Houseplants That Are Toxic To Cats

Indoor plants can brighten up your home, enhance the air quality, and bring nature indoors. However, it’s important to know that many house plants poisonous to cats can lead to serious health problems. Cats are naturally curious, and when it comes to house plants and cats, it’s crucial to make sure that the plants you bring into your home are safe. Some common house plants that are toxic to cats can cause symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to life-threatening conditions.

In this guide, we’ll explore the common houseplants toxic to cats, the symptoms of poisoning, and the plants you should avoid with cats to ensure their safety. We’ll also share tips on how to choose safe plants for cats to chew on and how to protect your feline from the dangers of toxic plants for cats indoor.

Here’s a list of houseplants that are toxic to cats, including the signs to watch out for and some tips on how to keep your home safe for your feline friends.

1. Lilies (Lilium spp. and Hemerocallis spp.)

Toxicity: Highly toxic to cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, kidney failure, and in severe cases, death.
Details: Lilies are one of the most dangerous house plants for cats. Even a small amount of lily pollen or ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal if not treated immediately. All parts of the lily are poisonous to cats, making them one of the most deadly house plants for cats.

2. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

Toxicity: Extremely toxic to cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, liver failure, and potentially death.
Details: The Sago Palm contains cycasin, a potent toxin that can cause severe liver damage. Even a small amount of the seeds can be deadly to cats. This plant is also on the list of house plants cats can’t eat due to its high toxicity.

Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)

Toxicity: Toxic to cats.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and in severe cases, heart arrhythmias.
Details: The flowers, leaves, and bulbs of daffodils contain lycorine, an alkaloid toxin that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress if ingested.

3. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Toxicity: Mildly toxic to cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and changes in urine color.
Details: Aloe vera, widely known for its medicinal properties, contains compounds called saponins and anthraquinones. These compounds can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats if ingested, though it is generally less harmful than other toxic plants.

4. Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Toxicity: Highly toxic to cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, tremors, seizures, and death.
Details: Oleander is a highly toxic houseplant for cats. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause severe heart damage, leading to death if ingested. All parts of this plant are highly toxic.

5. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Toxicity: Moderately toxic to cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and pawing at the mouth.
Details: Dieffenbachia contains needle-shaped crystals of calcium oxalate, which can lead to oral irritation and swelling. In severe cases, Dieffenbachia can cause asphyxiation if a large quantity is ingested, making it one of the unsafe houseplants for cats.

6. Philodendron

Toxicity: Mildly toxic to cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Oral irritation, drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting.
Details: Like Dieffenbachia, philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and distress. While ingestion is not typically fatal, it can lead to painful symptoms.

7. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Toxicity: Moderately toxic to cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Details: Pothos plants are widely found in homes, but they are among the common household plants toxic to cats. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal distress when chewed or ingested.

8. Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

Toxicity: Extremely toxic to cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, kidney and liver damage, respiratory failure, and death.
Details: Autumn crocus contains colchicine, a toxin that can cause severe organ damage and even death in cats. Even a small amount of the plant can be fatal, and immediate veterinary attention is essential.

9. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

Toxicity: Highly toxic to cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and heart arrhythmias.
Details: Azaleas are beautiful but can cause fatal poisoning in cats if eaten. They contain grayanotoxins, which affect the heart and nervous system, making azaleas one of the most poisonous houseplants to cats.

10. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Toxicity: Mildly toxic to cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and abdominal pain.
Details: English ivy contains saponins, which can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats. While it’s not typically life-threatening, it can cause discomfort and distress.

11. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)

Toxicity: Mildly toxic to cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lack of appetite.
Details: Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins, which are insecticidal compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms in cats when ingested.

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Toxicity: Mildly toxic to cats.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Details: The Jade Plant, although generally not life-threatening, can cause gastrointestinal upset and mouth irritation if consumed. It is one of the house plants that are not safe for cats and should be kept out of reach.

Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Toxicity: Moderately toxic to cats.
Symptoms: Oral irritation, swelling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting.
Details: Monstera is a popular tropical plant, but it is not safe for cats. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe oral irritation and gastrointestinal upset if ingested. It’s a good example of house plants that make cats sick if they get into it.

12. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Toxicity: Mildly toxic to cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Details: Peace Lilies aren’t as deadly as some other plants, they still contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause significant irritation to a cat’s mouth and digestive system. If your cat chews on a peace lily, it will likely experience discomfort, making it one of the house plants harmful to cats.

House Plants to Avoid with Cats

There are many house plants that cats won’t eat if they are deterred by the plant’s taste or texture. However, it’s essential to keep unsafe houseplants for cats out of their reach altogether. Some other common house plants that are toxic to cats include:

Croton (Joseph’s Coat)
Caladium (Elephant Ear)
Ficus (Rubber Plant, Weeping Fig)
Philodendron
Poinsettia
Christmas Cherry
Holly Berries
Wandering Jew Plant

These plants contain toxins that can cause a variety of health problems for your cat, from gastrointestinal upset to severe organ failure.

What Is the Most Toxic Houseplant for Cats?

Among all the toxic houseplants, lilies are considered one of the most dangerous to cats. Even small amounts of lily pollen or the ingestion of any part of the plant can cause kidney failure and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Sago palms are also incredibly toxic, with their seeds being highly dangerous.

While plants like pothos, monstera, and philodendron cause discomfort, such as burning sensations and gastrointestinal upset, they generally don’t pose a life-threatening risk unless ingested in large quantities.

Are There Any Safe Houseplants for Cats?

Yes, there are several houseplants that are safe for cats and that house plants cats won’t eat, so you don’t have to sacrifice greenery in your home. Some cat-friendly houseplants include:

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Cat Grass (Dactylis glomerata)

These plants are non-toxic and can even provide some enrichment for your cat, allowing them to safely nibble on the leaves without harm. These safe plants for cats not only provide natural greenery but are also non-toxic, so they can safely be left within your cat’s reach. If you want houseplants for cats to eat, consider cat grass, which provides a fun and healthy snack for your pet.

Can Cats Recognize Toxic Plants?

Cats do not have an innate ability to recognize specific plants as toxic. However, they can display some instinctual behavior, such as avoiding plants that have strong smells or tastes. While some cats might instinctively avoid harmful plants, others may be more curious, and it’s essential to take steps to ensure that dangerous plants are kept out of reach.

How to Prevent Cats from Eating Houseplants

If your cat is particularly interested in nibbling on your plants, here are some ways to discourage them:

Citrus Peels: Cats generally dislike citrus smells. Place lemon or orange peels in the soil of your plants.
Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper around the base of the plant. Cats often dislike the strong scent.
Plant Barriers: Consider using plant cages or placing your plants on high shelves or hanging pots that your cat cannot access.
Repellent Sprays: Commercial sprays designed to deter cats from chewing plants can be effective.

How to Protect Your Cat from Poisonous Plants

To protect your cat from toxic house plants and indoor plants toxic to cats, here are some practical steps:

Choose Pet-Safe Plants: Opt for houseplants that are safe for cats to eat, like spider plants and bamboo palms.
Keep Plants Out of Reach: Place plants on high shelves or use indoor plant stands to prevent your cat from chewing on them.
Use Deterrents: Cats dislike citrus scents, so you can place citrus peels around the base of plants or spray a safe, non-toxic deterrent to keep them away from the plants.
Be Mindful of the Soil: Some cats may try to dig in the soil, so consider using barriers or choosing plants with pet-safe soil to avoid accidental ingestion.

What to Do if Your Cat Ingests a Toxic Houseplant

If you suspect that your cat has ingested a toxic houseplant, it’s important to act quickly:

Remove the Plant: Immediately take the plant away from the cat to prevent further exposure.
Call Your Veterinarian: Contact your veterinarian right away, or reach out to an emergency veterinary clinic if it’s after hours.
Contact Poison Control: You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435 for expert advice and guidance.
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your cat for signs of poisoning, such as vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and trouble breathing. Report these symptoms to your vet.

Preventing Toxicity from Houseplants

To prevent your cat from ingesting toxic houseplants, follow these safety tips:

Choose Non-Toxic Plants: Look for plants that are safe for cats. Some non-toxic options include spider plants, cat grass, and certain varieties of succulents like the Boston fern or bamboo palm.
Keep Plants Out of Reach: Place houseplants on high shelves or in areas where your cat cannot reach them. Consider using hanging planters or plant shelves that are off-limits to your cat.
Training and Deterrents: You can train your cat not to chew on plants by using deterrents like citrus peels, aluminum foil, or commercial sprays that have a bitter taste.
Use Barriers: Consider using plant barriers or plant cages to protect toxic plants from your curious pet.

Conclusion

Houseplants can bring beauty and fresh air into your home, but it’s essential to be aware of which plants are toxic to cats. By identifying and removing dangerous plants from your home, choosing safer alternatives, and taking the necessary precautions, you can help ensure that your indoor garden is both beautiful and cat-friendly. If you’re ever unsure whether a plant is safe for your feline friend, always consult your veterinarian for guidance. Being proactive can save your cat from potential harm and keep your home a safe and happy place for both you and your pet.

By choosing houseplants that are safe for cats and taking precautions to keep harmful plants out of reach, you can enjoy your indoor garden while keeping your furry friend safe. Always be vigilant and avoid house plants that are not safe for cats to ensure their well-being.

Remember, if you’re ever unsure about a plant’s safety, consult your veterinarian or use trusted resources like the ASPCA’s database on houseplants and cats to confirm which plants are safe and which are best avoided. Your cat’s safety is always the top priority!

Houseplants That Are Toxic to Cats