If you own both plants and cats, make sure the plants are not poisonous to felines. Cats are tempted to eat plants, due to curiosity or boredom.

Try to give your cat grass to prevent him from eating your plants, and to be safe, keep only plants such as catnip or wheatgrass, which are not hazardous if ingested.

1. Tiger Lilies

Tiger lilies are probably the most poisonous plants for cats. All the parts of the plant are toxic, and able to cause renal failure. Cats that have ingested this plant will vomit, be lethargic, lack appetite or have increased thirst. If left untreated, the poisoning will cause kidney failure within 24 to 72 hours after ingestion.

2. Raw Plants from Potato Family

The potato family of plants, scientifically known as Solanaceae or deadly nightshade, is potential poison for cats. The toxic substance is called Glycoalkanoid Solamine, and may be found in the leaves and stems. Some plants from this family are the potato, the tomato, the eggplant, chili pepper or paprika. If you grow these, keep your cat away from the garden.

3. Poison Ivy

Poison ivy causes ugly rashes and may be really toxic to cats. Not only poison ivy is poisonous to cats, but also Boston ivy, English ivy, Glacial ivy and heart ivy.

4. Mistletoe

Cats ingesting mistletoe may get poisoning. The berries are the most toxic part.

5. Chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum is a common houseplant that may poison your pet. Even if the cat touches the plant with his skin or mouth, there will be allergic reactions.

6. Creeping and Weeping Fig

The creeping fig and the weeping fig are tempting for the cat and can be toxic if ingested in high quantities.

7. Azalea

Azalea is frequently used as a landscape plant. Ingesting leaves or flowers may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps or respiratory and kidney problems in your cat.

8. Juniper Shrubs

The ingestion of too many juniper shrubs can lead to abdominal pain and kidney problems.

9. Daffodils and Bulb Plants

Daffodils are poisonous for cats, especially the bulbs. They will cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and may be even fatal. Cats may be at risk when ingesting any type of bulb plants (i.e., tulips).

10. Onion Plants

If you grow onions in your garden, the cat shouldn’t have access to this place. The toxic substance in these plants is the N-propyl disulphide, which may cause Heinz anemia. Garlic is also toxic for pets.

Other toxic plants include aloe vera, asparagus fern, cladium, elephant ears, English holly and the umbrella plant.

The Savannah cat is an enigmatic and intrepid cat. They are not easy to get if you haven’t had much experience with cats. They are very intelligent and curious but can be agitated and particular. Find out more on their origins and characteristics.

History:

The history of the Savannah cat goes back to the 1980s. They were created through the breeding between domestic cats and the African serval, a wild cat living in the Savannah which inspired the name: Savannah Cat. It was in 1986 that the breeder Judee Frank created the breed through simple breeding of the two species. This first generation hybrid was the first Savannah cat in history.

African Serval:

Character:

They love to spend time with their owners making them act more like dogs as they can be educated. In fact, many learn to sit, lie-down, as well as many tricks. They are great at escaping as they can jump very high and have a tendency to fit in small places. Make sure to keep an eye on your Savannah cat to be sure it doesn’t run away. They are very sociable cats that can get on well with different kinds of animals and humans. Despite this good behaviour with people in and around the house, they are not considered true domesticated cats. These hybrids are classified with the letter “F” followed by a number. This represents the generation of domestication (F1, F4,…).

Physical characteristics of the chat Savannah cat:

They have a wild and exotic appearance. The larger ones can grow up to 23 kilos in weight. They have very few health issues. They have an attribute called “hybrid vigour” signifying that they have a strong resistance to illnesses. Their life expectancy is about 25 years which is a lot higher than domestic cats.

Head : Of average size compared to its body. A large and long nose with average size, slightly rounded eyes,  in green, brown or yellow.

Body : long, tall and slim.

Tail : long, thin with dark circles going down the length of it.

Colour : accepted colours for this breed are coffee, orange, grey or silver with dark or black markings. 

Fur : this is the most visible characteristic, it is short, precious and soft to the touch.