Mums are a shortened term for Chrysanthemums, a brilliant flower that blooms in late summer and grows to be 4 to 36 inches tall by 12 to 36 inches broad. Because of the diversity of hues available, this is a popular flower among gardeners.
Mums are well known for their use at high school homecomings when the girls will wear traditional “Mums” to both school and the homecoming. Although they are lovely flowers, it is vital to be aware of the dangers they can pose to your cats.
So, is are mums toxic to cats?
Yes, mums are toxic to cats causing everything from diarrhoea to lethargy if ingested. This bright and colourful flower is harmful to your cat.
This article will tell you why should keep your cat and mums apart and what effects it has on your cat.
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What Are Mums?
Chrysanthemums, sometimes called mums or chrysanths, are flowering plants of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae.
Mums are indigenous to East Asia and northern Europe. The majority of species are from East Asia, with China being the center of variety. There are numerous horticultural kinds and cultivars.
Mums are either herbaceous perennials or subshrubs. They have alternately arranged leaves that are separated into leaflets with serrated or smooth edges.
The compound inflorescence is an arrangement of numerous flower heads, although it might be a single head.
The base of the cranium is coated in phyllary layers. The simple row of ray florets is white, yellow, or red; however, many horticultural specimens have been cultivated to display multiple rows of ray florets in a wide range of colors.
Yellow disc florets are found in wild taxa. Pollen grains are 34 microns in size. A ribbed achene is a fruit.
Chrysanthemums begin flowering in early October. This is also known as the flower of the month of November.
Mums aren’t as pricey as many perennials, so you may plant them as annuals if you like without worrying about wasting money on something that won’t last more than a season. If you’re an impulse buyer, you’ll probably be unable to resist pots of bright mums this fall.
Are Mums(Chrysanthemums) Poisonous To Cats?
Yes, mums(chrysanthemums) are poisonous to cats.
While it may appear that a fluffy kitten rolling about among multicolored mums (Chrysanthemum spp.) – a sensitive perennial that thrives in USDA zones 5 through 9 – is the cutest thing ever, the chrysanthemum flower and cats do not get along.
Mums are toxic to cats, dogs, horses, and even wild animals, so you’ll need to take extra steps to keep your beloved furry companion safe from this plant-based partner in cuteness.
Because they contain substances known as sesquiterpene lactones, which are terpenoids that serve various purposes inside the plant, chrysanthemum species, particularly popular daisy mums (often just called daisies), are harmful to animals such as cats.
Sesquiterpene lactones (SQL) are found in the leaves and flower heads of plants and can irritate the eyes, nose, and gastrointestinal tract.
Farmers often refer to the sneezing and vomiting caused by these toxic substances as “sneezeweed poisoning” or “spewing sickness” when the plants are consumed by livestock.
Some chrysanthemum blooms contain pyrethrins, a type of naturally occurring insecticide, in addition to other irritants.
Pyrethrins can stimulate the neurological system when they are touched or consumed. It’s no surprise that pyrethrins are the basis for man-made pyrethroids, which are found in over 2,000 registered pesticide products, according to the National Pesticide Information Center.
While this makes pyrethrins lethal to many insects, their toxicity is lower in larger animals, rendering them largely an irritant.
In most cases, the mum plant does not cause severe poisoning in cats. If your cat eats the mum plant, he or she may get gastrointestinal problems. To relieve your cat’s suffering, take it to the vet as soon as possible.
The mum plant, often known as the chrysanthemum, is a common garden plant that is extremely poisonous to cats.
Chrysanthemums come in a variety of species, all of which are hazardous to cats. The mum plant is distinguished by its shrub-like shape and hundreds of purple or yellow flowers.
Lactones, pyrethrins, and sesquiterpene are among the chemicals in the mum plant that is harmful to cats.
Mum plant blooms and bulbs are poisonous to cats because they contain lactones and pyrethrin, which induce digestive discomfort.
Eating any portion of the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, skin rashes, and loss of coordination, however, it is not fatal.
Chrysanthemums, another beautiful flower you’ve probably noticed on your quarantine-inspired walks, are somewhat hazardous to cats.
What’s more, they include pyrethrins, a substance found in many canine flea and tick treatments that is extremely toxic to cats.
In most cases, the mum plant does not cause severe poisoning in cats. If your cat eats the mum plant, he or she may get gastrointestinal problems.
To relieve your cat’s suffering, take it to the vet as soon as possible. The mum plant, often known as the chrysanthemum, is a common garden plant that is extremely poisonous to cats.
Why Are Mums(Chrysanthemums) Poisonous?
Mums are poisonous to cats as it contains several poisons like pyrethrins.
Mums are a beautiful fall plant that may be used both outside and within the home. Mums are harmful to dogs and cats if consumed in large quantities.
Cats are more susceptible to harmful consequences than dogs. Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, lack of coordination, and inappetence are all symptoms of hazardous exposure.
Symptoms can be apparent in cats within a few hours. Sensitive cats may also show signs of dermatitis from merely coming into physical contact with mums.
Mums contain pyrethrins, sesquiterpene lactones, and other potentially irritating chemicals, among which are pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones.
Symptoms range from skin irritation to hyper-salvation as a result of these poisons. They have these toxins to act as pest control, and Mums rarely have pest problems as a result of this.
What is Mum Plant (Chrysanthemums) Poisoning In Cats?
If your cat ingests mum plant and is showing signs of discomfort, it is known as mum plant poisoning in cats.
In most cases, the mum plant does not cause severe poisoning in cats. However, if your cat consumes the mum plant, he or she may have gastrointestinal problems. Take your cat to the clinic as soon as possible to alleviate its pain.
The mum plant, sometimes known as the chrysanthemum plant, is a common garden plant that is extremely deadly to cats.
There are various chrysanthemum species, all of which are hazardous to cats. The mum plant is distinguished by its shrub-like shape and hundreds of purple or yellow flowers. Lactones, pyrethrins, and sesquiterpenes are among the poisonous chemicals found in the mum plant.
What Happens If Cats Eat Mums(Chrysanthemums)?
If a cat eats mums it can show several symptoms of poisoning because of toxic elements such as SQL and pyrethrins present in mums. The ASPCA and other sources report that cats can suffer a variety of issues around mums. If they ingest part of a chrysanthemum flower, cats may experience the following symptoms: –
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling (also known as hypersalivation)
- Loss of coordination
- Lack of appetite
Although particular parts of the plant may contain larger quantities of components that are harmful to cats, it’s best to presume that the plant is toxic in its entirety.
When it comes to mums, keep in mind that both dogs and cats can get sick if they get a taste of the flowers, so keep your pets and mum pots away.
Furthermore, animals may inhale vomited material back into their lungs, resulting in death, inhalation pneumonia, continuous coughing, or other long-term lung damage.
While tolerance varies depending on the cat and the variety of chrysanthemum, some cats may develop dermatitis or skin irritation simply from coming into contact with this beloved Asteraceae flower.
Depending on how your cat interacted with the Mums will determine the type of toxicity they receive. If your cat brushes up against your mums plant exposed skin, it can cause a rash and irritation.
When it comes to Mums, the danger is if your cat eats or ingests the flower. When pyrethrins are consumed, they damage the sodium channels in your cat’s body, causing tremors, respiratory failure, and even death.
If you have found that your cat has ingested a Mum, the best thing to do is call the Pet Poison Hotline – 855-764-7661. They will walk you through step by step what you should do and if you need to go to the Veterinarian’s Office.
What To Do If Your Cat Ingested Mums (Chrysanthemums)?
If your cat has ingested mums and is showing signs of poisoning take her to the vet immediately so the treatment could begin as soon as possible.
If you suspect your cat has consumed any Mum or has Mum poisoning, take your cat to the veterinarian or veterinary hospital as soon as possible.
Mild cases of mum poisoning in cats are usually easy to cure and entail normal methods for treating plant poisoning in domestic animals.
To help eliminate undigested poisons from your cat’s stomach, your veterinarian may induce vomiting. To absorb any leftover toxins in the stomach, activated charcoal can be used.
In most cases of plant poisoning, intravenous fluid treatment is used to rectify fluid imbalances.
Medication may be given to cats who have been vomiting for a long time to keep the vomiting under control.
For the time being, there is no antidote for mum poisoning. However, while mum poisoning is usually minor, the therapeutic measures described above are usually sufficient. Your veterinarian will offer extra therapy based on your cat’s symptoms in the unlikely event of serious poisoning.
How To Diagnose Mum Plant (Chrysanthemums) Poisoning in Cats?
Consult your vet to diagnose mum plant poisoning in cats.
Even if the symptoms are modest, you should seek veterinarian assistance in any case of plant poisoning.
If you have a mum plant in your home or garden, bring a sample with you when you go. If you know how much of the plant your cat swallowed, this information can assist you to make a diagnosis, but it is not required. Always tell your vet how long your cat has been exhibiting symptoms.
Poisoning can be confirmed through the presentation of symptoms and routine diagnostic procedures such as blood work and urine. Other tests may be ordered by your veterinarian based on the symptoms your cat is experiencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the causes of mum plant poisoning?
Mum poisoning in cats is caused by ingestion. Lactones, pyrethrins, and sesquiterpenes are among the toxins found in the mum plant. Lactones are an allergenic chemical that can cause oral and skin discomfort. Pyrethrins are widely found in pesticides as well as flea and tick treatments for cats and dogs. The precise effects of sesquiterpene on cats are unknown. The mum plant’s blossoms may have the highest quantities of poisons. Because gastrointestinal symptoms emerge quickly after intake, your cat is unlikely to swallow significant amounts of dangerous plants. If your cat has consumed any part of the mums plant, err on the side of caution and take them to the clinic.
How do cats recover from mum plant poisoning?
With timely and appropriate treatment, the recovery and prognosis for mild cases of mum poisoning in cats are usually good or excellent. Cats with minor cases of plant poisoning usually recover completely within twenty-four hours after ingesting the poison. Because of the rarity of severe mum poisoning, the prognosis is not described in the current veterinary literature. In outdoor gardening, mum plants are quite common. Despite the fact that the mum plant is native to Europe and Asia, your cat can come across it while out and about. To avoid future incidents of poisoning, limit or supervise your cat’s outdoor activity if this is the case. If you own the mum plant that your cat ate, get rid of it as soon as possible. Before purchasing any plants or flowers, be sure they don’t contain any hazardous ingredients for your cat.
How much sun and water do mums need?
Mums prefer a lot of light, whether they’re in a pot or your garden. Mums do well in full sun as long as they are given enough water. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Plants that do not receive enough sunshine grow tall and leggy, with fewer and smaller blooms. Just keep in mind that light isn’t the same as heat. When summer temperatures are still high, don’t put potted mums out too early in the season. Plants are unlikely to thrive. Newly planted mums should be thoroughly watered and never allowed to wilt. Give mums around an inch of water per week once they’ve established themselves. Water more frequently when the bottom leaves become limp or brown. It’s best not to wet the foliage, as this can lead to disease.
Final Words
Mums are toxic cats. Symptoms of ingesting the flower include vomiting, diarrhoea, hyper-salivation, incoordination, and skin inflammation. Typically, the mums are not deadly, but cat parents should call their veterinarians right away.
If you have any questions, ask us in the comments section.
