What Plants Are Toxic to Cats?

Adding plants and flowers to your home is a great way to decorate and brighten up your space. However, many cat parents may keep common plants throughout the house without knowing how deadly they can be for their feline friends.

As a cat owner, it's critical to know which plants commonly found in homes and gardens can pose a danger to your pet. Armed with this knowledge, you can take simple precautions to deter your cat from toxic plants and avoid the dangers of plant poisoning altogether.

Please note: This is not a comprehensive list of what plants are toxic to cats. Various plants may have differing effects on feline health, and it's crucial to conduct thorough research before introducing new plants into your home. For comprehensive guidance on which plants are safe or potentially harmful to your pets, we recommend consulting reputable sources such as the ASPCA's extensive database of toxic and non-toxic plants, or speaking directly with your veterinarian. Taking these steps ensures the well-being of your cherished pets and keeps your living space both beautiful and safe for them.

Common Plants Poisonous to Cats

These plants range from extremely toxic to mildly toxic. Avoid exposing your cat to these common plants:

Lilies

All parts of lilies are extremely toxic to cats, even in small doses. Eating any part of the plant - leaves, pollen, flowers or water from the vase - can cause kidney failure and death in cats⁷.

Pothos

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is an extremely popular houseplant known for its trailing vines and ease of care. Pothos is considered toxic to cats, and ingestion can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing⁴.

ZZ Plant

ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) , despite being often recommended for pet owners, contains calcium oxalate crystals. When consumed, these  can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation in cats².

Jade Plant

Jade plant (Crassula ovata) is considered toxic to cats and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and incoordination if ingested⁶.

Snake Plant

Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), also known as mother-in-law's tongue, can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if ingested⁹.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera can cause vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea if eaten and is considered toxic to cats¹.

Tomato Plant

The green parts of the tomato plant, including stems, leaves, and unripe fruit, contain solanine. This can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite¹¹. Ripe tomatoes contain very limited solanine, as the content reduces during the ripening process, as and such ripe tomatoes are considered safe¹¹.

Lavender

Consumption of the lavender plant in small amounts is not generally severely toxic, but larger ingestions can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite⁵.

Peace Lily

Ingestion of peace lily can irritate the mouth and esophagus. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can lead to excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing⁸.

Arrowhead Plant

The arrowhead plant contains calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion of the leaves or stems can lead to oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and lack of appetite³.

Swiss Cheese Plant

Ingestion of Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, can irritate the mouth, tongue, and lips. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral pain, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing¹⁰. 

Ficus Plants

Plants from the Ficus genus, which includes the Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) and the Indian Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) among others, are generally considered mildly toxic to cats^12,13. Ingestion of these plants can result in symptoms such as mouth irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite¹³.

Non-Toxic Plants

Certain houseplants are considered non-toxic for cats. These plants can be safely kept in homes with feline companions.

Including non-toxic plants in your home not only beautifies your living space but also creates a safe and stimulating environment for your feline friends.

Conclusion

Cats are curious creatures that like to explore their environment and often taste test our house plants. Unfortunately, many common houseplants are toxic to cats and can cause serious poisoning if ingested. As cat owners, we must be aware of which houseplants are dangerous and take precautions to keep our furry friends safe.

All potentially toxic plants should be kept out of reach of cats. If you suspect your cat has eaten part of a toxic plant, seek veterinary treatment immediately. The sooner the poisoning is addressed, the better the chance of recovery.

Go! Solutions Team A Team of Dedicated Pet Parents + Nutrition Experts

While houseplants pose some dangers, there are also many safe, pet-friendly options for plant lovers. With proper precautions, cat owners can enjoy decorative plants without putting their cats at risk. By being aware of what plants are toxic to cats, we can cultivate both a beautiful home and a healthy, thriving cat.