With its bizarrely growing, twisting branches, the corkscrew willow has great ornamental value and sets interesting accents, especially in large gardens. Cats also come into contact with the plant here, may eat the leaves and sharpen their claws on the willow wood. If the tree contained poisonous toxins, it could be dangerous for the animals.
Is corkscrew willow poisonous to cats?
The corkscrew willow is not generally poisonous to cats, but large amounts of salicylic acid, which is contained in the bark and leaves, can cause he alth problems. Therefore, cats should be kept away from the pasture and their consumption should be limited.
Willow bark is a natural medicine
Willow bark was already used as an effective pain reliever in ancient times. Depending on the variety and location, it can contain up to eleven percent salicylates, which have a similar effect to the chemically produced preparation ASS. The bark is also rich in tannins. Traces of these active ingredients can also be detected in the velvety catkins, leaves and all other parts of plants that are so popular with bees.
Salicylic acid is not completely safe for cats
Cats are also prescribed ASA by the vet in extremely small doses, often several days apart. However, the dose is chosen to be very low.
The reason:
Cats naturally have a glucuronidation deficiency, which means that the animal's liver needs a lot of time to metabolize the substance. Therefore, the salicylic acid absorbed from the corkscrew willow remains in the bodies of our velvet paws longer than is the case with humans.
- If possible, prevent outdoor animals from eating large quantities of willow leaves or gnawing on the bark.
- If the animals scratch the trunk, the active ingredients on the claws are so small that they are unlikely to pose any risk.
Can cats instinctively recognize poisonous plants?
Poisonous plants can be very dangerous for cats due to the aforementioned glucuronidation deficiency. This also applies to ornamental plants in gardens and parks. However, the animals have access to lush grass here, which they much prefer to nibble on than, for example, the leaves of the zigzag willow. Poisoning is therefore not to be feared.
Tip
Willow branches also contain the hormone indole-3-butyric acid. This is absolutely harmless to cats, but stimulates the rooting of cuttings. If you place freshly cut offshoots in willow water for one night, you can see how the first storage organs develop after just a short time.
