Plants are a beautiful addition to any home that help to make a space feel greener, brighter and healthier. Whilst you may love flowers and plants, if you live with cats, it’s important to be aware that not every plant is safe for your feline friends.
Many plants are poisonous to cats, and when ingested, can cause a wealth of serious health problems. To keep your precious pets safe in the home and garden, we’ve compiled a list of the flowers and plants toxic to cats, and some alternatives, so you and your furry companion can still enjoy a green home.
Keep your cats enriched and away from plants with our range of cat toys at VetUK.
What plants are toxic to cats?
Unfortunately for our feline friends, there are a number of plants poisonous to cats that can cause all sorts of issues.
Lilies
Lilies are by far one of the most toxic plants to cats. Every part of the plant, including the pollen, is toxic, and even coming into contact with the pollen or drinking water from a vase can cause cats serious harm. Even ingesting small amounts can cause vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite. Lily poisoning in cats occurs fast, and without immediate treatment, your cat can experience kidney failure, which in most cases is fatal. For this reason, lilies should never be kept in the home or grown in your garden.
Aloe Vera
A plant we love for its soothing properties, aloe vera can prove quite the opposite for cats. Aloe vera leaves contain latex, which is a very strong laxative. When cats chew on the leaves and ingest them, this can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and weakness. In more severe cases, your cat can also be extremely lethargic or have tremors. Although harm only comes from ingestion, it’s still best to avoid owning an aloe vera plant if you have a cat, especially if they are a chewer.
Daffodils
Daffodils bring a burst of colour to brighten up any room, but unfortunately, these flowers are poisonous to cats. This is another plant with multiple parts that are toxic, particularly the bulbs. Ingesting daffodils can cause vomiting, tremors and drooling, and in extreme cases can cause heart arrhythmia, which can have serious consequences. Never bring daffodils into your home or plant them in your garden.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are a popular and fairly common flower and are another plant unsafe to have around cats. These flowers have a natural insecticide that deters pests, but when ingested, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of coordination. Alongside damage to the nervous system, topical contact can also cause skin irritation.
Oleander
Another deadly plant that should be avoided at all costs in households with cats is Oleander. These flowers are highly poisonous to cats in any amount, and when ingested can result in vomiting, abdominal pain and drooling. The more serious concern comes with the dangerously slow heart rate this plant causes, which can cause severe cardiac issues. As another one of the more dangerous plants for cats, Oleander should be avoided at all costs to protect your furry friends.
Sago Palm
This decorative houseplant is one of the more fatal plants to cats when ingested, and even with veterinary care, many cases cause death. Every part of this plant is a risk to cats, but the seeds in particular are extremely dangerous. After ingesting a sago palm, cats can experience vomiting, diarrhoea and liver failure. If you’re shopping for houseplants, make sure is plant is avoided at all costs.
Other plants poisonous to cats
Whilst the plants above are the most dangerous to cats, there are a number of other flowers and plants that cause harm.
- Cabbage palms
- Tulips and Hyacinths
- Foxgloves
- Azaleas
- Widow’s thrill
- Rhododendrons
- Dragon tree
- Cyclamens
- Dieffenbachia
- Monstera plant
- Philodendrons
- Gladioli and Iris
- Poinsettia
- Lily of the Valley
- Crocus
- Amaryllis
- Yucca plants
- Hyacinths
- Cyclamen
Whilst not all of these plants will be deadly to cats, all of them will cause some level of illness in cats, from upset stomachs to more serious complications.
How to spot plant poisoning in cats
Cats are curious creatures, and it’s not uncommon for them to chew on different plants without us even noticing. That’s why it’s especially important to watch out for any warning signs if you have an outdoor cat or keep indoor plants. Common symptoms include:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Weakness or general lethargy
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Laboured breathing or wheezing
- Seizures, tremors or shaking
- Hiding or pacing around
- Lack of urination, frequent urination or excessive thirst – this can be a sign of liver or kidney problems.
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you know your cat has been eating plants, this is an emergency, and you need to head to the vet as soon as possible.
How to protect your cat from plant poisoning
Alongside avoiding poisonous plants and doing your research on which plants to avoid, there are other ways to protect your cats.
Choose cat-safe plant alternatives
You can still enjoy plants in your garden and home with cats, you just have to pick the right ones!
You can safely own:
- Orchids
- Spider plants
- String of hearts
- Roses
- Boston fern
- Bamboo
- Lemon balm
- Freesia
- Parlour palm
- Money trees
- Sunflowers
You can also invest in cat grass, which is specially designed for cats to eat and enjoy. Not only does cat grass help digestion, but it also draws attention away from your prize plants you’d like to enjoy bite-free.
Monitor your plants and pets
Always stay alert to see if your cats are interested in any new plants, and be sure to remove any new weeds or growths in your garden that can cause potential issues. If you notice your cat chewing your plants, even if they are safe, your cat may need more enrichment. You can use catnip toys for independent playtime, which engage your cat, calm them down and keep them preoccupied as you relocate any plants to a safe space.
Act fast when symptoms show
If you suspect your cat has eaten a plant poisonous to cats or is showing symptoms of poisoning, immediate veterinary care can be what saves your feline friend from a serious fate. Always trust your instincts, and if you feel your cat’s behaviour is off, take them to the vet.
Keep your pets safe with the right cat care and accessories
Our feline friends are part of the family, and whilst plants may be a pretty addition to the home, nothing is more important than the health and safety of your cat. If you’re unsure if a plant may harm your cat, it’s best to avoid it and opt for the known safe alternatives instead.
If you’re looking for advice on other pet-safe items for the home, or are in need of some accessories to keep your cats entertained and away from your plants, contact us at VetUK. Our team is made up of pet experts who can advise you on the right products to keep both owners and cats happy.
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