Why it is dangerous to cats
Oleander contains substances that act on the heart and upset its rhythm; the poisoning can be fatal. Every part of the plant is dangerous: the leaves, the flowers, the stems and the sap. Fallen or dried leaves are poisonous too.
At first the cat may drool, vomit and have diarrhoea; later it can become weak and dull, its heart can beat irregularly, and it may collapse. How much of the plant does harm cannot be judged at home.
Oleander is grown in a pot: it stands indoors in winter and goes out onto a balcony or terrace in summer. If your cat may have chewed it, contact a vet or an emergency clinic straight away, even if it seems well. Take a photo or a piece of the plant with you.
What to watch out for
- Drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea can follow.
- The heart rhythm can be upset: the cat weakens, becomes dull and may collapse.
- Oleander poisoning can be fatal.
- Fallen or dried leaves stay poisonous, so they need to be picked up.
Which parts are dangerous
Not every part of the plant is equally dangerous.
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Leaves and flowers
DangerousThey contain substances that act on the heart, so even a small bitten-off piece is dangerous.
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Fallen or dried leaves
DangerousThey do not lose their poison when dry.
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Sap
DangerousThe sap that runs from a broken twig is poisonous too.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
Safe plants instead
Plants that are safer to keep.