Toxic Plants for Cats
Houseplants and garden plants that can harm cats — plus a list of commonly non-toxic options.
Safe plants →Lilies — The #1 Danger for Cats
All Lilium and Hemerocallis species can cause fatal kidney failure. Even pollen groomed off fur is lethal. Act within hours.
Lily
DangerousEXTREMELY DANGEROUS — the #1 plant poison for cats. Even pollen is lethal.
PlantSago Palm
DangerousEXTREMELY DANGEROUS — liver failure, often fatal.
PlantOleander
DangerousEXTREMELY DANGEROUS — cardiac glycosides, potentially fatal.
PlantCastor Bean
DangerousEXTREMELY DANGEROUS — ricin causes organ failure.
PlantFoxglove
DangerousDangerous — digitalis glycosides affect the heart.
PlantYew
DangerousDangerous — taxine alkaloids can stop the heart.
PlantTulip
ToxicToxic — bulbs are most dangerous, causes GI upset.
PlantPothos (Devil's Ivy)
ToxicToxic — calcium oxalate crystals cause oral and GI irritation.
PlantPhilodendron
ToxicToxic — calcium oxalate crystals cause oral and GI irritation.
PlantDieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
ToxicToxic — calcium oxalate raphides cause severe oral swelling.
PlantAzalea
ToxicToxic — grayanotoxins cause cardiac and GI effects.
PlantChrysanthemum
ToxicToxic — pyrethrins cause GI and neurological effects.
PlantLily of the Valley
ToxicToxic — cardiac glycosides affect the heart.
PlantEnglish Ivy
ToxicToxic — triterpenoid saponins cause GI upset.
PlantCyclamen
ToxicToxic — roots are most dangerous, causes severe GI effects.
PlantKalanchoe
ToxicToxic — bufadienolides affect the heart.
PlantWisteria
ToxicToxic — all parts contain a compound that causes vomiting and diarrhea; seeds and pods are most concentrated.
PlantAloe
ToxicToxic — the latex in aloe causes vomiting and diarrhea.
PlantJade plant
ToxicToxic — Crassula species cause vomiting and depression in cats.
PlantSnake plant
ToxicToxic — saponins cause drooling and vomiting if chewed.
PlantZZ plant
ToxicToxic — calcium oxalate crystals, same family of mouth pain as pothos.
PlantMonstera
ToxicToxic — calcium oxalate crystals in a very fashionable houseplant.
PlantHolly
ToxicToxic — berries and leaves cause gastrointestinal upset.
PlantMistletoe
ToxicToxic — berries can cause gut signs; some species affect the heart.
PlantAmaryllis
ToxicToxic — lycorine is concentrated in the bulb.
PlantDaffodil
ToxicToxic — bulbs are the worst part; lycorine causes severe vomiting.
PlantHyacinth
ToxicToxic — bulbs cause intense gastrointestinal irritation.
PlantDracaena (corn plant)
ToxicToxic — saponins cause drooling and vomiting.
PlantPeace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
CautionCaution — mild calcium oxalate irritation (less severe than true lilies).
PlantPoinsettia
CautionCaution — usually mild drooling, not the holiday death-plant of urban legend.
PlantSilvervine (Matatabi)
SafeYes — safe. A natural cat attractant similar to catnip, generally used in treats and toys.
PlantSpider plant
SafeYes — commonly listed as non-toxic. Cats still may vomit from eating grass-like leaves.
PlantBoston fern
SafeYes — commonly listed as non-toxic to cats.
PlantParlor palm
SafeYes — a commonly recommended non-toxic palm. Not a sago palm.
PlantAfrican violet
SafeYes — Saintpaulia is commonly listed as non-toxic.
PlantMoth orchid (Phalaenopsis)
SafeYes — commonly listed as non-toxic. A safer bouquet stand-in than lilies.
PlantCalathea
SafeYes — commonly listed as non-toxic (many are now sold as Goeppertia).
PlantPrayer plant (Maranta)
SafeYes — commonly listed as non-toxic.
PlantPeperomia
SafeYes — commonly listed as non-toxic.
PlantHaworthia
SafeYes — a non-toxic succulent often confused with aloe or snake plant.
PlantPilea (Chinese money plant)
SafeYes — commonly listed as non-toxic.
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