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The most dangerous plant toxic to cats is the lily: licking a leaf, a flower, a little pollen or even the water in the vase can cause kidney failure. Oleander, sago palm, and tulip and hyacinth bulbs can also cause serious poisoning, while common houseplants such as dieffenbachia, pothos, croton and monstera irritate the mouth and stomach. On this page you'll find a list of houseplants and garden plants toxic to cats, how urgent each one is, the signs of poisoning, and safe plants you can choose instead.
Quick answer
The most dangerous plants for cats
- Lilies and daylilies: every part, including pollen and vase water. Life-threatening.
- Oleander: every part; affects the heart.
- Sago palm: especially the seeds; damages the liver.
- Lily of the valley: affects the heart.
- Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils: the bulbs most of all.
- Cyclamen: the tuber most of all.
Houseplant and garden plant list
| Plant | Toxic part | Effect | How urgent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lily, daylily | All of it, plus pollen and vase water | Kidney failure | Vet right away, without waiting for signs |
| Oleander | All of it | Heart rhythm problems | Vet right away |
| Sago palm | All of it, especially seeds | Liver failure | Vet right away |
| Lily of the valley | All of it | Heart rhythm problems | Vet right away |
| Tulip, hyacinth, daffodil | Bulb, then leaves and flowers | Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling; heart effects in large amounts | Vet the same day |
| Cyclamen | Tuber | Vomiting, diarrhea; heart effects in large amounts | Vet the same day |
| Chrysanthemum | All of it | Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling | Vet if signs appear |
| Dieffenbachia, pothos, philodendron, monstera | Leaves and stems | Burning mouth, drooling, trouble swallowing | Vet if signs appear |
| Croton | Leaves and sap | Mouth irritation, vomiting | Vet if signs appear |
| Aloe vera | Leaf latex | Vomiting, diarrhea | Vet if signs appear |
| Hydrangea, azalea | All of it | Vomiting, diarrhea; heart effects with azalea | Same day for azalea |
| Jade plant | All of it | Vomiting, lethargy | Vet if signs appear |
| Snake plant | Leaves | Vomiting, diarrhea | Vet if signs appear |
| Poinsettia | Leaves, sap | Mild stomach upset, drooling | Usually mild |
This list isn't complete. Before bringing a new plant home, check whether it's safe for cats.
Why lilies are so dangerous
True lilies (Lilium species) and daylilies can cause acute kidney failure in cats within a few days. Three things make them especially dangerous:
- A tiny amount is enough. A small bite of a leaf, pollen licked off the fur, or a drink from the vase can be enough.
- Early signs are mild. There may be vomiting, drooling or a poor appetite, and then the cat seems to recover while kidney damage progresses.
- Time matters a lot. If treatment starts early, the chances of recovery are good; they fall quickly with every hour of delay.
So if you suspect any contact with a lily, go to the vet without waiting for signs. Don't keep lilies in a home with a cat, and check bouquets you receive; many mixed bouquets contain lilies.
Signs of plant poisoning
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth, trouble swallowing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite, hiding, lethargy
- Urinating little or not at all, or drinking much more than usual (kidney signs with lilies)
- Tremors, stumbling, seizures
- A very slow, very fast or irregular heartbeat
Cats are very good at hiding illness. If you find a chewed plant, fallen leaves or pollen on your cat's fur, stay alert even without signs.
What to do if your cat chewed a plant
- Move your cat away from the plant and gently clear any pieces from the mouth.
- Note the plant's name or take a photo. Bring a piece of it if you can.
- With lily, oleander, sago palm or lily of the valley, go to the vet right away. SarPet's emergency panel shows the open clinics closest to you. In the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) also takes calls, for a fee.
- With other plants, call your vet if you see vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite or lethargy.
- Don't try to make your cat vomit, and don't give milk or anything else. In cats, inducing vomiting should only be done by a vet.
A safer home
- Before buying a new plant, check whether it's safe for cats.
- Offer catnip or cat grass in a corner of its own; the urge to chew goes there.
- Hanging pots aren't always the answer: cats climb, and they find fallen leaves.
- Don't leave water in plant saucers or fertilizer water within reach.
- If chewing plants has become a habit, boredom may be part of it. The indoor enrichment program for cats can help.
Cat-safe plants
These plants are not considered toxic to cats, though eating a lot of any plant can cause mild stomach upset.
- Catnip and cat grass (wheatgrass)
- Spider plant
- Boston fern
- Areca palm
- Calathea (prayer plant)
- Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
- African violet
- Peperomia
- Basil, rosemary
Frequently asked questions
My cat only drank water from a vase of lilies. Is that dangerous?
Yes. Vase water can contain the toxin too. Go to the vet without waiting for signs.
Why does my cat chew plants?
Cats may chew plants for fiber, to help bring up hairballs, or simply out of curiosity and boredom. Cats with their own cat grass and enough play during the day show less interest in houseplants. If chewing suddenly increases a lot, tell your vet.
Are catnip and cat grass the same thing?
No. Catnip is a plant that causes brief excitement or relaxation in most cats. Cat grass is usually wheat or barley sprouts, offered for chewing. Both are safe.
Are dried flowers and bouquets dangerous too?
Dried lilies are dangerous as well, and mixed bouquets very often include lilies.
Are the same plants dangerous for dogs?
Many are toxic to dogs too, but lilies cause kidney failure in cats specifically. For dogs, the main kitchen risks are covered in foods toxic to dogs.
Sources
This guide is for information only and does not replace a veterinary exam.
