CATDOLL : Will cats be poisoned if they eat gardenia leaves?

Gardenia is toxic to cats, especially its flowers and leaves. These parts contain a substance called "geniposide", which is somewhat toxic to the liver and gastrointestinal tract of cats. If a cat eats the flowers or leaves of gardenia, it may cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and indigestion.

Although gardenias have many benefits for humans, some of their components can be toxic to cats. Especially the malondialdehyde in gardenias, which is mainly found in petals and stamens, is toxic to cats. Once cats lick or chew these flowers out of curiosity, they may experience digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.