Poisonous Plants For Cats
Cats will chew on plantsand because they love to climb and explore, it can be difficult to keep plants out of your curious cat’s reach.
If you want to keep plants in your house, or if you let your cat out into your yard, you need to be able to accurately identify plants and flowers that are poisonous to cats. When in doubt, it is safest to remove a questionable plant from your home.
Aloe Vera Less Toxic Plant For Cats
The aloe vera plant belongs to the Aloaceae family and is also known as Aloe barbadensis. People use this plant medicinally, but if cats ingest it, it has toxic effects.
The toxins in aloe vera include glycosides, anthracene, and anthraquinones. Ingestion can cause vomiting and bowel movements.
Toxin symptoms are usually mild unless your cat has ingested a large amount of aloe vera. The symptoms include vomiting, changes in urine color, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, and depression.
The poisonous part of the plant is the white latex, not the gelatin inside the leaves.
Which Plants Are Harmful To Cats
Believe it or not, the ASPCA lists 417 varieties of plants that are toxic to cats, as well as 569 that arent toxic.
I found this shockinghow do any cats live long, healthy lives if they are surrounded by potentially dangerous plants?
Its partly in the definition. Toxic means that a plant can cause harm, but the type and severity of harm vary widely. Some toxic plants cause a skin rash or vomiting that is irritating but not dangerous in the long term, while others can cause severe damage to internal organs, leading to life-threatening problems like kidney failure.
To sort it out, I did a lot of reading and enlisted the help of Los Angeles holistic veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney.
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Fruiting Plants Toxic To Cats
Fruits are juicy and delicious, so some pet parents think that sharing having fruiting plants around would be a great treat for cats. Despite such good intentions, fruiting plants may actually bring harm to our beloved cats.
Even though fruiting plants are by and large only mildly toxic to cats, there are still highly toxic ones as well.
On one hand, for instance, the milky sap from Figs can cause dermatitis in cats.
Here is the full list of toxic fruiting plants, their botanical names, and their corresponding toxicities:
Quick Reference Advice About Plants Flowers And Poisoning
If you’re unsure whether a plant or flower is poisonous to your cat, if you’re keen to find plants and flowers safe for cats, or if you suspect your cat may have been poisoned, we have guidance and vet-approved lists to help you.
To keep your cat safe, we recommend avoiding toxic plants and flowers altogether. Any plants or flowers marked as caution-advised should be kept out of reach, particularly if your cat is a nibbler.
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Toxicity And Symptoms Are Dependent On The Plant
There is a long list of poisonous plants that you should not have in your home if you have a cat. We’ve listed some of the more common ones below.
The degree of toxicity and symptoms your cat may exhibit depends on the specific plant and the amount, as well as the part of the plant your cat has potentially consumed, in addition to your cat’s size, any existing medical conditions, medications they may be taking, and a host of other factors.
It is vital that you contact your veterinarian, Animal ER, or an animal-specific poison control hotlineimmediately if you believe your cat has nibbled on or eaten any amount of a toxic plant or flower.
What To Expect If Your Cat Eats The Wrong Plant
If your cat eats a lily or other toxic plant, Dr. Mahaney shared the potential treatments that might be used by your veterinarian:
Older cats might not respond to treatment as well as younger cats because most cats develop kidney disease in their senior years, Dr. Mahaney says. When the kidneys arent functioning properly to begin with, it makes it more difficult to get a cat back to good health after toxic exposure.
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Why Do Cats Eat Plants
Before we jump into the list, its important to look into the reasons why your cat may be tempted to snack on your houseplants.
Despite their obligate carnivore status, there are a number of reasons behind why cats eat houseplants. Understanding their behavior is an excellent first step towards providing alternatives and keeping them safe:
Signs & Symptoms Of Poisoning In Cats
Depending on the plant species that has been ingested, the early signs and symptoms of poisoning can vary greatly. Below are some signs to watch for:
- Irritants. Symptoms include itchiness, swelling, red/watery eyes, irritation around the mouth
- GI issues. Symptoms include vomiting, retching and diarrhea.
- Internal issues. Symptoms include difficulties breathing and swallowing, drooling, excessive water consumption, frequent urination, irregular heartbeat, overall weakness.
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What To Do If You Suspect Your Cat Consumed Something Toxic
Signs your cat may have gotten into something they werent supposed to, like a toxic houseplant, can include mild signs such as drooling, oral pain and/or lesions, not wanting to eat, vomiting, and diarrhea, says Dr. Rosen. With plants that cause neurological problems, you might see your cat appear drunk, or unable to stand or walk. You might also notice tremors or muscle twitching, she explains. In more severe cases of toxicity , cats can become neurologically depressed, unable to breathe, and can experience organ failure rather quickly, Rosen says.
Any time youre concerned about possible exposure to something toxic, Dr. Rosen recommends contacting the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline immediately. They have the most up to date information on toxicities and treatments for our pets, and will work with your family veterinarian to get a plan together as quickly as possible to treat your cat or dog, Dr. Rosen says. In situations regarding the health of your pet, where every moment counts, contacting the right authority while you head to your veterinarian or clinic helps facilitate a quick, proactive response and avoid delayed treatment.
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Popular Houseplants That Are Toxic To Cats
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Houseplants are common in nearly every home. They brighten your living space, help purify indoor air, and have been shown to help reduce anxiety and depressionplus many people find caring for plants therapeutic. Unfortunately, if you have cats there are houseplants you should not bring into your home due to their toxic propertiesespecially since cats are notoriously mischievous and prone to chewing on things. Here are some popular houseplants that you should avoid if you have cats.
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Sago Palm Very Toxic Plant For Cats
This plant belongs to a species of plants known as cycads, which are primitive palm-like plants that produce seeds and cones.
Sago palms have short, thick stems and leaves that look like ferns or palms. It is also called Japanese sago palm or king sago palm.
They are a fun, tropical addition to any home and can do wonders for indoor air quality. Its unique structure makes it a beautiful standout piece.
Sago palms are very toxic to cats. When any part of this plant is ingested, it can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and even liver failure or death.
Veterinarians warn cat owners that the plant is extremely toxic to cats. They also pose a health risk to our feline pals when grown indoors in pots during cold climates.
All parts of this plant are toxic for cats. These include the stem, the leaves, the roots, and particularly the seeds.
The major toxic component in this plant is known as cycasin, which is a strong neurotoxin and a carcinogen.
Look Out For Lilies: Toxic To Cats
Lilies are at the top of the list. These gorgeous bloomsfound commonly in bouquets and growing in the gardencan be extremely dangerous to cats. They’re such a common threat that Brutlag and her team created the No Lilies for Kitties! campaign to warn cat owners about the dangers of these toxic plants. Varieties of lilies that have been identified as particularly toxic include:
- Asiatic lily, including hybrids
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Cats Are Tricky And Inquisitive Creatures So It May Not Be Enough To Just Put Your Houseplant In A Room That Your Cat Doesnt Usually Have Access To You May Need To Get Rid Of Them Entirely But In The End Its Whats Best To Keep Your Kitty Friend Safe
When we have a kitty friend, we obviously want to do everything we can to protect them and keep them safe. However, there are often some things that slip under the radar, or that we might not know about. Unfortunately, one of these things that can go unnoticed is the toxicity that many houseplants can present as an issue for cats.
We may see our houseplants as harmless and pretty greenery within our homes, but for cats, some varieties can cause serious illness, or even be fatal.
With this in mind, lets take a look at the seven houseplants that youll definitely want to be removed if you have a kitty friend living with you at home.
1. Lilies
Did you know there are over 90 different species of lily? Theres the peace lily, Asiatic lily, Lily of the Valley, and the list goes on Theyre all very different in appearance, however, they all have one thing in common: theyre extremely toxic to cats. If your cat ingests lily pollen , they could be in some serious medical trouble. Lilies can even cause death! Before you bring a cat home, make sure your house is totally lily-free.
2. Jade plants
Jade plants are popular amongst those who want a set-and-forget plant. Theyre succulents, so are extremely low maintenance and require little attention or care. Unfortunately, if your cat starts to pay attention to them, then this could be a major issue, as Jade plants are poisonous to felines.
3. Tomatoes
4. Hyacinths
5.Mistletoe
6. Aloe Vera
7. Monstera
Is Fresh Cut Flower Food Harmful To Cats
Generally, flower food contain things like sugar and citric acid, along with little bleach to reduce bacterial growth. They are not terribly toxic to cats but might cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
If youre concerned about your cat drinking the water out of a vase , it is best to avoid it altogether.
Thankfully, if the container/vase that cut flowers are put in is clean, and the water is clean and refreshed regularly, the vase life of the flowers will be just as good.
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House Plants Poisonous To Cats
If youre bringing a plant into your home, its always best to double check to see if its dangerous for your feline first. Cats are more likely to chomp on house plants and it may surprise you but theres a wealth of them that have the potential to be poisonous, causing anything from mild skin irritation to serious gastrointestinal issues.
Heres the top house plants that are toxic to cats:
The Sago Palm is one of the most poisonous plants to cats as it contains cycasin, a naturally occurring chemical that is toxic to the nervous system and even a tiny amount can result in a wide range of health complications including acute, severe liver failure. The above list is not exhaustive and other plants can be poisonous to cats too.
Lilies Very Toxic Plant For Cats
Lilies are very popular around the world they are usually seen around borders, garden beds, and bouquets. Although their flowers are beautiful and smell nice, they pose a great threat to cats safety.
Cats are usually drawn to the beautiful bouquet of daylilies on a dining table or the colorful array of daylilies in the garden. But lilies are very toxic plants for cats.
The whole lily plant is poisonous: the leaves, the stem, the flowers, the pollen, and even the water in the vase.
Eating a little amount of lily leaf, flower petal, or licking some pollen from its fur while grooming or drinking from the vase can cause your cat to develop fatal kidney failure within few days.
Peace lilies, Calla lilies, Peruvians lilies contain oxalate crystals that cause minor symptoms, like an irritation to the tongue, mouth, esophagus, and pharynx, causing slight drooling.
The most dangerous lilies are true lilies, and these include Asiatic lilies, tiger lilies, Asian lilies, Daylilies, Easter lilies, and Japanese show lilies, all of which are very toxic Plants for Cats.
Even small ingestion of 2-3 leaves can lead to acute kidney failure. If you noticed your cat consuming any portion of lily, consult your veterinarian immediately for medical care
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Help My Cat Ate A Poisonous Plant
First things first, dont panic. When we panic, we lose our ability to think and act quickly. Depending on the type and amount of plant your cat ingested, acting quickly may make the difference between recovery and irreversible damage.
Determine which plant your cat has eaten and try to get a rough estimate of how much they may have ingested. For instance, did they just take a bite or is a significant portion of the plant gone? Be sure to take a sample of the plant for your veterinarian.
Next, call your vet or the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Center Hotline. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will have information vital to your pets health.
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Keeping Your Cat Safe In The Garden
It’s harder to protect your cats outdoors as they will have a greater territory than just your garden. However, thankfully, as cats are discriminate eaters, they are unlikely to try eating anything unfamiliar and will most likely spend their time nibbling on safe grass or watching everything else going on out there.
To help keep your cat safe outdoors:
- Familiarise yourself with outdoor plants poisonous to cats and avoid having these in your garden altogether
- Promptly clear up any prunings
- Keep bulbs such as tulips and daffodils out of reach
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Common Household Plants That Are Toxic To Cats
Our mission is to help save dogs’ and cats lives through our educational content. To support our efforts, this page may contain affiliate links. We earn a commission for qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
It’s important to know what plants in your home or yard are toxic to cats.
That’s why we have put together this list of popular plants found in many homes. If you have any of these houseplants, don’t be hard on yourself you’re not alone.
Either replace your toxic plant with a safer plant or make sure the plant is well out of reach of your cat.
Some plants, like lilies, are so dangerous that if the pollen blows off the flowers from the breeze coming through an open window, lands on your cat, and they groom it off, they could be in very serious trouble. Read on for which plants to avoid.
Skip to Specific Plant Toxicity
Do Cats Know Not To Eat Toxic Plants
Dogs and cats instinctively know not to eat certain things that can make them sick or kill them. Many animals, especially those in the wild, do have a combination of instinct, experience and training that keeps them from consuming things that are harmful to them.
How do you keep cats away from poisonous plants?
Sprinkle cayenne pepper around the leaves of houseplants and your cat will back away pretty quickly. Cats also hate the smell of citrus. Put orange and lemon peels in your pots along with the plants to help deter them. Another option is spraying the leaves directly with diluted lemon juice or orange oil.
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