Birthday
HydrangeasCats love to nibble houseplants, and not all green housemates are safe for them. Some plants cause only mild irritation, while others can seriously poison a pet. Here is which flowers are dangerous for cats, which can be kept at home without worry and what to do if your cat has eaten a toxic plant.
Pet-friendly plants are in our potted plants section; check the species when ordering.
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In brief
These lists are based on veterinary sources, notably the ASPCA database of toxic and non-toxic plants. Individual animals may react differently, so ask a vet if in doubt.
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The most dangerous plants
- Lilies and daylilies are especially toxic to cats: even a small amount of leaf, pollen or vase water can cause acute kidney failure. If you have a cat, it is best not to keep lily bouquets at home.
- Sago palm (cycad) — every part is poisonous, especially the seeds.
- Oleander — contains cardiac glycosides.
- Tulip, hyacinth and daffodil bulbs — the most toxic part of these plants.
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Plants that irritate
- Monstera, pothos, philodendron, dieffenbachia and peace lily contain calcium oxalates, causing burning in the mouth, drooling and vomiting.
- Aloe, kalanchoe and jade plant can upset the digestion.
- Poinsettia is, contrary to popular belief, only mildly toxic: the sap irritates the mouth and stomach.
- Azalea and cyclamen are dangerous if eaten in significant amounts.
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Safe plants
- Spider plant — although cats love it and may chew it bare.
- Calathea, maranta and Boston fern.
- Moth orchid, African violet, peperomia and pilea.
- Areca palm and parlour palm.
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How to protect your cat
- Give your cat its own pot of cat grass — oats or wheat — which often distracts it from other plants.
- Put doubtful plants where the cat can't reach them, for example in hanging planters.
- Check bouquets: lilies and some other cut flowers are dangerous.
- Clear away fallen leaves and petals.
More about poisonous plants in "Poisonous plants of Ukraine" and "Beautiful but poisonous flowers".
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What to do if your cat eats a plant
- Remove any plant remains from its mouth and reach.
- Note or photograph the plant — it will help the vet.
- Do not try to induce vomiting without a vet's instructions.
- Contact a vet immediately, especially if lilies are involved: with lily poisoning every hour counts.
FAQ
Which flowers are most dangerous for cats?
Lilies and daylilies: even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure.
Which houseplants are safe for cats?
Spider plant, calathea, Boston fern, moth orchid, African violet, peperomia and pilea.
Is poinsettia poisonous to cats?
Mildly: its sap irritates the mouth and stomach, but serious poisoning is rare.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
