10 indoor plants that are toxic to cats
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) provides an extensive list of toxic plants to keep away from cats. Even if you’ve never seen your cat chomping on greenery or drinking water from a vase, it’s a good idea to avoid these 10 toxic indoor plants and any others on the ASPCA’s list.[2]
Lilies
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Lilies are some of the most toxic plants for cats and can cause severe symptoms, sometimes resulting in death. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises cat owners to keep felines far away from this plant, even though the exact cause of their toxicity is unknown.[3]
Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that your cat has chewed or ingested any part of a lily, been exposed to pollen, or sipped on water from a vase containing a lily.
Aloe vera plant
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The saponins in the white latex on aloe leaves are toxic to cats, even though the gel inside is considered edible for them. Ingestion can cause lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting.
If you decide to keep aloe plants in your home, be sure to keep them in a place your cat can’t reach.
Snake plant
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Snake plants are also very popular indoor plants, as they require little maintenance. But the saponins in their leaves are toxic to cats and can cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
People often place snake plants on the floor due to their size, so a good way to keep your cat away from them is to spray the plant with a cat-deterrent spray.
Monstera deliciosa
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Monstera deliciosa, also known as the cut-leaf philodendron and the Swiss cheese plant, can be toxic to your cat if ingested. It causes problems like oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Try to keep your cat away from your Monstera by placing it out of reach or spraying it with a plant-safe deterrent.
Jade plant
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Jade plants, also known as rubber plants, can be quite toxic to cats. If your cat ingests part of the plant, it can experience vomiting, incoordination, and even depression.
These plants are often quite small, so a good way to keep them away from your cat is to place them on a high shelf that your cat can’t reach.
Ficus
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The popular ficus plant, also known as a fig, can be dangerous to cats, causing gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation if consumed. This plant is also called a rubber tree or weeping fig.
Pothos
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Pothos plants, also known as devil’s ivy, are very common houseplants due to their ease of care. But they contain toxins that can cause oral irritation, difficulty swallowing, drooling, and vomiting if ingested.
A good way to keep your cat away from your pothos is to place it on a high, out-of-reach shelf.
Heartleaf philodendron
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The heartleaf philodendron is another common indoor plant that’s quite toxic to cats. It causes mouth pain, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. These plants tend to grow long vines that can dangle.
A good way to keep them away from your cat is to place them on a high shelf and guide the vines to grow along the top of a window frame.
Dumb cane
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The giant dumb cane comes with a highly toxic protein as well as insoluble calcium oxalates that can harm your cat. Signs that your cat may have ingested the plant include oral irritation, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
Consider setting this plant out of reach and taking steps to keep your cat away, such as using a nontoxic spray deterrent.
Dracaena
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The dracaena, also known as a corn plant or female dragon plant, contains toxic saponin in its leaves. In cats, it can cause hypersalivation and dilated pupils, along with vomiting that may contain blood.
It’s best to avoid this plant or keep it out of reach.
What About Catnip?
The ASPCA warns that catnip is toxic to cats. But many cats enjoy smelling or eating the plant for its psychoactive effect, which may be sedating or stimulating. A small amount of catnip isn’t likely to harm your cat. But large amounts of catnip can cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, so use caution.[4]
Toxic flowers to avoid
Cats often enjoy the sweet scent of flowers, but they aren’t always safe plants to have around your cat. Whether you regularly keep a vase of fresh flowers in your home or receive a bouquet as a gift, it’s important to know which varieties are toxic and plan accordingly.
The following flowers may be poisonous to cats:[5]
Azalea
Bird of paradise
Daffodil
Honeysuckle
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Iris
Morning glory
Tulip
Oleander
Wisteria
10 outdoor plants that are toxic to cats
Keep outdoor cats away from plants you don’t recognize as safe. Below are some of the most common toxic outdoor plants for cats:[2]
Autumn crocus
Boxwood
Castor bean
Emerald fern
Eucalyptus
Lavender
Sago palm
Tomato plant
Yew
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