No, fuchsia plants are not poisonous to cats.
Consisting of small trees and shrubs, fuchsia plants are a genus of flowering plants. Mostly native to South America, they are cultivated in cool temperate to tropical zones. The plant shows off decorative teardrop-shaped flowers, typically in red and purple. Some varieties even bear fruits. However, these berries are not always edible.
Also called firecracker fuchsia and fuchsia thalia, honeysuckle fuchsia is a popular shrub with the scientific name Fuchsia triphylla. It is reported to be non-toxic to cats by ASPCA. In addition, multiple sources state that fuchsias are safe for humans and most animals. There are no toxic principles that may cause skin or gastrointestinal irritation.
What to do if your cat accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats fuchsia plants: No adverse reactions should occur if your cat brushes her body against a fuchsia plant, or if she accidentally chews its leaves. Nevertheless, there are some risks to eating plants. As an obligate carnivore, your cat can only digest it in small amounts. Too much may cause indigestion or stomach upset. Plus, if the plant has hard parts, these may cause accidental choking and/or intestinal blockage.
Also, be wary of putting dangerous chemicals or toxic fertilisers on your fuchsia plant as your cat may accidentally eat them. If this happens, call your vet immediately. Place her in an enclosed space and observe her for poisoning. Vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, twitching and fitting, and difficulty in breathing are common symptoms. Skin swelling, depression, coma, shock, or collapse may also occur.
In summary: Cat owners can liven up their properties with non-toxic fuschia plants. If you own a curious kitty, read this article and discover creative ways you can cat-proof your fuchsia plant.
Aside from fuchsias, discover which plants and flowers are pet-safe by visiting ASPCA, PetMD, and Pet Poison Helpline.
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