Cats and toxic houseplants. Watch out!
A beautiful and cozy houseplant—who doesn’t have them at home? It’s so common for many people and seems very harmless. However, cat owners need to be cautious! Some houseplants are toxic to cats. Even though cats are picky eaters, some cats still sniff around houseplants and may accidentally ingest something. In this blog, we explain which houseplants are toxic, which are safe, and what to do if your cat is poisoned.

Which houseplants are toxic to cats?
Many houseplants are not suitable for cats. Of course, no houseplant is meant to be eaten, but some are truly toxic. Here is a list of toxic plants for cats:
|
Agave |
Allamanda |
Alocasia |
Aloe vera |
|
Amaryllis |
Anemone |
Azalea |
Bitterleaf |
|
Caladium |
Calla |
Chrysanthemum |
Croton |
|
Cyclamen |
Dieffenbachia |
Ficus |
Ivy |
|
Hydrangea |
Holly |
Hyacinth |
Iris |
|
Broom plant |
Parlor palm |
Money tree |
Cone flower |
|
Christmas rose |
Poinsettia |
Sweet pea |
Lily |
|
Lily of the valley |
Spoon plant |
Periwinkle |
Mistletoe |
|
Daffodil |
Oleander |
Orange tree |
Palm lily |
|
Philodendron |
Sansevieria |
Ornamental pepper |
Saint Joseph plant |
|
Snowdrop |
Finger plant |
Wax flower |
Silk plant |
Note: these are the most common houseplants found in people's homes. This list is not exhaustive.
Important to know
During the Christmas season, many people have a festive Christmas tree or poinsettia in their home. Your cat may not naturally eat the needles, but the needles can unknowingly end up in the food bowl. These needles are toxic to your cat, so be especially careful in December.
Furthermore, we also warn you about the lily. A common flower in bouquets. This flower, including its pollen, is very toxic. If your cat comes near a lily, pollen can get on its fur. This means there is a chance your cat will ingest pollen when it grooms itself.
Which plants are not toxic to cats?
Of course, there are also plants that are not toxic to cats. This is a list of non-toxic plants for your cat:
Aglaonema Maria
Bamboo palm
Banana plant
Bromeliad
Calathea
Spider plant
Staghorn
Kentia palm
Coconut palm
Bird's nest fern
Orchid
Pancake plant
Pilea depressa
Rhipsalis Cashero
Tradescantia Zebrina
Zinc fern
Note: Some plants do not survive cats. Especially if it’s too tempting to jump on! 😼
What happens if your cat has eaten a toxic plant?
If your cat has been poisoned by a plant, they may experience the following symptoms:
❌ Stomach and intestinal issues
❌ Vomiting
❌ Diarrhea
❌ Nausea
❌ Loss of appetite
❌ Swelling in the mouth
❌ Swelling in the throat
❌ Skin irritation
❌ Liver or kidney failure
What should you do if your cat is poisoned?
It is important to act quickly if you suspect your cat has eaten a toxic plant. Go to the vet as soon as possible and bring the plant in question so the vet has a clue about the type of poison involved.
Extra tips for curious cats
Maybe you’re lucky and your cat ignores your plants. If the opposite is true, try to distract your cat and buy safe plants.
Also consider placing your plants out of your cat’s reach, for example on plant stands or tables. There are also repellent sprays you can spray on your plant. Surrounding your plant with something unpleasant for your cat, like aluminum foil, can also be a good solution.
Fun toys, an automatic feeder, or a wind chime can help keep your cat entertained when you’re away. Boredom can lead to chewing on plants, and we want to prevent that.
Eating plants is not good for cats’ health. Did you know that certain types of vegetables and fruits are also not good for your four-legged friend? We have previously written an article showing which types of vegetables and fruits are harmful to your cat. Check out the article here!
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