Which Plants Are Toxic To Cats?

Many pet parents enjoy having plants in their homes, but before you decorate a room, you should learn which plants are toxic to cats. While there are many cat-friendly houseplants available, several common varieties can be harmful or even deadly to your feline companion.

The best approach is to research plants before bringing them home and remove or securely place any potentially dangerous plants so that they’re out of your cat’s reach. Let’s explore what plants are toxic to cats so you can create a safer environment for your pet.

• Signs Of Plant Toxicity in Cats
• What To Do If Your Cat Ingests A Toxic Plant
• Which Plants Are Not Toxic To Cats?
• Toxic Plants: Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Notes

1. Amaryllis

Amaryllis, also known as Belladonna lily or Naked Lady, is a beautiful red-flowered plant that's one of many houseplants that are toxic to dogs and cats. These plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, pain, and even tremors.¹

2. Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Azaleas, also known as Rhododendron, are common houseplants that are toxic to cats and can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to cardiac failure.²

3. Chrysanthemum, Daisy, Mum

Chrysanthemums, also known as daisies, and mums, have many varieties but are known for their beautiful color. Unfortunately, these plants are toxic to cats, dogs, and even horses, with symptoms ranging from vomiting to incoordination and dermatitis.³

4. Daffodils, Narcissus

Daffodils may resemble tall grasses, so your cat may nibble them or rub up against them. The bulbs are the most toxic part of the plant to dogs and cats, with symptoms that include salivation, diarrhea and vomiting, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.⁴

5. English Ivy

Also known as California Ivy, English Ivy is toxic to all pets, including cats, and can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.⁵

6. Hyacinth

Hyacinth is a beautiful purple-blue plant that may attract cats because they easily detect blue and violet hues. However, hyacinth is toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea with blood, and tremors.⁶

7. Lily

Lilies are beautiful spring plants with white, pink, red, or orange flowers. However, even though they're popular indoor plants, many varieties are toxic to cats. Lilies can result in acute kidney failure, so cats should avoid the petals, leaves, and even the pollen created by these plants.⁷

8. Lily of the Valley

Lily of the valley has a white flower with large green leaves. These plants are toxic to pets and can result in disorientation, coma, and seizures.⁸

9. Marijuana

THC is toxic to pets, so they should avoid all marijuana plants and products. Signs of marijuana toxicity in cats include depression, vomiting, incoordination, dilated pupils, seizure, coma, and even death.⁹

10. Oleander

Oleander is most commonly known as a garden plant, and it's toxic to many different animals, including cats and dogs. Don't let the beautiful pink flowers fool you; these plants are incredibly dangerous for cats and can result in pain, drooling, diarrhea, and even death.¹⁰

11. Peace Lily

Peace lilies are not true lilies, but they are just as dangerous to cats. These plants are common indoor plants but are mildly poisonous to cats even though they are not as toxic as true lilies. Symptoms of peace lily toxicity in cats include burning of the mouth, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.¹¹

12. Pothos, Devil's Ivy

Devil's Ivy is a beautiful green vine that grows well inside or outdoors. However, while it makes a great table plant, it is incredibly toxic to pets, including cats. If your cat consumes Devil's Ivy, also known as Pothos, they can experience difficulty swallowing and vomiting.¹²

13. Sago Palm

The Sago palm resembles a small palm tree with stiff fronds. However, this cute little plant can cause serious health complications in pets when ingested. Symptoms of sago palm ingestion include vomiting, thirst, bruising, liver damage, liver failure, and even death.¹³

14. Spanish Thyme

Spanish thyme is a fragrant plant with thick green leaves. Don't let its name fool you; while regular thyme is not toxic to cats, Spanish thyme is. Spanish thyme can cause all types of reactions in cats, from vomiting to lack of appetite and bloody diarrhea.¹⁴

15. Tulip

Tulips are most known for their color variety, ranging from pink and red to yellow, white, and orange. While tulips can make any room look nice, they are toxic to cats. The bulb is especially dangerous, but the entire plant can be harmful and cause vomiting and diarrhea symptoms.¹⁵

16. Aloe Vera

While aloe vera has medicinal benefits for humans, it contains saponins that are toxic to cats. If your cat ingests aloe vera, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. While the gel is considered edible, you should keep this popular houseplant out of your cat’s reach or consider cat-friendly alternatives.¹⁶

17. Carnation

Carnations contain unknown toxic substances that can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms in cats if ingested. Your cat may have mild vomiting and diarrhea after nibbling on these popular flowers. While not typically fatal, it’s best to keep carnations away from curious cats.¹⁷

18. Chives

Chives are from the Allium family, which also includes garlic and onions, and are highly toxic to cats. Eating these can cause damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms include weakness, lethargy, increased heart rate, and panting.¹⁸

19. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus contains essential oils that are toxic to cats. If your cat ingests eucalyptus leaves or comes into contact with eucalyptus oil, they may experience drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and weakness. The strong scent may deter most cats, but it’s safer to keep eucalyptus out of your home entirely.¹⁹

20. Geranium

Geraniums contain geraniol and linalool, which are toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, depression, skin irritation, and loss of appetite. Despite being common garden and houseplants, geraniums should be kept away from areas your cat can access.²⁰

21. Holly

Holly berries and leaves contain saponins that are harmful to cats. If ingested, your cat may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. Holly is especially common during the holiday season, so be extra vigilant during these times.²¹

22. Lavender

While lavender’s scent is pleasant to humans, it contains linalool and linalyl acetate that can be toxic to cats in concreted forms. Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, and a lack of appetite. Essential oils are especially dangerous, but even the plant itself should be kept away from cats.²²

23. Morninglory

Morninglory, including its seeds, contains indole alkaloids that can be toxic to cats. Symptoms include GI upset and the potential for hallucinations. Keep these climbing vines away from areas your cat can reach, especially if you have an outdoor cat.²³

24. Philodendron

Philodendron contains calcium oxalate that causes immediate oral irritation when chewed or swallowed by cats. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Despite being popular houseplants, philodendrons should be kept well away from cats.²⁴

25. Wisteria

All parts of wisteria plants contain glycosides that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress in cats. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. Though typically grown outdoors, be cautious if you have wisteria in your garden and an outdoor cat.²⁵

The above house plants that are toxic to cats are not an extensive list. Do your due diligence as a pet parent and research which plants are harmful to cats before bringing them home. Check out the ASPCA's list of poisonous plants for cats for more information.

Signs Of Plant Toxicity In Cats

Most toxic plants cause irritation and inflammation, so the most common symptoms of toxicity in cats when it comes to plants are redness, swelling, and itchiness.²⁶ However, you can also expect digestive issues as your cat's body tries to naturally expel the toxins.

While specific symptoms vary depending on the particular plant ingested and the amount consumed, general signs of toxicity from plant ingestion may include:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Drooling
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Irregular heartbeat
• Lethargy
• Coma
• Seizures
• Death (in rare cases)

If your cat consumes any part of a potentially poisonous plant, take them to the vet as soon as possible for treatment.

What To Do If Your Cat Ingests A Toxic Plant

You should take action quickly if you think your cat ate a toxic plant. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the plant from your cat’s mouth, fur, or surrounding area to prevent further ingestion.
2. Identify the plant if possible. Take photos or save a sample to show the veterinarian.
3. Watch your cat for symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.
4. Contact your veterinarian immediately. Describe the plant and your cat’s symptoms.
5. If your vet is unavailable, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Note that these services may charge a consultation fee.
6. If advised to seek treatment, transport your cat to the veterinary clinic calmly and safely.
7. Follow your veterinarian’s treatment plan, which may include activated charcoal, IV fluids, or supportive care.
8. After treatment, remove all toxic plants from your home or put them in locations completely inaccessible to your cat.

Which Plants Are Not Toxic To Cats?

While many plants are toxic to cats, you're not limited when it comes to how you decorate your home. Here are a few houseplants that are safe for cats:

• Catnip is mostly a plant for your cat, but it can be fun to grow, especially because you can use it to calm stressful cats and give them something to play with when you're not home.
• Spider plants are green, leafy plants that can be hung inside or outside.
• Orchids are beautiful indoor plants that are not toxic to cats. If you're looking for a touch of color, try an orchid instead of a lily.
• Money trees can bring a taste of the outside indoors and give your cat something they can explore.

Toxic Plants: Frequently Asked Questions

What plants are most toxic to cats?

Not all plants are dangerous to cats, but several indoor plants are toxic to cats, ranging from mild toxicity to potentially fatal. Some of the most toxic plants include peace lilies, sago palms, tulips, and oleander. Before you bring any plants home, research them to ensure they're safe for pets because you won't be able to watch your cat constantly to prevent them from chewing on or rubbing against your houseplants.

Will cats eat toxic plants?

Cats will eat toxic plants even though they're usually careful about what they eat. In the case of indoor cats vs. outdoor cats, indoor cats don't have experience with the outdoors or plants, so they can get curious about new plants in the home and may want to play with them or chew on them.

How do I stop my cat from eating poisonous plants?

The best thing you can do to prevent your cat from becoming ill from plant poisoning is to avoid putting dangerous plants in your home. However, if you already have dangerous plants, you can deter your cat by spraying all of your plants with citrus juice like orange or lemon juice. Cats don't like the smell of citrus, so it should be enough to keep them away from toxic plants.

Final Notes

Be careful with what you put in your home. Cats are naturally curious creatures and have instincts to play with and chew on plants. Before you buy a new plant, do your research to ensure they're safe for pets. If you're ever unsure if a plant is safe, avoid putting it somewhere your cat can get to it. Cats are great climbers, and you can't watch them all day long.

Therefore, it's best to avoid buying plants that could harm their health. Instead, choose plants that are safe or can benefit your cat. If you notice your cat experiencing any of the symptoms of toxicity, consult a vet immediately. Get pet questions answered from home with Dutch. Dutch lets you connect with licensed vets online for advice about toxic plants and other pet health concerns. Become a member today.