Monoleaf is poisonous to both humans and animals. Here's what to do if your cat has nibbled on the houseplant.
Whether looking for food or out of boredom - cats often take a liking to houseplants and nibble on the decorative greenery. In some cases, however, this can be dangerous. If the plant contains poison, you should take the animal to the vet immediately. This applies, for example, to the single leaf, a popular but poisonous houseplant.
One leaf causes symptoms of poisoning in cats
The single leaf is particularly common in the tropical regions of South America and is also known as peace lily or scabbard leaf. The plant is easy to care for and prefers dark rooms. In its natural environment, the single leaf grows in the shade of large trees. The plant therefore requires darkness and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. The most striking feature of the single leaf is its white bract that surrounds the yellowish spadix. But the deep green, oval leaves also make the plant a pretty houseplant.
The single leaf belongs to the arum family (Araceae) and can be particularly dangerous for children and pets such as dogs and cats. The plant contains two poisonous substances, oxalic acid and pungent substances. Oxalic acid is also present in foods like rhubarb and is not very harmful on its own. Only the combination with the pungent substances makes oxalic acid dangerous, explains the
plant nursery
. All parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause physical symptoms in both humans and animals.
In humans, the toxins cause irritation to the skin in the form of burning and inflammation. When consuming the plant, irritation and swelling of the mucous membranes as well as stomach and intestinal problems with cramps occur, describes
Botanikus
. In animals, the first symptoms of poisoning include excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty swallowing. Foaming at the mouth, cramps and tremors as well as the collapse of the heart and circulatory system can also be signs of monoleaf poisoning.
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned in your cat, you should go to the vet immediately. Explain which poisonous houseplants you have at home and what the animal might have eaten. If you are unsure, you can bring the plant with you.
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To prevent poisoning, you should place the leaflet in a room that the cat cannot access. Alternatively, you can dangle the plant from the ceiling. In the best case scenario, you simply avoid the poisonous plant.