Special offer

Easter Flowers are Toxic to Animals

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeBuyer Brokerage

Easter Flowers are deadly for pets

lily flower

Photo by Tanalee Youngblood on Unsplash

I love fresh flowers! Any time of the year, I have flowers on my kitchen table and more flowers in small vases around the house. I buy lilies all year round because they're beautiful and last for a couple of weeks. But that is coming to an end. 

 

Dobby had yellow pollen on her head from the lilies in a vase on our table

 

I quickly grabbed a wet paper towel and wiped the pollen off her head and didn't think much of it but something was nagging me so I googled lilies and cats. Here's what I found:

 

Easter Lily Poisoning in Cats

Ten Plants that are Poisonous to Dogs

Lilies are extremely dangerous for Cats 

Plants that are toxic to Dogs & Cats

 

If you have pets please, please read a few of these links!

 

 

Many pets die every day of undiagnosed illnesses that may be linked to the flowers and plants we have in our homes. Even the common philodendron is toxic to dogs and cats. This has become more important to me since we adopted Dobby who weighed 2.2-pounds when she came into our lives. She was so tiny and vulnerable!

 

 

One night we were watching a movie and I ran upstairs to grab a snack from the refrigerator. I opened and shut the door and turned to go downstairs but something felt odd so I opened the refrigerator door again. There was Dobby! She had followed me up the stairs and jumped into the refrigerator! She was sitting next to the kale and bottled water!

 

After that weird incident, we now check before starting the washing machine and dryer. We keep all closet doors partially open. Since Dobby now weighs 5 pounds, she, thankfully, cannot jump into the refrigerator and smart enough to not sleep on the stairs (like she did one night when she was a kitten)

 

Animals are a gift to the planet and the pets we bring into our homes become members of our family. When you walk your dog, pay attention to what they are eating. If your cat is acting lethargic or sick, look for plants or flowers that may be causing the illness. 

 

And finally, consider using non-toxic wipes on the floors in your house.

 

 

Another example from my own life;  I was cleaning my bathroom with Clorox wipes and Comet cleanser when Dobby walked across the floor and hopped up on the sink. She wanted to check out what I was doing so she walked on tiles that were covered in Clorox.

 

I quickly wiped off her feet with clean water and then wiped down the bathroom floor with water and paper towels. And then I realized that I've been doing this for years! All my pets have been walking on toxic stuff! With Dobby being so small, I've had to rethink flowers, plants, cleaning products and all things that could harm our kitten.

 

Enjoy Easter on Sunday, April 1st

 

keep the toxic plants away from pets and children

 

Posted by

Victoria Lynne Henderson

Real estate broker and business owner of HomeBuyer Brokerage serving buyers in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Victoria was born in Washington D.C. and loves her hometown!

Learn more about exclusive buyer brokers & agents at HomeBuyer Brokerage

 

 

Certified Negotiation Expert

Serving home buyers in Washington D.C., Maryland & Virginia 

Comments (9)

Ellen Caruso
Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty - Glen Head, NY

Thanks for the info and links, I never knew plants could be toxic. I’ll take your advise about having the wipes handy.

Mar 23, 2018 06:16 PM
Victoria Ray Henderson
HomeBuyer Brokerage - Washington, DC
Washington DC Real Estate

Thanks Ellen Caruso for reading the blog! I've ditched my Clorox wipes and now use non-toxic products in my house. It's funny how the love of a little animal will change your habits:) Have a great weekend!

 

Mar 23, 2018 06:19 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Good reminder Victoria Ray Henderson Marshall Henderson . Some people are also very allergic to these plants. We went many years at our church with no Easter Lilies because our Pastor was highly allergic to them.

Mar 23, 2018 06:37 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Victoria and Marshall. Good tips all and very important to those of us with beloved pets.

Mar 24, 2018 04:50 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Victoria and Marshall. Great post about dangerous plants/flowers for pets... so many people are oblivious. Love the story about Dobby sitting in the fridge and obviously a happy ending. Fortunately, none of my cats were ever interested in climbing into any machines.

Mar 24, 2018 05:44 AM
Victoria Ray Henderson
HomeBuyer Brokerage - Washington, DC
Washington DC Real Estate

Thanks Bob "RealMan" Timm I didn't know people could be allergic but it makes sense! Sheila Anderson Thank you and spread the word:) Nina Hollander I'm really glad your cats don't climb into trouble like Dobby! Have a great weekend everyone!

Mar 24, 2018 07:04 AM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

It's amazing what a new little friend can help you to make positive changes in life.

Mar 26, 2018 09:53 PM
Victoria Ray Henderson
HomeBuyer Brokerage - Washington, DC
Washington DC Real Estate

Very true Michelle Carr-Crowe! We love our new addition to the family

Mar 27, 2018 03:03 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

The curiosity of little Dobby has made you very mindful of safety issues. This little kitty sounds like a wonderful addition to your family - and a lucky feline to find such caring owners. D 

Mar 27, 2018 08:10 AM