The oleander (Nerium oleander) is also a popular ornamental shrub for home and garden in this country. However, the shrub, which belongs to the dogpoison family and grows up to five meters high with elongated leaves and numerous flowers, is highly poisonous.
Is oleander poisonous to cats?
Oleander is highly toxic to cats because all parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides nerioside and oleandrin. Symptoms of poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, dilated pupils, fever, cramps and cardiac arrhythmias. If you suspect anything, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Oleander fatally poisonous to humans and animals
All parts of the plant contain the heart-active glycosides nerioside and oleandrin, which attack the cardiovascular system - up to and including cardiac arrest. For many animals, even very small amounts are enough to cause severe symptoms of poisoning or even death. Cats, for example, like to nibble on the leaves or sharpen their claws on the wood of the oleander - both behaviors have potentially fatal consequences. By the way, oleander is highly poisonous not only for animals, but also for people.
If symptoms of poisoning occur, go to the vet as quickly as possible
Poisoning with oleander poison is initially noticeable through diarrhea (including bloody) and vomiting. As the disease progresses, the pupils dilate, the animal becomes feverish (or, depending on the amount of poison ingested, develops a low temperature) and is tormented by convulsions. Severe poisoning can also lead to cardiac arrhythmias, which can ultimately lead to cardiac arrest. As soon as you notice any of these signs, you should immediately consult a veterinarian if you suspect them. If treated quickly, the cat can usually be saved. The veterinarian will give the animal infusions with poison-removing medication and treat the vomiting and diarrhea. The cat also receives heart-strengthening medicine.
Tip
If you have pets and / or small children at home, it is better to avoid oleander. There are a variety of beautiful flowering shrubs that do not have a fatally toxic effect on the animal or human organism.