Are Carnations Poisonous to Cats?

Carnations (scientific name Dianthus caryophyllus) are toxic to cats, but the toxicity tends to be mild when it occurs. The saponins in the Carnation cause the symptoms, which can lead to skin and gastrointestinal irritation.

Dogs, cats, and horses are all susceptible to the poisoning. However, as the saponins taste bitter, most cats are clever enough to stop eating quickly! Most cases are mild, with signs resolving within 24 hours.

What Are Carnations?

Carnations have pretty, ruffled feathers and are often sold in supermarkets and petrol stations. They’re available in various colours, with red, pink, and white being more popular colours. They are also known as ‘Sweet William,’ ‘Pinks,’ and ‘Gillyflower.’

These flowers are well suited to the temperate climate in the UK, so they are a firm favourite of many gardeners. They tend to bloom in late Spring and early Summer. They belong to the Caryophyllaceae family, which contains well-known flowers for their pleasing fragrance and beauty.

Varieties of Carnations

Border carnations, Dwarf carnations, and Perpetual-flowering carnations are common types. These flowers would all cause the same toxicity in a cat if ingested.

Are Carnations Poisonous to Cats?

Unfortunately, carnations have the potential to make your pet unwell if ingested. Thankfully, they are only mildly toxic. They are unlikely to make your cat very unwell like a lily or sago palm could.

Toxic Compounds in Carnations

Saponins are the primary toxic compound. They are contained within the plant's petals, stems, and leaves. Small amounts of essential oils are also present, which could irritate cats.

Symptoms of Carnation Poisoning in Cats

Any symptoms typically appear shortly after the cat has nibbled the plant, usually within minutes. However, sometimes, signs may not be evident for a few hours.

Early Signs to Watch For

Early signs include lip licking, drooling, and pawing at the mouth. Your cat is telling you it just ate something with an awful taste! Your cat may also gag, vomit, or head straight for its water bowl.

More Severe Symptoms

This is more concerning if your cat eats a larger quantity of carnations. This is quite uncommon, thanks to the bitter taste of the plant. More serious signs that can occur would include:

• Persistent vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal cramps and discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• A mild dermatitis and irritation where the plant has contacted the skin
• Lethargy

What to Do If Your Cat Ingests Carnations

Whether you spot your cat nibbling on your indoor flowers or they’re having a little ‘taste’ of the garden, you need to act right away when toxic plants are involved.

Immediate Steps to Take

If you spot your cat licking or chewing on a carnation indoors, remove it from their reach right away. If outside, you need to fence the flowers off or get rid of them in favour of a non-toxic flower.

Offer your cat water and a light meal of something digestible, like their regular cat food or chicken and rice. Avoid giving milk, as adult cats are lactose intolerant, which can cause a stomach upset.

When to Contact a Vet

If your cat has been exposed to carnations, monitor closely for six hours to see if any signs develop. You will likely manage a mild stomach upset from home by encouraging drinking and offering plenty of access to water.

If your cat has ingested a large quantity of carnations or is elderly or in poor health, there may be reason to contact a vet. Symptoms such as persistent vomiting, weakness, or lethargy would warrant a checkup.

If you're concerned that your cat is not coping well, do not hesitate to contact the emergency vet anytime.

Preventing Accidental Poisoning

Really, the best way to avoid toxicity is to ensure your cat does not expose itself to the carnation.

Safe Plant Alternatives

Some great cat-safe alternatives to carnations include pansies, roses, and sunflowers. These flowers are all just as beautiful but won’t make your kitty poorly if they have a taste.

Keeping Carnations Out of Reach

If you do have carnations in the home, they need to be somewhere that the petals cannot fall and then be eaten, ideally in a room your cat has no access to.

Remember also that cats are often excellent climbers. So, keeping the flowers on a table or work surface may not be enough to prevent your curious cat from getting to them.

Treatment Options for Poisoned Cats

For many cats, no treatment is needed when they encounter a carnation. However, some may need help from us.

Home Care Tips

The majority of cats can be cared for from home. Monitor for any symptoms, and closely monitor your cat’s eating and litter tray habits.

Directly after exposure to the carnations, you can bathe your cat’s mouth and any skin that has touched the plant with cotton wool and warm water. You can also provide a bland meal alongside plenty of water.

For loose poo, you may wish to start probiotics, which can be given for a few days.

Medical Treatments

Supportive care may be required in animals with underlying diseases or those who are very young or old. This can include anti-nausea medicine, anti-acids, and intravenous fluids to treat dehydration.

Diagnosing Plant Poisoning in Cats

Most of the time, you’ll be suspicious of the issue as you’ve seen your cat with the flowers. However, if your cat has come in from outside and is unwell, they may have been exposed to a toxic plant without you realising it.

Veterinary Examination

Bring your cat to the vet if you’re concerned about toxicity. The vet will check your cat from nose to tail. They will assess their hydration levels, listen to their heart and lungs, palpate their abdomen, and check for any fever.

If you know what your cat has been exposed to, bring the plant in (or at least a photo of it). Nowadays, some apps can also help with plant identification.

Differentiating from Other Illnesses

No specific tests can confirm whether or not a cat has been exposed to carnations or other toxic plants. The signs are not very specific, and many other conditions can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

If your vet has any concerns, they may discuss running some tests, such as a blood and urine test. These can help detect any underlying medical issues.

Get More Help for Poisonous Plants for Cats

If you suspect your cat has been exposed to a poisonous plant, please contact us to discuss the situation further. We can discuss your cat’s level of risk and arrange an appointment if appropriate.

FAQs

Can Small Amounts of Carnations Harm My Cat?

Thankfully, carnations are only mildly toxic. Cats exposed may experience no signs or perhaps mild signs of a stomach upset.

What Should I Do If My Cat Chews on Carnation Leaves?

If you spot your cat chewing on a carnation, quickly remove the plant. You can then offer them some fresh water, and a light meal. Keep a close eye on them for any new symptoms.

Are All Varieties of Carnations Toxic?

Yes, all carnations can be mildly toxic, regardless of species.

How Long Does It Take for Symptoms to Appear?

You may immediately notice your cat drooling and pawing at their mouth due to the foul taste. They might also gag and vomit if they’ve ingested a lot. Over the next 6-12 hours, they could develop more signs of a GI upset, including mild abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.

Symptoms will typically have subsided within 24 hours.