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Cats are famously curious. So it should come as no surprise that your curious kitty wants to explore your flowers and plants. But some plants should be kept out of paw’s reach. They may be toxic to cats, causing mild to serious harm depending on the plant and how much they’ve ingested. Not sure which plants are poisonous for cats? Check out our list of common plants and flowers toxic to cats.
Lilies may be pretty, but they’re highly toxic to cats. All parts of lilies – stems, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in the vase – are poisonous and can cause kidney failure in less than 3 days. And unfortunately, the amount required to reach a toxic level in cats is very small. So before you pick up that beautiful bouquet, lose the lilies!
Aloe vera are among the most poisonous plants for cats. Its sap contains toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea. Its gel (the clear “goo”) is different from its sap and generally considered safe.
Every part of the azalea plant is poisonous to cats. These common outdoor plants contain something called grayanotoxins, which are very toxic to both cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause symptoms like vomiting and lethargy. It can also lead to heart failure in severe cases.
Monstera has become a popular houseplant for its striking appearance and easy care. But you want to keep it away from your feline. If your cat chews on this plant, they may experience gastrointestinal issues and oral irritation like drooling and mouth swelling.
Consider non-toxic alternatives to monstera. Zebra plants and spider plants are cat-friendly AND easy to care for! Already have a monstera in your home? Place your plant on a high shelf or an area your cat can’t access to keep them safe from harm.
Jade plants are well-known in many cultures for their association with wealth and prosperity. In feng shui, they’re also known to bring positive energy when placed in the southeast corner of your home. But what isn’t well-known is that they’re mild-to-moderately poisonous plants for cats. They can cause diminished appetite, gastrointestinal upset, and other mild symptoms.
Chrysanthemum flowers grow abundantly in the wild and are often used to bring color to front yards, especially in the fall when they bloom. But watch out – these flowers are toxic to cats. They contain a chemical called pyrethrins, which can cause a range of digestive issues, fatigue, and even seizures if they’re ingested by curious kitties.
You’re all too familiar with sago palm if you live in a southern state like Georgia or Florida. They’re commonly used in landscaping in tropical and subtropical environments. They’re also popular indoor and outdoor plants because of their low-maintenance care. But seasoned and first-time cat owners should be aware that sago palms are highly poisonous plants for cats. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause severe poisoning – even in small amounts.
Geraniums are another flower to avoid if you have a feline. They may bring lively colors to your garden or planter boxes, but these flowers are toxic to cats. This is because they contain linalool and geraniol, which can cause symptoms like vomiting and skin irritation.
There are many plants that are dangerous for felines. When in doubt, it’s safest to remove any questionable greenery from your home or outdoor space. Here are some other common poisonous plants and flowers to watch out for:
There’s no foolproof way to keep a cat away from every toxic plant, especially if they’re an outdoor cat. But there are a few things you can do to keep them safe as they roam and explore.
The first step to feline safety is knowing which plants and flowers are toxic to cats. This will help you determine which of your plants to keep out of paw’s reach and help you pick safe plants moving forward!
Place any toxic plants on very high shelves or ceiling hangers. But if you have a persistent kitty, you may want to consider rehoming your plant.
Want to deter your kitty from taking a bite out of plants that are poisonous for cats? Vinegar is a natural deterrent! Mix one part white vinegar and three parts water, and mist the solution on the soil, leaves, and pot of the plant 1 to 2 times every week.
It’s generally safer to bring plants that aren’t poisonous for cats into the home. Here are some feline-friendly plants:
From our list of poisonous plants for cats to our soft cat carriers that take the trauma and drama out of vet visits, car rides, and medication administration, Cat-in-the-Bag has all of your cat parenting needs handled. Visit our cat blog for more tips and tricks!
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Jeanne Starmack is a lifelong cat lover and the inventor of the Cozy Comfort Carrier, an innovative and mindfully-designed soft cat carrier. After creating the carrier and starting Cat-in-the-Bag, Jeanne participated in cat shows for 15 years where she built relationships with many cat owners. After seeing how much her own cat disliked traditional carriers and learning the issues other owners faced when traveling with their cats, Jeanne perfected a solution focused on the cat’s comfort above all else.
