Which Plants Are Poisonous to Cats?

Most of us like to showcase plants in the house and garden every now and then. And the benefits of having them around are well-known and numerous.

While a lot of really popular plants are considered non-toxic, such as the African violet, some plant species can prove hazardous to a cat’s health.

According to the ASPCA, there are hundreds of plants that are toxic and therefore harmful to cats.

The table below presents 30 popular plants and flowers that are poisonous to cats, together with details of their toxicity levels and symptoms.

Further information is provided about each plant further down the page.

You can download the full lists of toxic plants and non-toxic plants, as per the ASPCA.

Common Flowers and Plants that Are Toxic to Cats

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a perennial plant that’s native to Africa and some parts of Asia. Popular as a houseplant plant and as a skin remedy, the leaves leave a gel-like substance that can be used for medicinal purposes.

Aloe Vera also contains a chemical called anthraquinone which can causes vomiting and diarrhea. Usually, these symptoms tend to be mild, provided your cat hasn’t ingested a large amount.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Abdominal Cramps
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Loss of Appetite
• Lethargy
• Red Urine
• Tremors

Level of Toxicity – Mild to Moderate

Autumn Crocus

Also known as a Meadow Saffron or Naked Lady, the Autumn Crocus is a flower that blooms in the autumn. It comprises a purple flower with orange-yellow stamens.

Primarily used as an outdoor house plant, the Autum Crocus thrives in fields and open wooded areas.

The flower, leaves and seeds contain a chemical called olchicine. This is an alkaloid that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to the kidneys.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Abdominal Pain
• Bloody Vomiting
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Diarrhea
• Shock
• Thirst
• Weakness

Level of Toxicity – High

Azalea

Azaleas are popular houseplants that are also widely found in gardens, parks and forests. Most species feature trumpet-shaped flowers of pink,, purple, white, red or yellow.

Azaleas are toxic to cats because they contain a substance called grayanotoxin. This substance interferes with cats’ sodium levels and can have adverse effects on the skeletal system and cardiac muscle.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Irregular Heartbeat
• Lethargy
• Loss of Appetite
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Level of Toxicity – High

Bay Laurel

The Bay Laurel is an evergreen tree/shrub that’s cultivated in containers and which is also used as hedging.

Very common in the United States and Europe, the Bay Laurel is poisonous to felines due the presence of eugenol.

When ingested by a cat, this compound can lead to severe stomach problems.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Diarrhea
• Obstruction in Gut
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Severe

Begonia

Begonias belong to a diverse group of flowering plants that are native to tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of the world.

They’re highly popular for their beautiful flowers which come in clusters on long stems.

The leaves are usually dark green and shiny with a waxy coating which can sometimes be variegated with white or yellow stripes or spots.

The presence of soluble calcium oxalates however, can cause kidney failure in cats as well as salivation and/or vomiting.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Dehydration
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Kidney Failure
• Lip Licking
• Oral Sores
• Oral Swelling
• Redness around Mouth
• Salivation
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Moderate to Severe

Buttercup

Buttercups are herbaceous flowering plants found in North America, Asia, and Europe. there are around 600 different species, most of which are yellow or orange in color.

They thrive in meadows, grasslands and also garden lawns. More of an irritant than a poison, buttercups can cause vomiting, diarrhea and an unstable gait.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Anorexia
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Mouth Ulcers
• Unstable Gait
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Mild to Moderate

Cutleaf Philodendron

Also known as Elephant Ears, Cutleaf Philodendrons are native to the rainforests of Panama and Mexico.

But they’re grown extensively in the United States, particularly Florida and Georgia, where they’re popular as decorative house or office plants.

Unfortunately, calcium oxalate crystals are present which may cause irritation of the mouth and throat if eaten.

The crystals can also get stuck in a cat’s kidneys, potentially resulting in kidney failure.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Burning of Mouth, Lips and Tongue
• Choking
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Drooling
• Kidney Failure
• Loss of Appetite
• Pawing at Mouth
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Severe

Cyclamen

Cyclamens are a type of flower that’s often used in bouquets. They usually comprise white, light pink or purple petals and give off a sweet aroma.

Cyclamen flowers are toxic to cats due to the presence of triterpene saponins.

This compound is found in the leaves and root, protecting the plant from fungal and bacterial pathogens.

Ingesting any part of the plant, may result in drooling, abnormal heart rate and vomiting.

Large ingestion can also lead to seizures and even death.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Abnormal Heart Rate
• Death
• Diarrhea
• Salivation
• Seizures
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Severe

Daffodils

Daffodils are enormously popular flowers that are native to the Mediterranean region.

Also known as Narcissus, they comprise a yellow or white trumpet-shaped flower on the end of a long stem.

The substance lycorine is found in the bulbs, leaves and flowers. This can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain if ingested.

In severe cases, ingestion may cause respiratory and cardiac problems.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Abdominal Pain
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty Breathing
• Drooling
• Increased Heart Rate
• Lethargy
• Salivation
• Seizures
• Upset Stomach

Level of Toxicity – Mild to Moderate

Dahlia

Dahlias are perennial plants native to Mexico. Easy to grow and maintain, they’re understandably very popular houseplants. In terms of appearance, they comprise yellow, red, purple or white flowers.

Dahlias are considered to be fairly toxic to cats, although experts are unsure as to precisely why. Symptoms include vomiting, refusing food and loss of coordination.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Lack of Coordination
• Lethargy
• Nausea
• Skin Irritation

Level of Toxicity – Mild to Moderate

Daisy

Daisies are among the most recognised flowers in the world. Despite there being more than 1000 different species, most variants have a yellow centre fringed by white petals.

The plant thrives in all kind of habitats, especially garden lawns which is bad news for cats due to the toxins they contain.

These include lactones, pyrethins and sesquiterpene, all of which can have an effect on the nervous and digestive systems.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Dermatitis
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Haemorrhaging
• Loss of Coordination
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Mild to Moderate

Dieffenbachia

The Dieffenbachia is a kind of tropical plant featuring large pointed leaves. Widely available in variety of leaf colors including white, green and cream, these distinctive plants are commonly grown as houseplants.

Despite their decorative qualities, Dieffenbachia are toxic to cats due to the substance oxalate.

Should a cat eat the plant, swelling/irritation of the mouth, tongue and throat often follow, as can vomiting and diarrhea

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Diarrhea
• Difficulty Breathing
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Oral Pain
• Oral Swelling
• Pawing at Mouth
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Severe

English Ivy

English Ivy (also known as Glacier Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy and California Ivy), has been used as an ornamental outdoor plant since the 1800s.

Often used as a wall covering, it’s a highly invasive species that has a tendency to spread very quickly.

The plant is also poisonous to cats due to the presence of triterpenoid saponins. Although these protect the ivy, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea and hypersalivation in cats.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Diarrhea
• Excessive Drooling
• Loss of Appetite
• Oral Swelling
• Pawing at Mouth
• Stomach Pain
• Thirst
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Moderate

Foxglove

Pinkish or purple in appearance, the Foxglove is native to Europe but has a long history of medicinal use.

Despite this, the Foxglove is actually poisonous to cats because of the cardiac glycosides found in all parts of the plant.

Even a small ingestion can cause heart failure, diarrhea, vomiting and muscle weakness.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Depression
• Diarrhea (Sometimes Bloody)
• Fitting
• Heart Failure
• Muscle Weakness
• Poor Coordination
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Severe

Geranium

Geraniums are common flowering plants that are cultivated in gardens and indoors.

Also known as cranesbills, these hardy, low-maintenance plants feature circular, cleft leaves and pink, purple, blue or white flowers.

The plant contains oils such as linalook and geraniol which are present in the stems, roots, flowers and leaves.

Feline ingestion of these oils will sometimes result in vomiting and diarrhea although these symptoms tend to be mild-to-moderate.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Dermititis
• Diarrhea
• Heart Failure
• Lack of Appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Mild to Moderate

Jade Plant

The Jade Plant is a succulent that’s also known as a money plant or friendship tree. Able to thrive in indoor environments with little water and low levels of maintenance, the Jade Plant is another popular house plant in the US.

It features thick stems that support fleshly green/white/yellow leaves of up to two inches in length. The plant is mildly toxic to cats if ingested, with any symptoms often clearing up on their own.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Depression
• Lethargy
• Reluctance to Groom
• Slow Heart Rate
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Mild

Hyacinth

The hyacinth flower is a bulbous perennial plant. Often used in bouquets, it’s a beautiful plant comprising bell-shaped flowers of different colours including pink, blue, cream and lilac.

The hyacinth includes up to eight fleshy, glossy green leaves.

Despite being very pleasing on the eye and nostrils, hyacinths are toxic to felines, especially the bulbs.

The bulbs contain an assortment of nasties such as calcium oxalate raphides and allergenic lactones.

Poisoning symptoms, although usually mild, include increased heart rate, vomiting and drooling.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Depression
• Diarrhea (May Include Blood)
• Difficulty Breathing
• Excessive Drooling
• Increased Heart Rate
• Nausea
• Irritated Mouth
• Pawing at the Mouth
• Tremors
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Mild

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoes are succulent plants that grow well in dry and hot climates.

They have thick, fleshy leaves that are usually hairy or waxy in appearance, while their flowers are red, orange or yellow.

The Kalancho is a popular houseplant because it requires minimal care and can tolerate low light conditions.

However, it contains bufadienolide – a toxin that may cause diarrhea, vomiting and, on rare occasions, an abnormal heart beat.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Abnormal Heart Beat
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Mild

Lilly

The lily is another well-known plant. Featuring long, narrow leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers, usually with six petals, they’re often used as decoration for gardens bouquets.

But they’re also highly toxic to cats – in fact the entire plant is poisonous including the leaves, stem, flowers and pollen.

If you have them in a vase, the water will also be toxic. Calcium oxalates (those words again) are what make them so dangerous to felines.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Abnormal Heart Rate
• Breathing Problems (Rare)
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Foaming
• Oral Irritation
• Pawing at Face
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Level of Toxicity – Severe

Oleander

Oleander is a shrub that’s used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. Widely cultivated around the world, this popular evergreen features thick clusters of white, red or pink blossoms and long, narrow leaves.

Oleander does however have poisonous properties and is highly toxic to cats. This is due to a cardiac glycoside known as oleandrin.

This can be found in the leaves, flowers and seeds. When ingested or touched, it can cause death.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Depression
• Diarrhea (May Include Blood)
• Drooling
• Hypthermia
• Lack of Appetite
• Nausea
• Slow Heart Rate
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Severe

Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons are often confused with azaleas because they look similar in appearance and are part of the same genus.

Like Azaleas, the plant contains a substance called grayanotoxin – this has the potential to cause gastrointestinal distress, increased heart rate and abnormal breathing.

Because symptoms can take up to two weeks to appear, it’s important to monitor your cat’s health if he’s been in contact with Rhododendrons.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Colic
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Hypotension
• Loss of Appetite
• Loss of Coordination
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Moderate

Sago Palm

A Sago Palm is a type of cycad tree that’s popular as an ornamental house plant. Native to Japan, this distinctive plant has glossy feather-shaped leaves which grow in clusters at the end of long petioles or stems.

Sago palms are highly toxic to cats because of the chemical cycasin. Although found throughout the plant, the concentration is highest in the roots and seeds. Ingesting the plant can result in liver damage, neurological disorders and even death.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Bleeding
Bloody Feces
Diarrhea
Excessive Thirst
Excessive Urination
Lethargy
Nose Bleeds
Paralysis
Seizures
Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Severe

Snake Plant

Dracaena Trifasciata, aka the Snake Plant, has long, thin leaves. Often placed in offices and homes as indoor plants, this popular succulent is a hardy plant that’s unique in appearance and very easy to grow.

It’s also quite toxic to cats due the chemical compound, saponin which can induce vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Calcium oxalate is also present in the leaves, potentially causing oral irritation.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Abdominal Pain
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Loss of Appetite
• Nausea
• Oral Irritation/Swelling
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Mild to Moderate

Holly

Holly belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family and has a strong association with Christmas. It’s spiky, leathery leaves and red berries lend it a highly recognisable and distinctive appearance.

Used as a decorative feature and often found in gardens and parks, the leaves and berries are toxic to felines.

This is because of the compounds found in the berries which include saponin, cyanogen and methixanthine.

Ingestion may result in severe vomiting and diarrhea, as well as excessive drooling.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Abdominal Pain
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Hyperactive Behaviour
• Head Shaking
• Lack of Appetite
• Lip Smacking
• Lethargy
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Moderate to Severe

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is a flowering plant that resembles a daisy, comprising small yellow flowers, albeit with numerous stems. The flower is used as a herbal supplement to treat anxiety and depression. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help with arthritis.

Despite its health benefits, the plant is known to cause skin problems in cats including blistering and dermatitis, while potentially leaving the skin vulnerable to light (Photosensitization).

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Open Sores
• Blistering
• Dermatitis
• Photosensitization

Level of Toxicity – Moderate

Cherry Plants

Cherry plants are members of the Rosaceae family – there are numerous species including Prunus, wild cherry, black cherry, cherry laurel, ground cherry and domestic cherry.

Widely cultivated in the US and Europe, these types of plants are extremely toxic to cats. This is due to cyanide found in the blossoms, leaves, stems and seeds.

Ingestion can result in difficulty breathing or panting and may result in your cat going into shock.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Diarrhea
• Difficulty Breathing
• Fitting
• Panting
• Salivation
• Shock
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Moderate to Severe

Tarragon

Tarragon is a leafy herb that grows in most temperate regions around the world. Aromatic and flavoursome, it’s one of the most popular herbs for cooking.

But it’s also mildly toxic to cats causing diarrhea and vomiting. This is caused by the herb’s essential oils.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Mild

Tomato Plant

The tomato plant is a perennial vine that’s become widely domesticated and is grown in gardens and farms across the US.

Their toxicity to felines is because of the substance solanine. Although present in all parts of the plant, the highest concentration is to be found in the leaves.

Should you cat eat the leaves, he may exhibit side effects such as excessive salivation, slow heart rate, lethargy and lack of appetite.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Changes in Behaviour
• Confusion
• Diarrhea
• Excessive Salivation
• Lack of Appetite
• Lethargy
• Nausea
• Severe Stomach Upset
• Slow Heart Rate
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Moderate

Tulip

Tulips are another highly recognisable flower that inhabits gardens, woodlands and fields around the world. They usually feature pink, red, orange, yellow or white cup-shaped flowers supported by long stems.

Sadly, they contain allergenic lactones that are poisonous to cats, potentially causing vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Diarrhea
• Difficulty Breathing
• Fast Heart Beat
• Lethargy
• Loss of Coordination
• Salivation
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Moderate to Severe

Yew

Yew trees are perennial evergreens native to Europe, Africa and the United States. This deciduous tree has been used in many cultures for ornamental landscaping purposes such as hedging.

It is however extremely toxic to cats because of the compound, Taxine. Ingestion of any part of the tree can result in cardiac failure, tremors, dyspnea and seizures.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Coma
• Dilated Pupils
• Drooling
• Muscle Tremors
• Muscle Weakness
• Rapid Breathing
• Seizures
• Vomiting

Level of Toxicity – Severe

Why Do Cats Like Flowers and Plants?

There are all kinds of reasons why cats like flowers and plants including the aroma, texture and even the taste. Felines will also eat plants out of sheer boredom, while others may be attracted by the movement of the plant.

It’s also believed by some that cats eat plants if they’re feeling unwell or want to expel hairballs.

Although this has been disproven by certain studies, experts suggest that cats eat certain plants like grass to kill off internal parasites.

It may also be the case that cats have a deficiency in their diet that compels them to look for alternative food sources.

Whatever the reason, ingesting plants is an instinctive feline behavior that’s perfectly normal

Is My Cat at Risk from Toxic Plants?

Be assured that it’s quite rare for a cat to die because it ingested a toxic plant. There is of course some risk, especially with over-curious kittens.

But like humans, felines have a pretty efficient digestive system that’s good at expelling poisons.

Remember too, that cats can be  picky about what they eat, so plants are not going to seem all that appetizing.

Moreover, instead of skulking around flower beds and house-plant, cats usually have better things to do with their time!

Signs of Plant Poisoning

As you can see from the above information, the ingestion of toxic plants can result in a variety of symptoms. The most common ones to look out for are:

• Abdominal Pain
• Bloody Diarrhea
• Breathing Difficulties
• Cardiac Arrest
• Collapse
• Excessive Salivation
• Fever
• Irregular Heart Beat
• Lethargy
• Mouth and Throat Ulcers
• Throat Ulcers
• Trembling
• Vomiting

What to Do If You Think Your Cat Has Ingested a Toxic Plant

If you think that your cat has consumed a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately and local poison control centre.

Let them know about the type of the toxin and the amount ingested as well as any other information that might be of help.

What are the Treatment Options?

Treatment will depend on the type of plant that’s been consumed. There are a couple of potential options. Your vet might recommend that you induce vomiting so that your cat is able to expel the toxin.

This can be done with the use of hydrogen peroxide but needs to be performed under strict guidance. Some also suggest feeding your cat milk of magnesia to help coat the intestines.

However, home treatments aren’t recommended by the ASPCA. Instead, contact your vet so that so that they can decide whether or not you should take your cat in.

How to Keep Your Cat Safe from Toxic Houseplants

You’ve got a lot of options when it comes to keeping your cat safe from poisonous houseplants. We’ll be going into this subject in more depth over the coming weeks. But for now, here’s a quick run-down.

Restrict Access

The most obvious step is to make any toxic plants inaccessible to cats. A wall/ceiling hanger or high shelf is a good option. You might also purchase a terrarium or birdcage to shield the plant.

Citrus/Anti Chew Spray

Cats loathe the scent of citrus – so consider spraying a lime or lemon juice onto the leaves of your plant.

You can either make your own solution or buy an off-the-shelf product. Alternatively, purchase an anti-chew spray.

Grow/Purchase Grass for Cats

Special ready-grown grass and grass seeds are popular with some owners. Suitable for indoor use, cat grass satisfies a cat’s natural urge to eat plants and provides a safe alternative.

Conclusion

If you’re worried that your cat has eaten a poisonous plant, contact a vet or poison control centre right away.

Alternatively, you can sign up with a mobile vet app that provides fast, 24/7 access

Some of the best ones include Pawp, Fuzzy, AirVet and Vetster.