Lord and Ladies, also known as Arum maculatum, is a poisonous plant that can be harmful to cats if ingested. This perennial plant is native to Europe and North Africa and can commonly be found in woodland areas, hedgerows, and gardens.
While cats are not technically allergic to Lord-and-Ladies, the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause severe irritation and inflammation in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract if consumed.
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 Lord-and-Ladies plant, it may experience a range of unpleasant symptoms. These can include:
In severe cases, swelling of the airways can lead to difficulty breathing, which requires immediate veterinary attention. The calcium oxalate crystals can also cause damage to the kidneys if large quantities are consumed.
If you suspect your cat has eaten Lord-and-Ladies, it’s important to seek veterinary care right away. Your vet will likely follow these steps:
A: Yes, Lord-and-Ladies is highly toxic to cats. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause symptoms like oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
A: Lord-and-Ladies is very poisonous to cats, leading to severe symptoms such as vomiting and swelling of the mouth and throat. In extreme cases, it can result in asphyxiation, making it dangerous if a significant amount is consumed.
A: Yes, Lord-and-Ladies plants are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Ingesting the plant can cause symptoms ranging from mouth pain to serious gastrointestinal issues.
A: The symptoms of Lord-and-Ladies poisoning in cats include excessive drooling, vomiting, and swelling of the mouth and throat. These symptoms can escalate to difficulty breathing and require immediate veterinary attention.
A: To keep your cat safe from Lord-and-Ladies, avoid planting this toxic plant in your garden or home. If you already have it, ensure that your pet does not have access to it by placing barriers or removing the plant entirely.
A: Lord-and-Ladies can cause long-term damage to a cat’s digestive and respiratory systems if not treated promptly. Severe cases of poisoning can lead to complications that may require extended veterinary care.
Lord-and-Ladies has a long history of use in herbal medicine dating back to ancient times. Its common name originates from the resemblance of its inflorescence to male and female genitalia. Other historical names include Adam and Eve, bobbins, cows and bulls, and wake robin.
Despite its toxicity, the plant was used to treat various ailments such as rheumatism, snakebites, and wounds. The root was also dried and ground into a starchy powder called Portland sago which was used as a substitute for arrowroot or flour in times of famine.
Today, Lord-and-Ladies is primarily considered an ornamental plant and is not typically recommended for medicinal use due to the risk of toxicity. It can be an invasive species in some areas.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
