Cats will most generally stick to grass when need be to ingest greenery. However, some cats may be more curious than others, so it is wise to keep certain poisonous herbs and flora away from their territory.

Some of the most common poisonous plants for ones cat can be amaryllis, azaleas, black locust, castor bean, cyclamen, foxglove, kalanchoe, larkspur, lilies, monkshood, oleanders, sago palms, and yew. Some other plants may cause slight reactions, but these previously listed ones in particular can be very harmful and even deadly for your beloved cat.

One thing to keep in mind is that even if the cat stays away from the singular plant that can be poisonous, there are other things to consider on virtually harmless plants. The use of pesticides or growth chemicals in some gardens can also prove poisonous for cats. If you are a cat owner, opt for natural pest control in garden areas and grass.

Some herbs which should not be given to cats are chamomile, alfalfa, and mushrooms. These thin the blood and if the cat were to get hurt, excessive bleeding would occur. Red clover is also particularly deadly to cats. Bilberry and ginko biloba, garlic, ginseng, tea tree oil, peppermint, cinnamon, thyme, pennyroyal, ginger, licorice and golden seal should also be kept away from your cat.

Each herb has particular properties which can affect your cat. For example boswellia, cayenne, celery seed, yellow dock, comfrey, borage, colt’s foot, chaparral and lavender are known to initiate kidney and liver damage in felines. The effects can be anywhere from mild discomfort to serious issues such as kidney stones and severe and permanent liver damage.

There are many herbs which can also be beneficial for your cat in order to treat existing conditions. Catnip can be used not only to entertain your cat but to treat upset stomach and gas symptoms. Quackgrass can be used to treat urinary tract infections as well.

To be safe, one should keep an eye on their cat and make sure that if they are free to roam outside they stay away from a neighboring yard. One never knows what they spray their gardens with. Some pesticides can be sweet and invite the cat to lick or ingest it with the possibility of fatal results.

If you spot your cat acting strangely after a trip to the neighbors, take it to the vet without delay to be on the safe side. Not only could it have ingested a type of plant which was poisonous to cats, but it might have hunted a rodent which has ingested poison meant to eliminate it, which can cause your cat toxic shock.

Bottom line is that to keep your pet safe and sound, vigilance is key. Look out for weird and unnatural behaviors such as lethargy and excessive hiding or grass eating, which usually mean they are trying to eliminate something they might have eaten earlier which is causing them discomfort. Take care of your cat and make sure they have a healthy and well-balanced diet.