Toxic plants for cats: the most common ones at home and how to protect your cat

Many houseplants and gift flowers are dangerous for cats. Here's which ones, what symptoms they cause and which plants are safe.

Key takeaways

Lilies are among the most dangerous plants: they can cause severe kidney damage.
Many popular houseplants irritate a cat's mouth and stomach.
If your cat chewed a toxic plant, call your vet and bring the plant or a photo.

Why cats chew plants

Even though they're carnivores, many cats love nibbling leaves. They do it out of curiosity, boredom, to play with something that moves or because it helps them bring up hairballs. So it's not enough to hope your cat "won't go near it": if a plant is within reach, sooner or later it will try it.

Lilies: the biggest danger

True lilies and daylilies are extremely toxic to cats. Biting a leaf, licking pollen off its fur or drinking water from the vase can be enough to cause serious kidney injury. The first signs are vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite and lethargy, and kidney failure can follow within one to three days.

If you have a cat, the safest choice is not to keep lilies at home at all, not even in bouquets. If you suspect your cat touched one, take it to the vet right away, even if it seems fine: early treatment makes all the difference.

Other common toxic plants

Pothos: irritates the mouth and causes drooling and vomiting.
Dieffenbachia (dumb cane): its oxalate crystals cause mouth pain and swelling.
Aloe vera: can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Poinsettia: irritates the mouth and stomach, though usually mildly.
Azalea: can affect the heart and cause vomiting and weakness.
Tulips, hyacinths and daffodils: the bulbs are the most dangerous part.
Cyclamen: the root is highly toxic.
Monstera, philodendron and anthurium: irritate the mouth and stomach.

You can look up any plant in our Is it toxic? tool, which tells you whether it's safe for cats, dogs and birds.

Symptoms of plant poisoning

The most common signs are drooling, head shaking or pawing at the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy and, in serious cases, trouble breathing, tremors or changes in how much it urinates. Some symptoms appear within minutes and others take hours or days.

What to do if your cat chewed a toxic plant

Remove the plant and gently check its mouth. Take a photo of the plant or keep a piece, estimate how much it may have eaten and call your vet or an emergency clinic. In the US you can also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline (a fee may apply). Don't make it vomit or give milk, oil or home remedies unless a professional tells you to. With lilies, go to the vet even if you don't see symptoms.

Safe plants for cat homes

If you love plants, there are many options generally considered safe for cats, such as spider plant, parlor palm, areca palm, Boston fern, calathea, phalaenopsis orchids, peperomia and many herbs like basil. Still, a non-toxic plant can cause a mild upset stomach if your cat eats a lot of it.

Gift flowers: the most overlooked risk

Many poisonings happen with bouquets given for birthdays, Mother's Day or Valentine's Day. Flower arrangements often include lilies or tulips, and curious cats come to investigate. Before bringing a bouquet home, check which flowers it contains. If you're unsure, keep it in a closed room your cat can't enter or pass it on to someone without cats.

Outdoor cats and gardens

If your cat goes outside, check your garden too: lilies, azaleas, oleander and many bulbs are common in yards. Avoid using slug pellets or chemical fertilizers where your cat walks, since cats lick their paws and can ingest residues.

How to protect your cat and keep your plants

Put questionable plants in closed rooms or truly unreachable spots. Remember cats jump very high.
Offer cat grass: many cats prefer chewing its sprouts to your plants.
Give it enough play so it doesn't chew plants out of boredom. Try our cat game.
Check any bouquet before bringing it inside.
Keep your vet's number and a 24-hour emergency clinic handy.

Frequently asked questions

Is catnip safe? Yes. Catnip is safe and many cats love it.

Are dried or artificial plants safe? Artificial plants aren't toxic, but your cat may swallow pieces if it chews them. Dried lilies are still dangerous.

Are these plants toxic to dogs too? Many of them are. Look them up in the tool to see the risk for each species.

This article is for information only and does not replace a visit to your vet.