Anyone know anything about cats and poisonous plants?

[Bambiagain]

Specifically Gardenias. I'm speculating here, but... My fourteen year old cat has been unwell for some time. She vomits, sometimes daily. She is very fussy about her food and although she tells me she is hungry she doesn't eat well and has lost a lot of weight. I am currently feeding her on turkey breast and some dried food, which is about all she will consent to eat. She has been to and fro to the vets, who have tested her blood and found nothing wrong and inject her which makes her eat a bit more and put on some weight for a while then she eats less and less again. So this evening I've been doing a bit of looking in the internet and found that Gardenias are poisonous to cats. She spends a lot of time sitting on the window ledge by my Gardenia plant (which I have now removed from her reach). I have never seen her eating it, although I have seen her playing with the odd fallen leaf. Before we make the next trip to the vets, does anyone have any experience of this sort of poisoning - would it explain her symptoms? Would proximity to the plant be bad for her? Could she recover from long-term exposure if it is the source and it has now been removed? Or am I putting two and two together and making five?

[furrypusscat]

So sorry. She does seem to have gone downhill very quickly. Under the circumstances I am sure you will make the right decision. I will be thinking of you and puss. lol

[boxtops]

so sorry to hear, bambi - but cats seem to know when things are not right. It's the kindest thing you can do for her. Thinking of you, and puss ♥

[bensmum]

Sorry to hear your news - it's the last kindness we can do for our pets when they are so unwell although it doesn't feel like it at the time as most of us know. Will be thinking of you and puss xxx

[Bambiagain]

Thanks everyone. Can't say any more without bursting into tears!

[Bambiagain]

Well, it's done. I've now cleaned and disinfected the litter tray, washed out all the bowls and the mats they sat on and picked up a load of toys - no doubt I'll find more of those over the next few days. And every time I walk in I automatically look for her in her special spot. But the vet told me that the tumour had grown significantly over the last three days, so I was right, which doesn't make it any easier. So thank you to all of you who have posted and given words of encouragement. You've been very kind.

[bensmum]

I was wondering how you were Bambi. Knowing you did the right thing for her won't make it easier at the moment but it will get better and you'll have your memories to help you. RIP little puss xxx

[furrypusscat]

I couldn't stop thinking about you in bed last night, and for myself too when the time arrives. I even shed some tears as my cat lay on my bed. You will no doubt have loads of good memories to help see you through the sad times which I am sure you will have for some time yet. You made the right decision, the only decision. lol and RIP to puss.

[wolf63]

I always feel that knowing others understand your distress helps. It was not so many years ago that some idiot would come out with the "it's only a cat/dog".

You have made the best decision for her (what's her name - I don't think that you mentioned it). It will be a relief for you as well - watching any animal in pain or distress is upsetting.

Both my parents were dead by the time that I hit 40 and I was upset. But when all three of my deceased furry friends died I was much more upset. They are part of your life and they are never far away (especially if there is food around) and they let you know that you are subservient to them (cats!).

I wish you well - remember all the funny memories, all the stupid situations that she got herself into. It helps a little.

Susan

[Bambiagain]

Hello Susan - just the same as you, I was orphaned in my thirties (my father died when I was 32) and myanimals have always been there for me. She was Morticia (Tish for short - great when I moved with her to Germany, since the German for table is Tisch, pronounced just the same - makes you feel a fool standing outside and shouting it, but never mind). And yes, there are people who say it was only an animal, but my animals are just as much my family and more so as they live with me and depend upon me.

Thank you everyone. Oh dear, I'm filling up again!

[wolf63]

I have a brother but he stays in England (I am in Scotland). I hope that the Germans are animal mad too - did you move for work?

I feel for you - it is hard when one loses a bairn. My brother tries to understand how I can love my two furries as if they were children. He has three kiddies and a 'normal' life.

Are you on Facebook? There are a few animal nutters there.

[Bambiagain]

No, not on facebook. I moved because of a man (that's another story in itself). But I have lots of animal mad friends over here. In fact I felt better about having a cat named table when I met a family who have dogs named (in translation) Bean, Loser and Spoon. There are a lot of Germans with pets. I live in a village where there are plenty. And as a horse person, the riding here is incredible - miles and miles without a road in sight. My family in general loves animals, so I'm not alone. My brother, also in England, has various children from his two marriages - and a dog. So they do understand how I feel even if the OH isn't really an animal person.

[wolf63]

Best wishes to you.

I know of cats called - ASBO (belongs to an AB person), Chaos and Havoc!

[Bambiagain]

Thank you very much.

[CatGirl4]

You know you are doing the best for her,thinking of you and knowing just how you feel x