These parts of the dragon tree are poisonous
Basically all parts of the dragon tree like the leaves and flowers are poisonous. The poisonous plant sap also flows through the thin stem, but this does not present a potentially dangerous target for cats and small children. The toxins it contains are so-called saponins, which are in fact found in many different plants. Adults seldom run the risk of poisoning themselves on a dragon tree, as the bitter taste of the leaves of its own accord prevents consumption. Small children with an even less pronounced sense of taste and animals such as cats, dogs, hares and rabbits, on the other hand, can erroneously nibble on the long leaves of the dragon tree.
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This way, cats and other animals can be kept from the dragon tree
Cats like to play with their paws on the long leaves of the dragon tree and then nibble occasionally, as domestic cats also rely on certain plant substances for digestion. You should therefore always offer your cats an alternative in the form of fresh cat grass. You can also set up the dragon tree on the balcony or generally on an unreachably high wall shelf during the summer months.
If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately take the cat to the vet
Many cats show no noticeable symptoms after occasionally nibbling on the dragon tree. However, if the leaves are consumed more, the following symptoms can occur:
- Vomit
- diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
If these symptoms occur, you should consult a veterinarian and take countermeasures against the suspected poisoning.
Tips
Even if cats generally don't really allow themselves to be “trained”, it can be worth a try. Have a water pistol or something similar near the dragon tree your unteachable cat loves. Then send a splash of water in the direction of the dragon tree as soon as the cat attacks it. In some cases, this educational measure has an effect and the frightened cats turn their attention to other objects such as a pot of fresh cat grass.
