Mexican Breadfruit, a flowering tree, is commonly grown outdoors in many tropical regions. With its sweet and exotic taste, like a combination of pineapple, mango, and coconut, it is considered a delicacy and a rich source of vitamin C. Can Cats Eat Breadfruit? However, since it contains crystals of potassium oxalate which are toxic in nature, Monstera fruit is only consumed when it’s fully mature.
Can Cats Eat Breadfruit?
Cats are obligate carnivores. With their evolved digestive system, they obtain nutrients from animal flesh. Therefore, a cat’s biological mechanism to consume food is very different from humans. This is why it is highly possible that what is edible for humans may not suit cats.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, breadfruit contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause toxicity in cats. This may appear as oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. Hence, it is advised to keep your felines away from this plant.
Is Breadfruit Good For Cats?
No! Even though breadfruit is considered to have numerous benefits and humans often eat the seeds and fruits of the plant, it is not recommended as a safe food for cats.
Breadfruit, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, irritates the gut of your pet, thus causing breadfruit poisoning. Look out for the symptoms and consult the veterinarian if you suspect your cat may have ingested a part of this plant. Symptoms may appear as loss of appetite, low energy, burning sensation of the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing and breathing.
What Happens If My Cat Eats My Monstera?
Insoluble calcium oxalates crystals are present in considerable amounts in Monstera. They are highly irritating to the mouth and stomach of cats. So, if your beloved pet eats this plant, it will have a painful time.
Irritation to your pet’s lips, mouth, and cheeks followed by a swollen mouth and throat, excessive drooling, severe stomach pain, and vomiting; are some of the acute symptoms that are experienced by the cats.
Have a look can cats eat bananas
In severe cases, Mexican breadfruit may cause dyspnea, muscle spasms, seizures, renal failure, coma, and can lead to death. It is, therefore, suggested to be very cautious and immediately seek medical help in case of emergency.
What Are The Symptoms Of Monstera Fruit Poisoning In Cats?
Monstera fruits contain needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate that can be poisonous to cats if ingested.
Typically, symptoms of this condition appear immediately. They may include;
- Burning sensation of the mouth
- Pawing at the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Choking
- Inability to swallow
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
If Monstera is consumed in large amounts, apart from the symptoms mentioned above, the cat may also experience seizures, convulsions, renal failure, etc., which may lead to death.
Will Monstera Kill My Cat?
It’s difficult to answer this question with a simple yes or no. Mexican breadfruit (Monstera), aka Swiss cheese plant, has calcium oxalate crystals in the form of raphides which can be extremely dangerous for cats. Having said this, the plant has a foul taste which is why most cats can’t bear to take more than one bite. Hence, they won’t ingest enough of it to cause an adverse effect.
But this doesn’t exclude the extreme digestive pain with the associated symptoms, i.e., oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty in swallowing and breathing, swollen throat, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy; the cat may experience upon ingesting a part of Monstera.
Find more here can cats eat cantaloupe
In an extreme case where your pet manages to consume a massive amount of the plant, the situation will be grave. If toxins reach the kidneys, renal failure will occur. Vomiting and diarrhea cause severe dehydration, and the animal may end up in shock. Some other manifestations seen in the scenario are cardiac abnormalities, muscle spasms, dilated pupils, convulsions, coma, and death.
What Is The Treatment For Breadfruit Ingestion In Cats?
Even though there is no particular antidote for breadfruit poisoning, seek immediate medical help. This can save your cat’s life. After rinsing the mouth thoroughly, the veterinarian may perform gastric lavage to remove toxins.
In case of excessive vomiting, medications may be administered to protect the stomach lining. Intravenous fluids are also given to replace lost water content. If swelling is a concern, Benadryl may be prescribed.
The goal is to avoid kidney organ shutdown; therefore, close monitoring is essential. In most situations, symptoms are acute, and you can take your cat home after a few hours. However, your pet’s stay can extend up to days in extreme cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breadfruit Poisonous to Cats?
Yes! It’s one of the most common houseplants that can be toxic to cats if ingested. Since it’s highly irritating to the gut, its consumption may upset the digestive tract and result in dysphagia, dyspnea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Can Cats Eat Monstera?
Cats are curious in nature, and hence there is a possibility that your pet will try to eat Monstera. However, due to their finicky stomach, an immediate adverse response will be shown in the form of hoarseness, gagging, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, it’s suggested not to let your pet come near the Monstera plant.
What Should I Do If My Cat Ate a Monstera?
If it happens, stay calm and don’t panic. Make your cat comfortable and look for the signs and symptoms, e.g., violent head shaking, hoarseness, hypersalivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Immediately call the veterinarian and seek help.
How Much Monstera Is Toxic To Cats?
The extent of toxicity depends upon the amount of ingested Monstera. Due to the fact that it is bitter in taste, massive consumption is not common. However, life-threatening situations may happen if the plant is accidentally ingested in a considerable amount or swelling of the throat occurs, leading to suffocation.
Final Thoughts
Cats have sensitive stomachs. Therefore, a lot of human food items are forbidden for them. Breadfruit is a prime example. It can cause oral pain, intense burning sensation, soft tissue swelling, vomiting, etc. Hence, keeping Monstera plants away from your pet animal is strictly advised.
Leave a Reply