What is Lemongrass Poisoning?
Cats usually limit the amount of food that they eat or eat. However, some cats might not be in a position to control the amount of grass, such as lemongrass, they consume. This could result in a moderate GI disturbance. When your cat consumes an excessive amount of grass, they are at risk of developing intestinal obstruction. Given the way the grass can be to cats, it may be necessary to limit access to it.
There are three varieties of lemongrass, including Cymbopogoncitratus, which is used for Thai and Asian cuisines. Cymbopogon winterianus is close to Ceylon citronella. It is utilized to repel insects. Cymbopogon Nardus, which is known as citronella grass, looks similar to lemongrass but has maroon-colored stems. This plant is the origin of citronella oils and can be moderately poisonous to cats.
Lemongrass, also known as oil grass, is part of the Poaceae family. It is widely used in Thai food items, and although it’s not harmful to human beings, it is a risk to pets, dogs, and species of wildlife. If your cat eats cooked food or a meal that contains lemongrass, you should be perfectly fine if you only consume a tiny quantity.
Symptoms of Lemongrass Poisoning in Cats
When your cat has consumed lemongrass, especially in greater quantities, you’ll be able to notice the following signs:
- A mild stomach upset
- Abdominal discomfort
- Abdominal distension (swollen abdomen)
- Fever
- A loss of appetite
- Shock
- Strains during defection
- Vomiting
Following a meal, you may experience more of the following:
- Chronic cystitis
- Leg weakness in the hind
- Leakage of urine
- Unable to flush body waste out
Concentrated lemongrass essence, which comes in the shape of an essential oil, is particularly dangerous for your cat. Cats don’t have the liver enzymes needed to break down the components found in this essential oil.
If your cat has the desire to eat lemongrass in an agitated manner, you could have any nutritional deficiencies or an illness. Be sure to eliminate it from the environment, and do not allow it to be in your home.
Causes of Lemongrass Poisoning in Cats
The lemongrass plant isn’t dangerous for cats, so it is eaten with caution. When it’s transformed into an essential oil, lemongrass could prove dangerous for cats. Cats are all deficient in glucuronyl Transferase, an enzyme in the liver that aids in breaking down the majority of essential oils, which includes lemongrass.
Diagnosis of Lemongrass Poisoning in Cats
The vet will analyze the cat’s behavior to determine if lemongrass is present in your cat. As well as a thorough exam, your vet will also order a biochemical profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. By performing these tests, the vet will determine if they are able to detect any anomalies in the blood of your cat.
Lemongrass’s attractiveness is evident. For your cat, it could eat too much of it and put it in danger of forming an intestinal obstruction. If you let your vet know the food your cat is eating, they’ll ask for ultrasounds as well as X-rays. It could also be a barium analysis, which will enable the obstruction to be detected far more quickly.
Treatment of Lemongrass Poisoning in Cats
The vet you visit is able to impart therapies to help your cat recover to normal. The treatments could include an IV drip of fluids as well as anti-nausea medication and an anti-acid.
If the animal has developed an obstruction in the intestine due to the quantity of lemongrass that it consumes, the vet may need to perform surgery to eliminate the obstruction.
When poisoning is suspected, such as lemongrass essential oil, the veterinarian will conduct tests to determine the liver function of your cat. The test will be closely monitored in order to determine if there is no evidence of liver damage. In order to make it less likely to occur, the vet will force your cat to vomit, clean your cat’s stomach, and then use activated charcoal to remove the remaining toxins inside your cat’s system. IV fluids can also be introduced.
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Recovery of Lemongrass Poisoning in Cats
Your cat is likely to recover from lemongrass poisoning. It isn’t terribly poisonous, and cats may enjoy nibbling on the leaves.
When your cat is restricted to your home, be sure there are no other occasions for eating lemongrass don’t occur. Get rid of all lemongrass in the area. Instead, you can plant feline-friendly grasses in your home and outside. Allow your cat to have the liberty to chew these grasses, not lemongrass.
If your cat did not have the overwhelming desire to consume lemongrass or other toxic chemicals before but is now, bring it to your vet to have a thorough check-up. From deficiencies in vitamins to circulatory problems and the brain, the cat needs to be thoroughly examined and assessed. When the proper treatment is prescribed for one or more of these ailments, the cat should be allowed to resume normal food. Be aware of their behavior and observe the area your cat is within. If you see them twitching at lemongrass once more, offer them the opportunity to gnaw in a tiny amount and then shift them to another space.