plants. Clover plants are among the many plants that are poisonous to your feline. They are sometimes called shamrock, the good luck plant, or sorrel. Both cats and dogs shouldn’t eat the plant because it tastes bitter, but if your cat eats one, it might not be such “good luck” for your furry friend. How bad the poisoning is may depend on the type of clover plant your cat ate, how much it ate, and how healthy it was.
Different kinds of clover plants are in the genus Oxalis. They contain oxalic acid, which is poisonous, and you should not eat them. Small amounts of leaves may not be harmful, but cats and dogs that eat larger amounts, which doesn’t happen often, can get salivation, shaking, and kidney failure in the worst cases.
If you see your cat nibbling on a shamrock plant or if they show any other signs of being poisoned, call your vet right away.
Are Clovers Poisonous to Cats? What Cat Owners Need to Know
Clover is a common plant found in many lawns and gardens, but pet owners often wonder – are clovers poisonous to cats? This is an important question for any cat owner trying to keep their feline friends safe outdoors. In this article, we’ll explore whether clovers can be toxic to cats, the symptoms to look out for, and how to prevent potential clover poisoning
Types of Clovers
There are a few main types of clover that may grow in your yard:
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White Clover (Trifolium repens): This low-growing clover has green leaves and spreads along the ground. It has small white flowers that may turn slightly pinkish as they age.
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Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Red clover has pinkish-red flowers and is more upright than white clover. It grows taller stalks.
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Oxalis or Wood Sorrel: While not a true clover, this plant is sometimes called “lucky shamrock” and looks similar to clover. There are several oxalis species, both native and invasive.
Are Clovers Toxic to Cats?
The short answer is yes, clovers can potentially be poisonous to cats if ingested. However, the level of toxicity depends on a few factors:
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Type of Clover: White clover is generally less toxic than red clover or oxalis/wood sorrel.
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Amount Ingested: A few nibbles of a clover plant may just cause minor stomach upset. But ingesting a large amount could cause more serious toxicity.
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Individual Sensitivity: Some cats may be more sensitive and fall ill after eating even a small amount.
So in general, clovers do pose a poisoning risk to cats and should be avoided. But a small exposure here and there likely won’t cause major issues for most cats.
Clover Toxicity Symptoms in Cats
If a cat ingests a toxic amount of clover, watch for these signs of clover poisoning:
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Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea, sometimes with blood
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Loss of appetite
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Lethargy, depression
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Trembling or seizures
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Abnormal heart rate
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Collapse
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Kidney failure
If you see any of these symptoms after your cat ate clover, contact your vet immediately. Timely treatment can greatly improve the chance of recovery.
Why Are Clovers Toxic?
Clovers contain chemicals called oxalates, primarily oxalic acid. When consumed in large amounts, oxalates can be poisonous to both humans and animals.
Oxalates may also combine with the calcium in an animal’s bloodstream to form sharp crystals. These can then lodge in the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and digestive tract. This leads to kidney damage, abdominal pain, and obstructed urinary tracts.
In the case of red clover, there is also concern about phytoestrogens and blood-thinning compounds in this plant.
Preventing Clover Poisoning in Cats
Here are some tips to keep your cat safe from clover toxicity:
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Remove or mow clovers in your yard frequently to prevent growth. Focus on removing red clover first, as it’s more dangerous.
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Avoid planting clovers in gardens and landscaping. Choose cat-safe grass seeds and plants instead.
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Keep indoor cats away from potted clover plants or fresh clover bouquets.
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Monitor outdoor cats when they are exploring the yard and divert their attention if you see them nibbling clovers. Offer a toy or treat instead.
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Consider leashing or building an outdoor cat enclosure to restrict access to unwanted areas.
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Train cats to avoid certain plants and areas with deterrents like citrus peels or cat-safe repellent sprays.
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If you suspect clover poisoning, call your vet right away. Do not wait for symptoms to escalate. Quick treatment is critical.
What to Do if Your Cat Eats Clover
First, try to identify what type and how much clover was consumed. Remove all remaining clover plants immediately.
For small exposures under 24 hours ago where your cat seems fine, just monitor for any symptoms over the next day or two. Offer food and water and call your vet with any concerns.
If you catch your cat actively eating clover or see symptoms within the last few hours:
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Call your vet or pet poison control right away for treatment advice.
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Vomiting may be recommended, but only under a vet’s direction. Improper vomiting can worsen the damage.
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Bring a sample of the plant with you to the vet’s office. Proper identification helps determine toxicity.
With quick action, most cats recover well from clover poisoning. But delayed treatment can lead to kidney failure, seizures, coma, and even death in some cases. So always call your vet promptly if clover poisoning is suspected.
Safe Alternatives to Clovers
Since clovers can be dangerous, cat owners may want to remove clover and replant their yard with cat-friendly alternatives such as:
- Wheat grass
- Rye
- Fescue
- Bermuda grass
- Carex
- Catmint
- Catnip
- Lemongrass
- Rosemary
Research any plants before allowing cats access to make sure they are rated non-toxic for felines. Focus on grass varieties and herbs known to be safe if ingested.
Protect Your Cat from Clover Poisoning
Signs of Clover Toxicity
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Pain
- Tremors
- Loss of Appetite
- Drooling
Signs of Kidney Failure
Among other causes, acute kidney failure can be the result of eating something toxic, such as a plant. When a cat eats something poisonous there are different mechanisms that can affect the kidney function. Soluble calcium oxalates bind to calcium in your cat’s body and form crystals in its kidneys and urinary tract. In addition to this, the calcium levels in your cat’s bloodstream drop resulting in hypocalcemia. As a result, your cat may appear very sick.
Plants That Are Toxic to Cats!!
FAQ
Is clover toxic to cats?
Is clover safe for pets?
Can clovers be poisonous?
Are clover sprouts safe for cats?
Are clover plants poisonous to cats?
Clover plants are among the many plants that are poisonous to your feline. They are sometimes called shamrock, the good luck plant, or sorrel. The bitter taste of the plant should deter cats and dogs from eating it, but if your cat is feasting on one of them, it may not be such “good luck” for your furry friend.
What are the dangers of eating Cloves?
Cloves are flower buds commonly consumed as food. They have a distinct flavor and aroma. Clove spice is used in cigarettes while clove essential oil is used medicinally. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if eating cloves in larger than typical amounts is safe although it is possible that consumption of large amounts of clove oil may be unsafe. For example, clove essential oil contains a compound called eugenol, which may slow blood clotting. If enough is consumed it might cause bleeding in people with bleeding disorders or in individuals taking anti-coagulant medications. Eugenol, the primary compound in clove essential oil is toxic in high amounts and overdosing on clove oil may cause liver damage. For medicinal use, it is best to work with an herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner for appropriate guidance.
Can cats eat Clover?
The bitter taste of the plant should deter cats and dogs from eating it, but if your cat is feasting on one of them, it may not be such “good luck” for your furry friend. The severity of the poisoning may depend on the type of clover plant, the quantity ingested, and the health of your cat.
Can cats eat clovers?
Although clovers have a bitter taste that usually deters cats from consuming large amounts, clovers can cause poisoning in cats if ingested in significant amounts. The Shamrock, Sorrel, or Oxalis plant is harmful to cats, as well as dogs and people. For more information about clovers, their varieties, and their effects on cats, continue reading.
Are plants poisonous to cats?
Many common plants are toxic for cats and may cause irritation of the skin, mouth, or stomach, organ damage, or other adverse effects. Typically, a plant that’s poisonous to cats is the result of a compound or substance, which is present throughout the plant.
What are the common red clover side effects?
Red clover, when taken as a supplement as recommended has no evidence of toxicity. Side effects that have been reported include nausea, muscle aches, loose stools, and light vaginal bleeding or spotting. Red clover has been used with apparent safety for as long as 3 years in clinical studies, according to the NCCIH Natural Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health. It is possible that unknown medication interactions exist. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking a new supplement with your doctor or other knowledgeable healthcare practitioner.