Deadly blooms in your home

LILIES are widely known to be toxic to cats. But tulips and other flowers such as hyacinths are just as dangerous. They all contain toxins called lactones, which are poisonous to cats, dogs and horses.

The highest concentration of toxins are found in the bulbs but they can spread to any part of the plant.

Eating them can leave cats suffering diarrhoea, vomiting, seizures and excessive drooling.

Large amounts can lead to an increased heart rate and difficulty breathing. Urgent treatment should be sought at the first sign of any of these symptoms.

If you catch your cat nibbling a tulip, they should be taken to the vet immediately even if they don’t appear to be ill.

Tulips can also be toxic to humans. People have reported symptoms including dizziness, abdominal pain and nausea after eating the flowers. One study found breathing problems, sweating and vomiting began within just ten minutes of eating tulips.