Many garden plants or cut flowers are harmless to humans, but poisonous to much smaller pets such as dogs, cats or rabbits. Gypsophila, also known as Gypsophila paniculata in Latin, belongs to this category.
Is gypsophila poisonous to cats?
Gypsophila (Gypsophila paniculata) is poisonous to cats because it contains saponins that can destroy red blood cells. In small amounts it usually does not cause serious reactions, but it can increase intestinal permeability. Keep your cat away from baby's breath.
This is due to the saponins it contains, which must under no circumstances enter the bloodstream. There they destroy the red blood cells. If they are taken orally (via the mouth/mouth), then no significant reactions are to be expected in small quantities. However, they increase the permeability of the intestine. This means that any unwanted substances from food are absorbed more quickly.
The most important things in brief:
- Gypsophila is poisonous, but not fatal
- must not enter the bloodstream
- in small quantities no/hardly any reaction
- promote intestinal permeability
Tips & Tricks
Even if gypsophila is not fatally poisonous, you should keep it away from your cat. Also look out for gypsophila in bouquets!
