Hibiscus and Cats: What You Should Know

You may love the way hibiscus plants look in your home, but if you have cats, you may be wondering if they're safe to have around your furry friends. While hibiscus flowers are not poisonous to cats, the plant's roots, stems, and leaves are all toxic and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea if a cat eats them. This is because they contain cyclic polypeptide alkaloids, which are toxic to cats in large amounts.

This article will go over research from veterinary toxicologists that breaks down the specific chemicals in hibiscus plants that are dangerous to cats. By learning more about these chemicals and their effects, you can decide whether or not you want to keep hibiscus plants in your home if you have cats. This research will also explain what to do if you suspect that your cat has eaten part of a hibiscus plant.

Toxic Compounds in Hibiscus Plants for Cats

Every part of the hibiscus plant, from the flowers to the leaves, stems, and roots, contains compounds that can be toxic to cats. In a veterinary Q&A, it was noted that hibiscus plants from the Malvaceae family, including Hibiscus syriacus, are toxic to cats, but the toxic principles are not yet known.

One of the compounds in hibiscus plants is calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling in a cat's mouth, throat, and digestive tract when they are ingested, according to Plants Craze. Meanwhile, the cyclic polypeptide alkaloids found in the entire plant are the main toxic agents that can cause gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting and diarrhea, in cats.

Some hibiscus plants may be more toxic than others. For example, the Humane Society of Charlotte notes that the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is especially toxic, with both the flowers and stems being poisonous to pets. Although the specific toxic compounds in hibiscus are not yet fully understood, veterinary sources agree that eating hibiscus can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite in cats.

Signs and Treatment of Hibiscus Poisoning in Cats

According to Wagwalking.com, mild cases of hibiscus poisoning in cats can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and loss of appetite. More serious cases can cause lethargy, respiratory distress, and even organ damage if the cat is not treated. If a cat has eaten hibiscus, the remaining plant material should be removed and a veterinarian should be called immediately, according to this veterinary Q&A.

Treatment can include vomiting, activated charcoal, and supportive care to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, says the information on Chinese Hibiscus toxicity. Most cats will recover within 1-2 days with treatment, but more serious cases may require hospitalization and surgery to remove blockages.

Toxic Hibiscus Varieties to Cats

Although all hibiscus plants are toxic to cats to some extent, there are some varieties that may be more dangerous. According to the Humane Society of Charlotte, the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is one of the most toxic hibiscus plants, with both the flowers and the stems being poisonous to pets.

The Variegated Red Hot Hibiscus is another hibiscus variety that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats due to its toxicity. Pet parents should look up the specific hibiscus varieties they have and watch their cats for any signs of changes in behavior or appetite if they come into contact with the plant. However, as the Ask MetaFilter discussion notes, the toxicity of different hibiscus varieties is not well-documented. Therefore, it's best to err on the side of caution and assume that all hibiscus plants could be toxic to cats and take steps to keep cats away from them.

How to Cat-Proof Your Home and Protect Your Hibiscus Plants

How to Cat-Proof Your Plants explains that hanging hibiscus plants from the ceiling or placing them on high shelves can keep them out of reach of cats. The article also suggests using cat-repellent sprays with diluted citrus or vinegar to deter cats from the plants.

Cat-Proofing Tips for Your Home suggests putting hibiscus plants in a terrarium, cloche, or other protective container to keep cats away. It also recommends training cats to stay away from the plants with positive reinforcement and providing other cat-friendly plants for them to play with.

Finally, How to Keep Your Cats Away From Your Plants, According to an Expert recommends keeping hibiscus plants in a separate room or area of the home that cats can’t access and disposing of any clippings or leaves that fall from the plants. These steps can help ensure that cats don’t accidentally eat any part of the plant. By taking these measures, cat parents can ensure that their cats and hibiscus plants can live together in peace.

Conclusion: How to Keep Your Cat Safe From Hibiscus

Given that cats are obligate carnivores, you may be surprised to see your cat eating hibiscus or any other houseplant. However, as a cat owner, you also know that cats are curious and like to explore their environments, which can sometimes lead to trouble.

While the exact reason for this behavior is unknown, there are several theories about why cats eat houseplants. One of the most common is that cats eat hibiscus and other plants to compensate for a dietary deficiency or to help with an upset stomach.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), hibiscus is not toxic to cats. However, the symptoms of poisoning can vary widely depending on the specific plant a cat has ingested. For example, plants that are considered irritants can cause cats to have itchy skin, red and watery eyes, and irritation around the mouth. Meanwhile, other plants can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.

In the most severe cases, a cat that has ingested a toxic plant may show symptoms of poisoning, such as difficulty breathing, drooling, pale gums, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, excessive thirst, frequent urination, irregular heartbeat, fatigue and overall weakness, and nervousness, muscle tremors, or seizures.

If you think your cat has ingested a poisonous plant, it’s important to act quickly. First, move your cat to a safe area away from the plant. Next, remove any plant material from your cat’s mouth, paws, or fur.

Once your cat is safe, you’ll want to identify the plant so you can tell your vet its name. Take a picture of the plant with your phone to help with identification. There are also a variety of apps for both Android and iPhone that can help you identify plants from photos. Once you’ve done this, call your vet to let them know what’s happened.

Your vet may ask you to bring your cat in for an exam. If they do, be sure to bring a sample of the plant with you. This will help your vet determine if any treatment is needed. Implementing cat-proofing strategies and providing a safe, enriching environment can help protect both plants and pets in the home.