Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from Cats Protection, Neutering, vaccinations and microchipping, Shop with our partners and support Cats Protection, National Cat Centre, If you're looking to put together a bunch of flowers for your home, or for someone you love, you might be wondering which plants and flowers are cat-safe. Cats are notorious for munching down on things, and to keep your pet safe, you have to make sure that none of the following indoor plants are near your cats. When ingested, it can cause a wide range of symptoms including weakness, vomiting, throat swelling, excessive drooling, dermatitis, rash, and ataxia. If you can see the poisonous substance, take your cat away from it and then call your vet for advice. If you think your cat has been poisoned, contact your vet immediately. Research is necessary when bringing new plants into a home with cats as there are many different plants that are toxic to cats. Is bamboo palm safe or toxic to cats? Caladium. Gerbera daisy – daisy-like flowers often sold as a pot plant for indoors, but also can survive outdoors in warmer regions. Take samples of vomit, stool, and the poison your cat ate to the vet with your cat. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Important: Due to the coronavirus crisis, we have had to make changes to our current services. Since there are so many plants toxic to cats, I’ve chosen to split them into groups of the most common poisonous plants having mild, moderate, or severe effects. Caladium is another plant family where the entire plant is not only poisonous to cats and dogs, but to us humans as well. Even a sample of vomit may help diagnosis, particularly if it is an unusual colour or contains plant matter. Some rubber tree plants (such as Japanese/Chinese/jade rubber plant and Indian rubber plant) are toxic to cats and dogs. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. English ivy has small, pointed leaves and makes for a delicate display. Dumb canes, or Dieffenbachias, are a popular houseplant thanks to their stunning tropical foliage and low-maintenance needs. *Contact with these plants may cause skin irritation. However, some plants can make cats very ill, even if they haven’t eaten the plant. All parts of these plants (flowers, leaves and stems) are extremely toxic to cats and have caused tragic deaths. List of Houseplants That Are Poisonous to Your Cats. Haywards Heath, Common names: Maiden's breath Toxic to: Cats, dogs Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea Barbados Lily. If it gets on their fur, they will lick it off and become poisoned that way. Watch for symptoms. Kalanchoes are known to be poisonous to cats and dogs and other wildlife. For example, philodendrons, one of the most popular houseplants ever, contain insoluble calcium oxalates, a constituent found in several other common indoor and outdoor plants, including many from the araceae family, such as diffenbachia, peace lily, schefflera, and umbrella plant, among others. When any part of the plant is ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even liver failure and death. These plants contain bufadienolides cardiac glycosides, causing irregular heartbeats, severe weakness and abnormal heart rhythm. Its ingestion causes Nausea, vomiting, retching, and stomach upset. It is best to get a list of unsafe plants for cats and figure out if you have these kinds of plants in your home. Enter your postcode to find the nearest Cats Protection shop to your location. Coreopsis – short growing (generally) perennial with yellow to orange and occasionally other shades. Many plants that are poisonous when eaten may also have the potential to cause skin irritation on contact with their leaves or sap. Clematis. However, the entire plant can be poisonous to cats and dogs and reactions can be severe, so a quick response is essential if the plant is eaten. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. While succulents are beautiful on the outside, beneath the surface of some succulents lie certain toxins that could make your pets sick. Symptoms of potential plant toxicity to watch for in cats are drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, fast, slow or … . You could grow cat-friendly plants like catnip, mint, cat thyme and lavender to encourage them to nibble non-toxic plants in the garden. The following is a fairly comprehensive list of plants that are potentially poisonous or harmful to your cat when eaten. Often, cats will show these signs right away. Asparagus Fern. However, it is dangerous in large amounts. ponytail palm is not poisonous to cats, i.e., it is safe or ok for cats, dogs, and horses. Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland). For more information on outdoor plants that may be dangerous, take a look at our visual guide or comprehensive list below. Large, broad leaves, which can be arrow-shaped. However, these plants have an ancient defense mechanism: they are highly toxic for our furry friends. Aloe vera plants are a staple in many homes and gained popularity thanks to the medicinal properties of the gel from their leaves. News Summer flowers. Excellent for butterflies so cats like it too! Cats Protection blog, website by Pansies – 'standard' fare in pots, baskets and containers. Sunflower – Popular with kids as some will grow huge in a few weeks and then huge yellow/orange/red blooms which once seed is set, provide good source of food for garden birds. Botanical name: Euphorbia pulcherrima Common names: Christmas flower, Painted leaf, Lobster plant, Winter rose Toxicity: Toxic to cats The leaves and stems of pothos contain calcium oxalate crystals. The ASPCA features an exhaustive list of toxic and non-toxic plants for cats. CP Portal They produce showy flowers making them popular ornamental plants. Flower is a sheath-like hood over a spike with tiny clusters. Don't wait for signs of illness to appear as by then it could be too late. While it is common knowledge that lilies (all parts of the plant) are poisonous to cats, many other plants can be dangerous if eaten. Watch our video, featuring our expert vet Alison, as she meets a florist to discuss the dangers that some flowers pose to our feline friends. Find out more in our visual guides below, or keep scrolling for a comprehensive list of flowers that are dangerous to cats. Toxic Plants For Cats. This same feature can make it appear like an attractive snack to curious felines, which can be extremely dangerous as English ivy is toxic to cats. However, this succulent can be poisonous to pets. How we use cookies Most times when this plant is eaten, it only results in mild irritation. Cats are usually careful about what they eat. Peace Lily. It is edible by humans too and a good range of colours. Links Work for us They are only dangerous when ingested and are completely safe to touch. Also referred to as "Swiss cheese plants" or "Split-leaf philodendrons," Monsteras are relatively low maintenance, making them an attractive addition to any home. Signs of poisoning can include (but are not limited to). In some cases, ingesting a small amount can have devastating results, while cats may need to be exposed to relatively large amounts of … Low-growing. Snake plants, often referred to as "mother-in-law's tongue," is well-known as one of the best plants for low light conditions, and for improving air quality - which has made it an extremely common houseplant. Bonus – Spider Plant: Spider plants are not actually toxic to cats but can be a cause of concern for many owners. If you suspect your cat has eaten a poisonous plant, contact your vet immediately. Toxic parts: Entire plant. The toxic chemical of the lily plant is unknown but it does contain something that causes kidney failure in cats.For dogs with an existing kidney or liver disease, the same can happen.All your vet can do is offer support because the prognosis is poor at best. Sitemap If you're a keen gardener, you might be concerned about the outdoor plants that you are planting. Therefore, you can have it or other houseplants such as Gloxinia, African Violet, baby tears, spider, Calathea, friendship plant, orchid, among many others which are safe to these pets. Sago Palms are a fun and tropical addition to the home and can do wonders for indoor air quality. It’s worth reading through. It has become popular as a houseplant grown in hanging planters thanks to its gorgeous drapery. Symptoms of dumb cane poisoning in cats include vomiting, burning of the mouth, oral irritation, swelling, and in severe cases difficulty swallowing or breathing. Buying a cat? Be especially careful with all lilies (marked *). All parts of the lily plant are toxic to cats if ingested, and consuming small amounts can result in severe poisoning. Perennial shrubs, climbers and ramblers. Hollyhock – old cottage garden favourite, many colours and generally grown as an annual/biennial. But as a pet parent, you should avoid toxic plants that are harmful to dogs and cats. All parts of the plant are highly toxic. Produces pretty flowers which are popular with insects. The harmful chemical in Kalanchoes is bufadienolides cardiac glycosides, and this causes irregular heartbeats. Nasturtium – good old garden favourite, annual grown from seed. Although you might find that your cat is disinterested in eating them, there is always a risk that they may come into contact with the flower's pollen by rubbing up against it and absent-mindedly licking their fur.Unfortunately there are several types of lilies that are poisonous to cats, including Easter Lily, Tiger Lily and other members of the lily family. This fringy-fingered plant is often a cat favorite as those dangly babies invite a mischievous cat or kitten to play. Craspedia. Symptoms include burning of the lips and mouth, excessive drooling, oral swelling, and vomiting. Cats come in contact with poisonous substances through more than one route. Which Parts of the Plant Are Toxic to Cats? Unfortunately, if you have cats there are many houseplants that you should avoid bringing into your home due to their toxic properties - especially since cats are notoriously mischievous and prone to chewing on things. Does your cat like to eat grass or plants? Houseplants are a common sight in nearly every home. While snake plants are non-toxic for humans, the ASPCA reports they are toxic for both cats and dogs and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. If you have evidence of what your cat has eaten, take a sample to the vet. Mildly Toxic Plants to Cats. It’s worth reading through. 3 Native to: Europe, Middle East. 5. Though this can be remedied by putting the toxic plants up out of reach, it is better to find plants that are safe to keep in the home to help ensure the safety of your feline friends. Find out more about your cat and poisoning. Cori is a freelance writer based out of Ontario, Canada, who specializes in houseplants and houseplant care. Privacy policy Are poinsettias toxic to cats? To keep up to date, click here. My grandmother informed me about the Peace Lily and even mentioned how my uncle had these all … Huge range of colours and styles. They brighten your living space, help improve indoor air quality, and have been shown to help reduce anxiety and depression - plus many people find caring for plants therapeutic. Although these succulents aren't poisonous to humans, it's known that they're poisonous to cats and other animals. They can help you know what to do next. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Cats Plants Toxic to Cats Adam-and-Eve (Arum, Lord-and-Ladies, Wake Robin, Starch Root, Bobbins, Cuckoo Plant) | Scientific Names: Arum maculatum | Family: Araceae Accessibility While Aloe may have therapeutic properties for humans, it is toxic to cats and can cause lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Such minerals are dangerous for cats if they take a bite of the plant. Some can even help enhance your outdoor environment, encouraging your cat to stay in your garden. Toxic doses can vary widely from plant to plant. There are several different varieties of jade plants, all belonging to the family Crassula. Why not adopt from us instead? Other plants you may not suspect, like aloe vera, can be toxic for cats as well. Common blooms like lilies, poppies and marigolds can be harmful as well as seasonal plants like mistletoe and poinsettia. Pothos, Plants, Cats-What you need to know! Unfortunately, jade plants are highly toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, causing symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, depression, and incoordination if ingested. Pothos plant, also famous by the names of golden pothos, devil’s ivy taro vine and ivy arum, are quite toxic to cats. Petunia – common garden favourite. The majority won’t cause much more than skin irritation or an upset stomach, and it’s very unlikely that cats will intentionally eat plants that are poisonous to them. Most importantly, don't panic. Monstera deliciosa's are one of the most trendy tropical houseplants and are featured extensively on social media and in home decor thanks to their stunning tropical foliage. Common names: Amaryllis, fire lily, lily of the palace, ridderstjerne Toxic to: Cats, dogs Symptoms: Vomiting, salvation, diarrhea (large quantities can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias) Note: The bulbs are the most poisonous part of this plant. Zinnia – old favourite with plenty of colours. Many people enjoy keeping plants in their homes. By using The Spruce, you accept our, 9 Popular Houseplants That Are Toxic to Dogs, 7 Indoor Plants That Are Dangerous to Children & Pets, Five Houseplants That Will Hurt Your Pets, 36 Plants That Can Irritate Your Skin or Worse, How to Grow Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Mother of Thousands). Before you decide on which blooms to pick, take a look at our how-to video on how to make a cat-safe bouquet. However, you may not realize that some of these plants are dangerous to cats.Your cat may be indoors and safe from outdoor plant dangers, but don't forget that certain indoor plants may cause harm if your cat eats or chews on them. Here are some popular houseplants that you should avoid if you have cats. If your cat spends a lot of its time outside, it may brush against plants and lick the pollen off without even thinking. Lewes Road, Aloe vera is characterized by thick, succulent-like leaves with jagged edges that grow upwards from a rosette-like base. we've compiled a list of non-toxic flowers and plants. Hazardous plants. P lants and cats don’t always go together. In pets, including cats and dogs, possible symptoms of ingestion of the string of pearls plant may be: drooling, diarrhea, vomiting or lethargy. Poinsettias are toxic to cats, the toxic principles are d iterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents which produce mild dermal and gastrointestinal irritation.. What are poinsettias? Decreased appetite, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, skin irritation. Baby's Breath. Single flower varieties good for insects, many scented. Lilies are particularly toxic to cats. Also known as ribbon plant or airplane plant, the spider plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs, and will tolerate a wide range of light, moisture, and soil conditions. If you're concerned, the best way to prevent your cat from being poisoned is simply to not have lilies plants in your home or garden. All parts of the snake plant are toxic or poisonous to dogs because they have saponins. Very poisonous plants to cats. 10. 3 Looks like: 3 Small clusters of green berries that turn red-orange. Lastly, the Peace Lily is another very common houseplant. If a plant is poisonous to cats, assume all parts of the plant are poisonous—though some parts of the plant may have higher concentrations of the toxic principle than others. mcmnet.co.uk. We have listed below some of the many plants that are potentially toxic for cats and should be avoided. Unfortunately, Monstera deliciosa contains insoluble calcium oxalates making them highly toxic to cats. They are characterized by dark green fleshy leaves and thick, wooden-like stems. Seek advice from your vet immediately and they'll be able to help. However, peace lilies contain calcium oxalates and if consumed, can cause vomiting, irritation of the mouth and GI tract, excessive drooling, and in severe cases, difficulty swallowing or breathing. Terms and conditions The attractive drape and ease of care make it a tempting addition to your home, particularly when you’re trying to spruce up your home decor on a budget. Keeping a safe plant inside your home lessen the risks of your cat to get poisoned. Canterbury Bell – cottage garden perennial. There are many different varieties of dumb canes, which vary in size from a couple of feet high to over ten feet tall when grown in the right conditions. Making your cat sick may not be helpful. As per ASPCA, this plant is toxic to both the cats and dogs. They can also unintentionally ingest poisonous pollen or plant matter when grooming themselves. Grown usually as an annual for containers, baskets etc. But beyond the allure of snagging the spiderettes, spider plants are hallucinogenic to cats. Unfortunately, dumb canes are highly toxic to cats when ingested, and their sap can even be a mild irritant to humans and should be kept away from bare skin. It’s especially toxic to cats because of its alkaloid colchicine content, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. Toxicity: This plant is toxic to both dogs and cats. Delphinium. RADIATOR PLANT. Some parts of these plants are very poisonous to cats and can even be fatal, so keep your cat well away from them: Astrantia. There are numerous plants that are poisonous to cats. Various colours, popular bee-friendly plant. Post the clinic’s phone number in an obvious place, along with the number for the Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. Snake plant, a versatile and very popular houseplant, is not safe for cats. No. RH17 7TT, Cheese plant (see also Swiss Cheese Plant, Monstera deliciousa), Star of Bethlehem (also see Ornithogalum). Jade plants, also known as "Money plants" or "Dollar plants," are a type of succulent that is easy to grow and thought to bring good luck and fortune to their owners. Whether you're choosing beautiful blooms for a bouquet or wondering what indoor plants to get, you'll need to be wary of the flowers that are hazardous to your cat. If you're not sure what these look like, take a look at our visual guides below. Collect samples. Chelwood Gate, However, some of the compounds are similar to those in Opioids, so eating too much can result in vomiting or diarrhea. When ingested, the spider plant has a hallucinogenic effect on cats, similar to catnip. This same feature can make it appear like an attractive snack to curious felines, which can be extremely dangerous as English ivy is toxic to cats. When gardening, clear away clippings as these may intrigue curious cats. Though pothos is completely safe to touch, if ingested, your kitty will experience burning of the mouth and lips, vomiting, and oral swelling. Their urge to clean their paws following this type of activity is natur… Some varieties have white spotted foliage, while others flower periodically. If your cat is showing any abnormal behavior such as drunkenness or tremors, eating this succulent might be the reason. Kalanchoe genus includes hundreds of species of attractive, flowering plants. Hibiscus – various varieties as both garden and some less hardy conservatory plants/small shrubs. Their unique structure makes them a great talking point and a lovely accent piece. Easy to grow, popular with bees and will grow in most soils. The attractive fleshy leaves of radiator plant (Peperomia) come in a myriad of shapes and patterns, making this a versatile design choice as living decor, from small tabletop accents to hanging planters.All species are non-toxic to cats and dogs. If you're not sure what these look like, take a look at our visual guides below. They can be decorative, fun to care for, and good for air quality. Roses – Huge range available now. Many common garden plants have some toxic elements that could prove dangerous to your cat. Buddleia – common garden shrub/small tree with spikes of flowers throughout the summer – white through to mauves and purples. Yes, they get kitties high and too much can be bad for their tummies, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Find out more about creating a cat-friendly garden, *contact with these plants may cause skin irritation. Campanula bells. 3 Type: Herbaceous perennial; can be grown indoors and outdoors. These are indicated in the list below. 3 In the U.S.: Southern or warmer climates. Looking for plants that are safe for cats? They may want to see your cat immediately. Its ingestion causes Nausea, vomiting, retching, and stomach upset. Poisonous Plants For Cats: Although sometimes you are tempted to offer your cat some of what you are eating, you must bear in mind that the best way to feed it is through the combination of dry and wet feed. With ingestion, it can cause vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea. Poisonous substances on their fur can also get into the body by being absorbed through the skin.Also associated with grooming, comes when the cat walks through something such as ice melt salt or household cleaners. Easy from seed and bee-friendly. Good long lasting summer flowering season. If your cat ingests it, she will have symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, reduced appetite, depression, among other symptoms. While most cats will instinctively avoid eating things that are bad for them, it is worth being aware of the outdoor plants that are toxic to cats. Valerian – produces a similar effect to that of catmint, commonly available in garden centres. Other known toxic plants are figs, azalea, lilies and bulb plants. Don't wait for signs of illness to develop. Aloe plants are characterized by long, spiked tendrils. Eucalyptus. Due to its low maintenance nature, pothos has become a very attractive houseplant for both amateur and experienced plant owners alike. Their dark leaves, white flowers, and low maintenance needs make them a very popular choice for Spring décor. However, sometimes young, inquisitive or bored cats may nibble on a plant that makes them sick. When ingested, it can cause a wide range of symptoms including weakness, vomiting, throat swelling, excessive drooling, dermatitis, rash, and ataxia. Unfortunately there are several types of lilies that are poisonous to cats, including Easter Lily, Tiger Lily and other members of the lily family. All parts of the lily plant are toxic to cats if ingested, and consuming small amounts can result in severe poisoning. “Components known as saponins are toxic to dogs and cats and can cause gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea as well as lethargy,” says Dr. Muirhead. Peace lilies are one of the most common flowering houseplants, particularly around Easter time. Autumn crocus is poisonous to dogs, cats and horses, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Thank you, spider plant (Chlorophytum), for looking just as cool today as you did in grandma's kitchen in 1978.