You received a beautiful bouquet with baby’s breath, and you placed it in some water. However, you’ve noticed that your cat has been getting a bit too close to it. She might just be sniffing it or trying to play with it. Or she might’ve taken a bite. But, is baby’s breath toxic to cats?
Either way, a pet getting close to a plant is always a cause for concern. Is it poisonous when ingested? Or can the fumes be toxic, too? What should I do if my cat has eaten some of it? First, we need to take a look at baby’s breath itself.
What is baby’s breath?
Baby’s breath is a commonly used name for Gypsophila paniculata. It’s an herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 4 feet and is native to central and eastern Europe. It usually grows in sandy, stony, and dry areas like the Steppes. That’s how it got its name. Gypsophila = chalk-loving.
Today it’s used mostly for floral arrangements such as bouquets, corsages, and headbands. So, it’s not uncommon at all to receive a bouquet with these flowers as a gift. It’s also a popular present at baby showers. That’s why people regularl call it baby’s breath.
Is baby’s breath toxic to cats?
Yes, baby’s breath is toxic to cats, but only mildly. It contains saponin which is toxic to an extent, but not enough to significantly harm your feline. It causes irritation in your cat’s throat and digestive system but definitely isn’t lethal.
Whether baby’s breath is toxic to cats or not doesn’t depend much on the amount they eat either. So, regardless of how much they eat, the steps you take will be the same. Assuming you only have one bouquet, it’s very unlikely for them to eat a lot anyway.
You will probably notice the symptoms of the poisoning. But it won’t be anything major to worry about. It might seem dangerous but try not to panic. Let’s take a look at all the possible symptoms, so you know what to expect.
How to tell if your cat ate baby’s breath
While the act of consuming baby’s breath isn’t lethal, the symptoms your cat develops could be. That’s why it’s so important to regularly track your feline’s behavior. This includes her eating and sleeping habits, mood, and energy levels. This can help you tell if she might’ve eaten the plant.
If you notice a change in any of the above, be sure to contact a veterinarian. Don’t ever ignore even the slightest difference in the way she acts. The sooner you act upon it, the easier it will be for her vet to find and start the right treatment.
1. Anorexia
Because of the effect baby’s breath has on the digestive system, it’s very possible for your feline to develop anorexia. If you notice that your cat has been refusing meals, it’s likely a sign of a loss of appetite. If you don’t react immediately, your cat might suffer from starvation very quickly.
2. Vomiting
Vomiting usually comes along with the loss of appetite. If she tries eating something, her digestive tract gets irritated, and it makes her purge whatever she’s consumed. This can be extremely tiring which can make her give up on feeding. It can also lead to dehydration because she’s losing fluids.
3. Diarrhea
This is yet another dangerous symptom that can lead to dehydration. It makes your cat lose fluids so rapidly that it’s hard to keep up. Don’t ignore it if it happens and take her to the vet immediately. Exhaustion and dehydration shouldn’t be taken lightly.
4. Lethargy
Lethargy is sometimes a bit difficult to catch. It might seem as if your cat is simply worn out after playtime. But this type of tiredness tends to be excessive. She might sleep more than usual, avoid certain activities or become completely inactive.
This is usually because of exhaustion and her body trying to fight off the toxins. It’s usually not very dangerous but consulting a vet will help her gain energy faster. And besides, these symptoms could point to something else entirely. Only a professional will know for certain.
What if I’m positively sure she ate it?
While it all boils down to taking your cat to the veterinarian, there are some steps you can take beforehand. These serve as a way to ease your feline’s discomfort and help your vet get the full picture. So, what should you do?
1. Monitor and document
Once you’ve answered, why is baby’s breath toxic to cats, the next step is to monitor her. You’ll need to pay close attention to her for the next few hours. Try to spot any changes in her behavior and document them.
The best way to do that is to either film her or take pictures. These might be of help to her vet once you take her in. Don’t wait for more than a few hours though. Every second is precious when it comes to your cat’s health.
2. Make it comfortable for her
If you’ve noticed a change in behavior, try to ease her pain as much as possible until the vet visit. The best way to help her is to give her plenty of water. She’ll be losing a lot of energy and fluids, so keeping her hydrated and resting is important.
3. Take her to the vet
This is the most important step that you can’t miss, no matter the reason. The only way to truly help your cat heal and get better is to seek professional aid. You can never be sure of the condition your feline is in, so you need proper advice.
4. Listen to the vet’s instructions
The veterinarian will judge just how severe your cat’s poisoning is. And according to his judgment, he’ll give you a set of instructions. These can contain which medication to get, when to give it to her, what she should eat, etc.
It’s up to you to follow these instructions exactly the way he told you to. By doing your own thing or being inconsistent, you risk your feline’s condition getting worse. It’s in your cat’s and your best interest to do exactly as the vet suggests.
Why are cats drawn to baby’s breath?
Since baby’s breath seems to be toxic, you might also wonder what makes the plant so appealing? Shouldn’t felines have some sort of instinct that would prevent them from consuming toxic herbs?
You’ll be surprised to learn that cats know as little about some common plants as we do. We probably walk by herbs every day and we have no idea they’re poisonous to animals. And in most cases, your kitty doesn’t really know either.
Chances are that baby’s breath looks like any other plant to them. But why bother eating some herbs and not others? What makes the difference if they can’t tell them apart? Well, the answer might lie in the smell.
Baby’s breath has a very strong fragrance. It’s possible that this scent might attract cats. This hasn’t been proven but it’s the best speculation so far. Luckily the taste doesn’t match the smell, so it’s very unlikely for your cat to take more than a small bite.
How to keep cats away from baby’s breath
There are two possible scenarios in which you’d need to find ways to keep your cat away from baby’s breath. The first is if you’ve received a bouquet as a gift from someone. And the other is if you’re growing baby’s breath.
Regardless of which it is, the actions you can take are the same. It’s important to note that these are just a way to try and prevent your feline from eating the plant. But, cats are very clever and will stop at nothing to get what they want. So, it’d be best not to own baby’s breath at all.
1. Enclosing the plant
This works best if you’re growing baby’s breath outside, but could work with an indoor plant, too. Try setting up a fence or cage to prevent your cat from getting too close to the herb. If your feline is overly curious or stubborn, this probably won’t be enough.
2. A change of location
Moving the plant to someplace she can’t reach is also a good try at keeping her away. You could move it to a room she normally doesn’t have access to or hang it somewhere high up. There’s always a pawssibility of your cat sneaking in that room or reaching the height, but it’s better than nothing.
3. Never use a spray bottle
Many will suggest the use of a spray bottle, but we stand firmly against it. It might get the job done and keep her away from the plant, but at what cost? Your cat cannot understand that you’re doing it for her safety.
In her eyes, you’ll just be harming her without a reason. This action only leads to mistrust and resentment. So, unless you want to ruin your relationship with your cat, stay away from the bottle. And this refers to any other form of punishment as well.
Is baby’s breath toxic to cats only?
Now that you know that baby’s breath is toxic to cats, does the same apply to other animals, too? For example, dogs or parrots? Would they suffer through the same symptoms? And the answer is yes. The herb is mildly toxic to dogs and can even be fatal for smaller pets.
It’s also mildly toxic to humans. So, if you have children, be careful not to let them near the plant. Despite being different species, the symptoms are usually very similar. The best option for keeping everyone safe and healthy is simply not keeping baby’s breath in your home.
If you’re growing it yourself, consider getting other plants that aren’t harmful to your pets and children. It is a beautiful flower, but it isn’t worth the risk of your family falling ill. And if you only received it as a gift in a bouquet, throw it out. Either that or keep it out of sight and out of reach.
Other plants to avoid
If you’re planning to clean out your garden, you might want to check if you own other toxic plants, too. So far, we’ve gone over why and how is baby’s breath toxic to cats. But what about other herbs? Just which ones should you be careful with?
If you want to make your garden more cat-friendly, you’ll need to remove all potentially dangerous plants. Not just baby’s breath. Then you’ll be able to plant new herbs that aren’t toxic or poisonous to your little furball. Let’s take a look at some of the harmful ones.
1. Daffodils
Daffodils are toxic flowers that can cause a number of issues. For example, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and similar. This is due to a toxic chemical called lycorine. It’s spread throughout the entire plant, but the most concentrated part is the bulb.
2. Tulips
Another flower that’s commonly found in gardens is the tulip. It’s poisonous due to alkaloid and glycoside compounds which can harm your cat when consumed. Every part of the plant is harmful. Since tulips are a part of the lily family, it’s important to mention that all lilies are harmful.
3. Azalea
This is one of the most common houseplants and you might also know it as Rhododendron. It’s moderately toxic, so you need to be extra careful. Azalea contains grayanotoxins which can interfere with skeletal and heart muscle, as well as nerve function.
4. Other plants
There is a large number of potentially dangerous plants and we’ve listed only a few of the most common ones. Some more examples are peonies, oleander, lilies, autumn crocus, cyclamen, daisies, and many, many more. There are also plants that aren’t necessarily toxic but can still be harmful, like roses.
All in all
The question of baby’s breath and its toxicity has been up for debate mainly because of the severity of the symptoms. They usually go away on their own after a few hours and the plant itself is only mildly toxic. So, many dismiss it as nothing more than an inconvenience.
However, despite its toxins not being as severe as they are in some other plants, they shouldn’t be ignored. The symptoms of poisoning they develop in felines might not be deadly, but they’re still harmful. So, by no means should you allow your cat near baby’s breath.
Never ignore a feline that’s consumed some of it and seek out help as soon as possible. Dehydration and exhaustion are serious risks that shouldn’t be cast off because of the plant’s low toxicity levels.
Read more about cats and plants: Are puss* Willows Toxic To Cats? Better Safe Than Sorry
FAQs
It is moderately toxic to cats and can cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. If your cat consumes any part of the baby's breath plant, you might also notice lethargy or a lack of energy and your cat might even stop eating.
How poisonous is baby's breath? ›
This plant has medium severity poison characteristics. This perennial form of baby's breath is cultivated as a garden ornamental or used by florists for fillers in bouquets, particularly with roses.
Is baby's breath non-toxic? ›
Keep in mind that the entire baby's breath flowers are toxic to pets as well as to people. It is best when used as decorations instead of for consumption. Vomiting and diarrhea can occur when you eat baby's breath flowers.
Are carnations and baby's breath poisonous to cats? ›
Flowers that may be harmful
Tulips, baby's breath, birds of paradise, hyacinths, stargazers, carnations, and daisies can also be toxic to pets if they are ingested.
Why do cats throw up after smelling babies? ›
Cats often vomit as a response to stress.
Introducing one's pet to the newborn is usually a wholesome moment, but sometimes such interactions take unexpected turns. A video of a cat smelling a newborn baby and immediately going to another room to vomit is going viral.
Is Rose toxic to cats? ›
Their sweet scent may attract cats over for a taste. Most often find out quickly that the flower is not that yummy, however, a few end up with a penchant for eating the roses. The good news is that roses by themselves are not toxic to cats, says Dr. Maureen K.
Is baby's breath poisonous to touch? ›
Baby's breath (Gypsophila elegans) contains saponins that when ingested by animals may cause minor gastrointestinal upset. In the case of humans, the sap from baby's breath can cause contact dermatitis, so yes, baby's breath may be irritating to the skin and result in itching and/or a rash.
What animals eat baby's breath? ›
While there are quite a few bugs that eat baby's breath, one of the most common and more serious are leafhoppers. Adult leafhoopers are small green-yellow bugs with black spots, while leafhopper nymphs are smaller and appear lighter in color.
What does baby's breath attract? ›
Drought Tolerance: Gypsophila is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water landscapes. Attracts pollinators: Baby's Breath flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and providing essential nectar and habitat for these beneficial insects.
Can cats be around baby's breath? ›
Toxic to both cats and dogs are Tulips, Azalea, Bird of Paradise, Aloe, Begonias, Baby's Breath, and Amaryllis. Members of the Lilium genus, including Easter and stargazer lilies, can cause serious kidney problems if ingested by cats.
Gypsophila (also known as Baby's Breath) - mildly toxic, but can irritate a pet's stomach if ingested.
What is the most toxic flower to cats? ›
Lilies are at the top of the list of poisonous plants for cats, which also includes Asiatic lilies, Easter lilies, Japanese show lilies, rubrum lilies, stargazer lilies, red lilies, tiger lilies, Western lilies, wood lilies, and daylilies.
Can cats get sick from smells? ›
And many pet owners are not aware that some scents are toxic to animals until after the terrifying trip to the vet with an ill pet. Our pets can become sick from essential oils due to a compound called phenols. Phenols are naturally found in plants and are heavily concentrated in essential oils.
What smells make cats throw up? ›
Mint, wintergreen, and menthol
More smells cats hate include mint and strong mint-related odors, such as wintergreen and menthol. This may be for good reason, as ingesting mint and its relatives can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats.
What does it mean when a cat leaves its mouth open after smelling something? ›
We've all seen it, the moment that your cat has been sniffing something incredibly interesting (such as a sock) where they raise their head afterwards and their mouth is wide open, as though in shock. It turns out that “stinky face” or the flehmen response to use the scientific term, is a cat's way of analysing scent.
Can I spray rose water on my cat? ›
Rose Water and Witch Hazel are great for you for toning the face and skin and restoring natural pH to the skin. For your pet you can use them to treat bug bites and take the itch out of irritated skin.
Is the smell of roses toxic to cats? ›
Rose petals, leaves, and stems
Upon sniffing the delightful fragrance of a rose, a cat may be tempted to taste it. Fortunately, roses are non-toxic to cats. So, you don't need to worry about the petals, leaves, and stems of a rose poisoning a cat if they ingest it.
Is Lavender safe for cats? ›
While it is not deadly, lavender is toxic for cats. Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which cats cannot process in their livers. This means that consuming too much lavender can lead to liver damage.
Does baby's breath attract bugs? ›
Common Pest & Plant Diseases
Baby's breath has a few issues with pests and diseases. Pests for this plant include aphids, leafhoppers, Japanese beetles, slugs, and rabbits. You might notice discolored leaves or holes in the leaves, which are an indication of a pest problem.
What flowers should you not put on a cake? ›
Flowers To Avoid: Lily Of The Valley, Daffodil, Poinsettia, Azaleas, Calla Lily, Hyacinth, Oleander, Wisteria, Rhododendron, Hydrangea, Mistletoe, Holly, Sweet Pea.
Baby breath flowers have a lifespan of 8-10 days, in some cases, it can last up to 14 days. Here's are some of the must-do steps to keep baby breath flowers fresh: Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat.
Are hydrangeas cat safe? ›
Cats And Hydrangea Poisoning
According to Pet Poison Hotline, cats will become poisoned by eating any part of the hydrangea plant. The toxic component of the hydrangea is called cyanogenic glycoside. The flowers, leaves, buds, and stalks all contain the poison, but the buds and leaves contain the most toxin.
Are sunflowers toxic to cats? ›
Sunflowers. If you're a cat owner with a passion for sunflowers, you can welcome these plants into your home as they're non-toxic if you cat accidentally manages to ingest them.
Are peonies toxic to cats? ›
Which flowers are toxic to cats? Various flower varieties are hazardous to your cat. Common blooms like peonies, daffodils and tulips can be harmful if they eat them, and lilies should always be avoided.
Are baby breath flowers poisonous to humans? ›
Flowers like hydrangeas and baby's breath, while popular in bouquets, are actually toxic. Even if you aren't eating the actual flowers, just contact with the buttercream frosting you will eat could be dangerous, so it's best to stick with flowers that are edible.
Does baby's breath attract flies? ›
Baby's-breath is attractive to numerous species of pollinating bees and flies (Darwent and Coupland 1966).
Why do cats sniff your mouth while you sleep? ›
They learn about potential prey, dangers, other cats, and their general surroundings. When your cat sniffs your face, they're taking in information too: what you smell like! Sniffing your face allows your cat to familiarize themselves with your scent so that they can recognize it, and you, in the future.
Can cats smell babies? ›
Yes, it's possible that cats can sense pregnancy even before you have early pregnancy signs. This is due to their excellent and refined sense of smell.
Why does my cat check my breath? ›
Cats like to smell your breath for various reasons, but this behavior usually indicates that they want to make sure you are healthy, to be comforted by your smell, or as a stress reliever.
Why do cats like baby's breath flowers? ›
Supposedly, this happens because either the cat is attracted to the milk scent on a baby's breath, or it is simply jealous that the owners are giving more attention to the baby.
A variety of inhaled substances can have adverse affects on cats. In general, these substances are the same things that would cause problems for people. Carbon monoxide, smoke, fumes from bleach and other cleaning products, sprayed insecticides, etc. are some of the toxic substances that can be inhaled.
Can cats smell flowers? ›
While they won't put on the gloves and start weeding, they'll love smelling certain flowers and plants. Like humans, cats love the smell of roses. Not only are these old favourites nice for a cat's sense of smell, they're even edible. So from time to time, you can give your cat BFF a rose or two.
What is the difference between baby's breath and gypsophila? ›
Gypsophila Is Also Called Baby's Breath
The flowers were frequently given to new or expecting mothers as gifts because of their relationship with children's purity, innocence, and lack of corruption. The name Baby's Breath was derived from the fact that this flower is widely used as a special baby shower gift.
How do you get rid of Gypsophila smell? ›
Gypsophila is an extremely popular filler for bridal bouquets. If you notice that the Gyp smells a bit, just add a teaspoon of salt and the smell will vanish.
How do I stop my baby's breath from smelling? ›
Treatment for Baby Bad Breath
- Washing your baby's hands, toys, and pacifiers frequently.
- Feeding them a diet low in starch and sugar.
- Gently wiping or brushing your baby's teeth and gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush, especially after feeding and before bedtime.
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
Do cats know not to eat poisonous plants? ›
Generally, cats will stay away from plants that will harm them, but sometimes curiosity and boredom get the better of them and they might nibble on your plants. Consumption of poisonous plants can cause a range of symptoms from vomiting to serious illness and even death in some cases.
What plant do cats hate the smell of? ›
Cats dislike the smell of rue, lavender and pennyroyal, Coleus canina and lemon thyme. Plant a few of these throughout the garden.
Can cats be in the same room as lilies? ›
While their flowers are lovely to see and smell, lilies pose a significant safety threat for your cat. Lilies in the “true lily” and “daylily” families are very dangerous for cats. The entire lily plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase.
What is the most toxic plant to animals? ›
Sago palms are highly toxic to small animals and overall dangerous to all pets. While the entire plant is toxic, the seeds or nuts, are the most toxic part. Sago palms can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty clotting the blood, liver failure and even death. So, it may be best to keep these out of your yard!
The short answer to this question is, yes—snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata) are indeed toxic to cats.
What happens when a cat eats a toxic plant? ›
Signs of plant poisoning
If your cat has eaten a toxic plant it may show: Irritation of the skin, gums or eyes. Twitching. Salivation/drooling.
Are spider plants poisonous to cats? ›
Unlike peace lilies and pothos, Chlorophytum comosum is one houseplant that can be safely nibbled by your kitties without requiring a trip to the emergency animal hospital. According to both the ASPCA and the National Capital Poison Center, aka Poison Control, spider plants are non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
What happens if my cat eats my flowers? ›
The majority of plants may cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea when ingested by cats but not death. [Editor's note: Of course, it's always a good idea to call your veterinarian if you notice that your cat's ingested anything abnormal.
Is fresh breath safe for kittens? ›
FOR CAT USE – Safe for use on cats 12 weeks and older, when used as directed.
What happens if a dog eats baby's breath? ›
Baby's Breath is a lacy white flower found in many ornamental bouquets. It contains gastrointestinal toxins that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs when ingested. The symptoms of Baby's Breath poisoning are usually mild. Protect yourself and your pet.
How poisonous is eucalyptus to cats? ›
Toxicity to pets
Small ingestions of a few leaves or low concentration eucalyptus oil leads to mild gastrointestinal distress, but ingestion of highly concentrated eucalyptus oil has been associated with severe signs including seizure, tremor, and, rarely, acute renal injury.
How toxic are Lilies to cats? ›
The entire lily plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase. Eating just a small amount of a leaf or flower petal, licking a few pollen grains off its fur while grooming, or drinking the water from the vase can cause your cat to develop fatal kidney failure in less than 3 days.
Why does my kitten like to smell my breath? ›
If your cat smells your breath, it means they're invested in you and your wellbeing, and chances are it also means that they feel comforted by your presence. While this may come as a shock, cats' primary sense is their sense of smell.
Can fresh breath be used for cats? ›
is the tropicClean Fresh Breath Drops safe for puppies at almost 4 months? These Drops are safe for dogs and cats in all life stages. 2.
To prevent most cases of bad breath, brush your cat's teeth - ideally, every day - using tooth gel for felines. "Link the brushing to a treat, such as drinking water from a dripping faucet or a favorite canned food," advises Dr. Davis.
Are Gypsophila poisonous to cats? ›
Gypsophila (also known as Baby's Breath) - mildly toxic, but can irritate a pet's stomach if ingested.
Are mums poisonous to cats? ›
Take your cat to the vet as soon as you can to relieve its discomfort. The mum plant, short for chrysanthemum, is a common garden plant that is very toxic to cats. There are several different species of chrysanthemum, all of which are toxic to cats.
What does lavender do to cats? ›
While it is not deadly, lavender is toxic for cats. Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which cats cannot process in their livers. This means that consuming too much lavender can lead to liver damage.
Can cats get sick from smelling eucalyptus? ›
You may not realize it, but certain scents and pure essential oils like tea tree, citrus, and eucalyptus oil can be harmful toxic oils to your little feline. Many compounds in these pure essential oils contain toxins that can be fatal if your kitty breathes them in or ingests them.
Is it OK for cats to smell eucalyptus? ›
Cats are especially sensitive to many essential oils and even just a couple of licks can be harmful. Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are toxic to pets.
How long does it take for a cat to show signs of poisoning? ›
Once a cat ingests or comes in contact with a toxin, symptoms may not show up right away. Some toxins may take 3 to 4 days to show any effects. The types of symptoms a cat will exhibit will depend on the toxin she has been exposed to.
How quickly do cats react to lily poisoning? ›
The effects of lily toxicity are rapid. Within 1-3 hours of ingestion, cats become nauseous leading to a decreased appetite, drooling and vomiting as well as display signs of depression and lethargy.
Do most cats survive lily poisoning? ›
If lily consumption is noticed and treated quickly, the cat may survive. If even one day goes by without treatment, the outcome becomes very dire, with most cats dying of kidney failure within days. Many people are unaware of how deadly these common plants can be to a cat.
