The Desert Azalea (Adenium obesum), also known as Desert Rose, Mock Azalea, Sabi Star, Impala Lily, or Kudu Lily, is a highly toxic plant to cats. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides and cardioactive steroids which can be fatal even in small doses. These toxins affect the heart, gastrointestinal system, and neurological function.
This flowering plant in the dogbane family is native to desert regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, but is commonly found as a houseplant or in garden centers for its beautiful pink, red, or white flowers.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If a cat ingests any part of a Desert Azalea plant, it may experience the following symptoms:
If you suspect your cat has ingested Desert Azalea, rush it to a veterinarian immediately. The vet will likely perform the following steps to diagnose plant poisoning:
The Desert Azalea has a long history of use as a poison in its native regions of Africa. Various tribes would use the sap, bark and twigs to create a potent toxin for hunting, coating their arrows to take down large game. The plant also has uses in traditional medicine, despite its dangers.
While beautiful, this common ornamental plant poses a deadly risk to cats and other pets. It is crucial for cat owners to be aware of the severe toxicity of Desert Azalea and keep this plant out of their homes and gardens.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
