Poisonous Plants for Cats

A number of plants are poisonous to cats. Consumption of these plants can cause a range of symptoms from vomiting or diarrhea to serious illness.

Generally, cats will stay away from plants that will harm them but sometimes curiosity, boredom and their need for exploration get the better of them and they might nibble on your plants. Here comes a list of the more common household plants that are toxic to cats:

Autumn Crocus

Photo: Niklas Ohlrogge

This plant is also known as meadow saffron or naked lady, which blooms in the fall. The Autumn Crocus is highly toxic for cats and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory failure.

Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Photo: Alli Remler

The entire plant is toxic to many animals including cats. Eating just a few leaves could cause vomiting and diarrhea, and the long-term effects could be serious.

Cyclamen

Photo: Manuel Torres Garcia

These plants contain irritating saponins, and when any part of the plant is ingested by cats, it can result in signs of drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Daffodils, Narcissus

Daffodils are showy flowering bulbs that are known botanically by the name Narcissus. The whole plant is toxic for cats, especially the bulb, because of the lycorine, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias, extremely low blood pressure, and breathing difficulties.

Dieffenbachia

This tropical plant is common in houseplant collections. Cats who chew on the leaves will experience oral pain and intense burning and maybe difficulty in swallowing or breathing due to the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that it contains.

Kalanchoe

This isn’t one of the most dangerous plants for cats, however, it can cause gastric upset, so it’s worth noting. Ingestion of large quantities of kalanchoe can cause more severe symptoms, so keep these plants well out of the reach of cats in your house.

Lilies

Photo: Hannah Olinger

Lilies families are very dangerous for cats. The entire lily plant is toxic, even the water in a vase. Ingestion of a tiny bit of this plant can cause kidney failure. Cat owners shouldn’t keep lilies in the house.

Oleander

Photo: Svetlana Barmina

These beautiful flowering plants can grow incredibly large. Unfortunately, the Oleander plant is toxic for all mammals, including cats. All parts of the plant are dangerous including the water in the vase. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, tremors, seizures, and more.

Sago Palm

All parts of the sago palm are poisonous, but the seeds are the most toxic to cats. Ingestion of even a small amount of the plant can cause serious effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, bruising, increased thirst and more. If you suspect your cat has chewed on any part of a sago palm, seek immediate treatment.

Tulip

Photo: Alina Ryabchenko

The bulbs are the most toxic part but any part of the plant can be harmful to your cat. All tulips should be kept well away, as they contain allergenic lactones which, if swallowed, can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and depression

Hyacinth

Photo: Margaren Jaswoska

These gorgeous house flowering plants are fragrant and gorgeous, and they come in deep purples, pinks, whites, yellows, reds, blues and more. Unfortunately, hyacinths contain narcissus-like alkaloids and can be toxic to felines, even from inhaling them!

Amaryllis

Photo: Fredrik Solli Wandem

These common garden plants are popular around Easter. Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, and tremors.

Whether in your yard or in your house, it’s better to keep these plants and flowers away from your feline. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic plant, take it to a vet immediately. If you can, bring a piece of the suspected plant with you to the vet.

Photo Shoot: Dim Hou