Toxic and Poisonous Plants – Cats

Many common houseplants and flowers are highly toxic to cats. Lilies (all varieties) are the most dangerous and can cause fatal kidney failure, even from trace amounts of pollen. Remove these plants immediately if you have cats and contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect ingestion.

Photo courtesy of Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=603500

Highly Toxic Plants to Avoid

These common plants should be kept entirely out of your home and garden to protect your cat:

  • Lilies & Lily of the Valley: Stargazer, Asiatic, Daylilies, and Easter lilies

  • Spring Bulbs: Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths (the bulbs are highly toxic)

  • Arum Family: Peace lilies, Dieffenbachia, and Elephant's Ear (contain calcium oxalates causing intense mouth irritation)

  • Other Houseplants: Aloe vera, Snake Plants (Mother-in-law's tongue), Sago Palms, Poinsettia, and Ivy.

Common Cat-Safe Alternatives

If you want greenery, these cat-safe options are excellent, non-toxic alternatives:

  • Spider Plant

  • Boston Fern

  • Parlour Palm

  • Areca Palm

  • Orchids