Dahlias are perennials that bring a splash of color to late-summer gardens. The flower blooms from mid-July until the first frost in most parts of the U. S. Smaller varieties grow well in pots, and many gardeners bring the cut flowers inside. While dahlias are lovely to look at, they are mildly toxic to cats.
Cat owners should know the signs of plant poisoning in cats. Below, we discuss what symptoms to look for and how to keep your kitty safe.
Dahlias are beautiful, summer-blooming flowers that add a pop of color to gardens. Their large, showy blooms come in a variety of colors like pink, purple, yellow, white and more. Dahlias are popular cut flowers and many people enjoy displaying them in vases around their homes.
But if you have a curious cat at home, you may be wondering – are dahlias safe for cats? Let’s take a look at whether these lovely blooms pose a risk for felines.
An Overview of Dahlia Toxicity
Dahlias are considered mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA, The toxic principles in dahlias that cause issues in cats are unknown
If a cat ingests parts of a dahlia plant, they may experience:
- Mild gastrointestinal upset
- Mild dermatitis
Consuming small amounts of dahlias may cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea or skin irritation in cats Eating larger quantities could potentially cause more severe effects.
So while dahlias are not as toxic as lilies, oleander and other highly poisonous plants, it’s best to keep cats away from dahlias.
Signs of Dahlia Poisoning in Cats
If your cat has nibbled on or consumed any part of a dahlia plant, watch them closely for signs of poisoning. Symptoms may include:
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation, redness or inflammation
- Difficulty breathing
- Elevated heart rate
If you notice any of these symptoms after your cat was exposed to dahlias, call your vet right away. Treatment within the first few hours can greatly improve the outcome.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats Dahlias
If you catch your cat nibbling on or ingesting any part of a dahlia plant, take action immediately:
- Remove your cat from the area and prevent further access to the plant.
- Check their mouth to remove any remaining plant matter. Avoid pushing material further down their throat.
- Gently wipe their face and paws to remove residual plant parts.
- Call your vet or an emergency animal hospital for advice.
- Closely monitor your cat for signs of poisoning over the next several hours.
- Take your cat to the vet clinic if you notice concerning symptoms.
Quick treatment can help minimize the effects of toxins if a cat eats dahlias. So don’t wait to see if symptoms develop – contact your vet right away.
Are All Parts of Dahlias Toxic?
All parts of the dahlia plant, including the stems, leaves, flowers and tubers, are considered toxic to cats.
The flowers seem to cause mild stomach upset most often when ingested. However, cats may also nibble on and ingest the leaves and stems. So keeping cats away from all parts of the plant is safest.
Can Cats Eat Dahlia Petals?
It’s best to avoid letting your cat nibble on or eat any dahlia petals. The ASPCA classifies dahlias as toxic to cats, so consuming the petals could lead to poisoning symptoms.
Even though the toxicity level is mild, the various toxins in the plant can still irritate a cat’s stomach and skin when ingested.
If you want to display cut dahlias in your home, keep vases and bouquets well out of your cat’s reach, such as on high shelves or surfaces.
Are Dried Dahlia Flowers Safe?
Dried dahlia flowers or other dried parts of the plant are not considered safe for cats either.
The drying process only removes the water content from the plant. It does not neutralize or destroy the natural toxins contained in the plant cells.
So your cat could absolutely still experience poisoning symptoms if they consume dried dahlia flowers, leaves, etc. It’s safest to keep all forms of the plant away from curious cats.
Can Kittens Eat Dahlias?
Kittens should not be allowed to eat or nibble on any part of a dahlia plant.
Younger cats are even more vulnerable to toxins than adult cats. Kittens also tend to be very playful and exploratory, making them more likely to chew on houseplants.
So keep dahlias and other toxic flowers well out of reach of kittens. Opt for cat grass or catnip instead to satisfy their desire to munch on greens.
Are There Other Dahlia Dangers?
In addition to the risk of poisoning from ingestion, dahlias may pose other hazards for cats:
- Irritation from the plant sap when brushed against or touched
- Puncture wounds from thorns on the stems
- Choking if a large amount is consumed
It’s best to keep cats away from dahlias to avoid these additional dangers as well. Place plants and flowers out of reach of cats and provide plenty of safe toys to play with instead.
Cat-Friendly Dahlia Alternatives
If you want to enjoy flower arrangements at home without endangering your cats, consider these feline-safe flowers instead of dahlias:
- Roses
- Sunflowers
- Orchids
- Carnations
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Petunias
- Pansies
- Snapdragons
However, supervise your cats around any plants and flowers. Even non-toxic varieties can cause stomach upset if enough is ingested.
Tips for Keeping Cats Safe Around Dahlias
If you want to grow dahlias in your garden or display cut flowers in your home, here are some tips for protecting curious cats:
- Grow dahlias in outdoor areas not accessible to cats, like fenced garden beds.
- Cut dahlias frequently to limit how much cats can access.
- Place cut flowers in high, out-of-reach spots like walls, shelves or table tops.
- Opt for flowers in hanging pots that cats can’t reach.
- Use citrus peels or other natural cat deterrents around plants.
- Provide plenty of cat-safe plants for them to nibble like cat grass.
- Keep cats indoors when working in the garden and when dahlias are in bloom.
- Block off access to outdoor garden areas with temporary fencing if needed.
With some simple precautions, you can keep your cats safe while still enjoying dahlia plants and flowers in and around your home.
Are Dahlias Toxic to Other Pets?
In addition to cats, dahlias are also considered toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. The plant can cause mild stomach and skin irritation in canines when ingested.
Dahlias are also toxic to horses, and potentially to pet birds as well. So keep dahlias and cut flowers safely out of reach of any household pets.
Dahlias are mildly toxic flowers that can cause gastrointestinal and dermatological symptoms in cats when ingested. All parts of the plant, including the tubers, stems, leaves and flowers, contain unknown toxins that are dangerous for felines.
To keep your curious cats safe, grow dahlias out of reach, display cut flowers well out of paw’s reach and never intentionally let cats nibble on or eat the plants. Be vigilant in monitoring your cats around dahlias and remove or deter access to the plants.
With some simple precautions, dahlia lovers and cat owners can safely enjoy these beautiful blooms. But do exercise caution and contact your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a dahlia plant.
What Do Dahlias Look Like?
If you want to know if your cat ate a dahlia or another plant, you must first be able to tell the difference. Dahlia flowers come in so many colors, from white to mauve and purple, that even the most experienced gardener can have trouble telling them apart. The flowers are full and bushy at peak bloom, and most dahlia varieties have pointed petals.
If you’re not sure if the plant your cat ate was really a dahlia, take a picture to show your vet. You can also put the dahlia in a plastic bag and bring it to an animal hospital or clinic.
What Happens if Your Cat Eats a Poisonous Plant Like a Dahlia?
Dahlias are on the ASPCA list of toxic plants, however what makes them mildly toxic is not known.1 They report that mild dermatitis and gastroenteritis can be seen.
Stay calm if you catch your kitty nibbling on a dahlia or other toxic plant.
- Brush any visible plant pieces from their fur.
- If it is safe to do so, take any plant matter out of their mouths. Watch out, because you don’t want your cat to bite you or choke on some dahlia pieces.
- Place your cat in a safe, secure area. You’ll have to keep an eye on them and maybe even take them to the vet. You can put them in a small room, like the bathroom.
- Call your veterinarian or local 24/7 animal hospital. Keep a pen and paper close by in case you need to write down instructions or another phone number.
- Do what the vet tells you, whether that means keeping an eye on your cat at home or taking them to the vet right away.
Plants That Are Toxic to Cats!!
FAQ
Are dahlias poisonous to cats?
Can cats be in the same room as dahlias?
What is the most toxic plant to cats?
Are dahlias toxic to cats on Reddit?
Should I take my Cat to the vet if he eats a dahlia?
If you simply notice your cat nibbling on a dahlia, you likely don’t need to rush them off to the vet unless they have an underlying gastrointestinal problem or anything that messes with their hydration. If they’re healthy cats, they may not exhibit any symptoms at all and, therefore, not need any supportive care.
Can cats recover from Dahlia poisoning?
Yes, with prompt treatment and care, cats can recover fully from dahlia poisoning. Keep an eye out for any signs of illness and work closely with your vet for the best recovery plan. How can I safely keep dahlias in my home without endangering my cat?
Are dahlias toxic?
Well, while the exact toxic principles in dahlias remain a mystery, they can lead to mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as: In rare cases, exposure could also cause slight skin irritation, known as mild dermatitis. It’s quite the hassle for your purring pals, and certainly something to steer clear of.
How do you treat Dahlia poisoning in cats?
There is no medicine that your vet can prescribe to counteract the dahlia poisoning and stop the effects. Therefore, most treatments are supportive (if your cat needs them, of course). The idea is to get the cat through the signs of dahlia poisoning alive. Typically, this includes fluid therapy, which will keep the cat hydrated.
How do you keep cats away from dahlias?
Fences: A small fence around your dahlia garden can keep your cat at bay. Plant Cages: These can protect your blooms and deter your cat. Citrus Peels: Cats dislike the scent of citrus. Scatter some around your dahlias. Commercial Repellents: Various safe ones are available tailored for keeping cats out of your plants.