Ground apple, also known asĀ chamomile,Ā garden chamomile, orĀ Roman chamomile, is a flowering plant commonly found in gardens, lawns, and even in herbal teas. While chamomile is generally safe for human consumption, it can be toxic toĀ cats. Cats may experience an allergic reaction or poisoning if they ingest chamomile plants or come into contact with the plantās oils.
The toxic principles in chamomile that can harm cats include volatile oils, bisabolol, chamazulene, anthemic acid, and tannic acid. These substances can cause a range of symptoms if a cat ingests or comes into contact with the plant.
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 your cat has ingested or come into contact with ground apple, watch for these symptoms:
In severe cases or with long-term exposure, chamomile poisoning can lead to bleeding tendencies in cats.
If you suspect your cat has been poisoned by chamomile, take them to the veterinarian immediately. Your vet will likely follow these steps to diagnose chamomile poisoning:
A: Yes, Ground Apple is toxic to cats. Ingesting this plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
A: Symptoms of Ground Apple poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. Cats may also experience abdominal pain and lethargy.
A: If your cat has ingested Ground Apple, seek immediate veterinary care. Treatment often involves supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent dehydration.
A: Yes, other plants like Chamomile and Dandelion are also toxic to cats. It is important to keep these and other harmful plants out of reach of your pets.
A: To prevent your cat from eating Ground Apple, place the plant in an area inaccessible to your cat or opt for pet-safe plants. Providing alternative chew toys and engaging activities can help deter your cat from chewing on houseplants.
A: If your cat shows signs of poisoning after eating Ground Apple, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent serious health complications.
Ground Apple, scientifically known as Anthemis nobilis, is a member of the Asteraceae family. This sweet-smelling flower has been used for centuries in herbal medicine for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant originated in Europe and North Africa but is now found worldwide. Despite its benefits for humans, chamomile remains toxic to cats and should be kept out of their reach.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
