Toxic to cats?

Willow bark is a natural medicine

Willow bark was already used as an effective pain reliever in ancient times. Depending on the variety and location, this can contain up to eleven percent salicylates, which have a similar effect to the chemically produced preparation ASA. The bark is also rich in tannins. Traces of these active ingredients can also be found in the velvety catkins, leaves and all other parts of the plant that are so popular with bees.

Salicylic acid is not entirely safe for cats

ASS is also prescribed for cats by the vet in extremely small doses, often several days apart. However, the dose is chosen to be very low.

The reason:

Cats are naturally weak in glucuronidation, which means that the animal's liver needs a long time to metabolize the substance. Therefore, the remains with

the corkscrew pasture absorbed salicylic acid longer in the body of our velvet paws than is the case with humans.

• If possible, discourage outdoor cats from eating large amounts of willow leaves or gnawing on the bark.
• If the animals scratch the trunk, however, the active substances adhering to the claws are so small that they should not pose any risk.

Can cats instinctively recognize poisonous plants?

Poisonous plants can be very dangerous for cats due to the aforementioned weakness in glucuronidation. This also applies to ornamental plants in gardens and parks. However, the animals have lush grass at their disposal here, which they prefer to nibble on than, for example, on the leaves of the zigzag willow. Poisoning is therefore not to be feared.