Which plants are dangerous to cats?

Even if your cat is not a plant-eater, they can brush against pollen from plants toxic for cats and then accidentally ingest this while grooming. Curious kittens and young cats are more at risk, as well as indoor cats who are more likely to get bored and investigate plants in the house.

So, it’s very important to choose plants for your garden carefully to avoid plants toxic for cats and ensure that any clippings are quickly cleared up when gardening. When choosing flowers or houseplants for an indoor display, some should be kept out of reach of your cat to avoid a cat poison risk.

Lilies are very popular in flower arrangements. However, all parts of a lily are highly toxic to cats. Even a small amount eaten by a cat is enough to cause severe poisoning. Although your cat might not want to eat lilies, these flowers tend to drop a lot of pollen, which your cat could get on their fur or paws and could be consumed while washing. The safest approach is not to have lilies in your home or garden.

Lilies are the most well-known poisonous plants to cats, however, there is a sizeable list of plants and flowers that are toxic. 

Common houseplants that are harmful to cats

Here are 10 common houseplants that are toxic to cats and the potential effects they can have:

1. Lilies (Lilium species)

All parts of lilies are highly toxic to cats, including the pollen. Even a small amount can cause severe kidney failure. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

2. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

While great for human skin, Aloe Vera can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and lethargy in cats if ingested.

3. Dieffenbachia (Dumb cane)

This plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause severe oral irritation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing when chewed.

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies can cause drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in cats due to their calcium oxalate crystals.

5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Ingesting pothos can lead to oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. This popular houseplant contains insoluble calcium oxalates.

6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

When consumed, English Ivy can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

7. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Snake plants contain saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea in cats if ingested. Its upright, sword-like leaves make it appealing but dangerous.

8. Philodendron (Philodendron species)

Like pothos, philodendrons contain calcium oxalates, leading to mouth irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset.

9. Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

Extremely toxic, autumn crocus can cause kidney and liver damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and even death if ingested.

10. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

Sago palms are incredibly toxic to cats, causing severe liver damage, vomiting, and sometimes death. Even small amounts are dangerous.

Common garden plants toxic to cats

In the garden, it's just as important to be cautious. Cats may nibble on plants when outdoors, or ingest them when playing or exploring. Here are 10 common garden plants that are harmful to cats:

1. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Foxgloves contain toxins that affect the heart. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially life-threatening heart arrhythmias.

2. Rhododendron (Rhododendron species)

Rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and even seizures.

3. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

Like rhododendrons, azaleas can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea when ingested by cats.

4. Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Highly toxic, oleander can cause heart failure, vomiting, and even death in cats. Symptoms can develop rapidly.

5. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Though less common, hydrangeas can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy when ingested by cats.

6. Yew (Taxus baccata)

All parts of the yew plant, except the berries, are toxic to cats. Ingesting yew can cause seizures, heart failure, and death.

7. Lantana (Lantana camara)

Lantana poisoning leads to vomiting, diarrhoea, and sometimes liver damage in cats.

8. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)

The bulbs of daffodils are especially toxic. Ingesting them can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

9. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Known for its beautiful flowers, this plant is highly toxic to cats and can cause heart arrhythmias, vomiting, and confusion.

10. Tulips (Tulipa spp.)

Like daffodils, tulip bulbs are particularly toxic to cats. Ingesting them can cause gastrointestinal upset and a drop in heart rate.

For more information on plants that are poisonous to cats, read this guide from our partners, icatcare.

What should I do if I think my cat has been poisoned by a plant?

If you can see the plant that your cat has eaten, take your cat away from it straight away. Don’t try to make your cat sick as this may be unhelpful. If you have any reason at all to worry that your cat has been poisoned, you need to contact your vet immediately for advice – do not wait for symptoms to develop or worsen. Some signs of poisoning are:

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• Salivating
• Fitting
• Breathing difficulties
• Collapsing

How to keep your cat safe from poisonous plants

To keep your cat safe from dangerous plants and flowers indoors, it's important to be selective about the plants you bring into your home. Avoid toxic plants such as lilies, poinsettias, and aloe vera, and opt for cat-friendly alternatives like spider plants or cat grass.

Keep any potentially harmful plants out of your cat's reach by placing them on high shelves or in areas they can’t access. Regularly check your plants for fallen leaves or pollen, as cats may ingest these while grooming. If you have guests bringing flowers, ensure that arrangements with toxic flowers, like lilies, are kept well away from your cat's environment.

Plants that are safe for cats

While many plants can be harmful to cats, there are also plenty of safe options for both indoors and outdoors. Some non-toxic indoor plants include spider plants, cat grass, and Boston ferns, which are safe for curious cats to nibble on. Outside, consider planting cat-friendly options like lavender, marigolds, and sunflowers. These plants not only add beauty to your garden but also won’t harm your cat if they come into contact with them. Always double-check plant safety, as even safe plants can cause digestive upset if eaten in large quantities.

As an Agria Pet Insurance customer with our cat or kitten insurance, you can speak to a vet completely free whenever you have a question or concern about your pet’s health. Simply download the Agria app for free 24/7 video calls; giving you expert advice to help keep your pet happy and healthy.

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FAQs about plants that are toxic to cats