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Cats and poisonous houseplants. Be very careful!

A beautiful and cozy houseplant—who doesn't have one at home? It seems so natural to many people and appears completely harmless. Yet cat owners need to be careful! Some houseplants are poisonous to cats. Even though cats are picky eaters, some still investigate a houseplant and may accidentally ingest something. In this blog, we explain which houseplants are poisonous, which are safe, and what to do if your cat has been poisoned.

Which houseplants are poisonous to cats?

Many houseplants are not suitable for cats. No houseplant is naturally meant to be eaten, but some are genuinely poisonous. Here is a list of poisonous plants for cats:

Agave

Allamanda

Alocasia

Aloe vera

Amaryllis

Anemone

Azalea

Bitter leaf

Caladium

Calla lily

Chrysanthemum

Croton

Cyclamen

Dieffenbachia

Ficus

Ivy

Hydrangea

Holly

Hyacinth

Iris

Broom

Parlor palm

Clerodendrum

Primrose

Christmas rose

Poinsettia

Sweet pea

Lily

Lily of the valley

Peace lily

Periwinkle

Mistletoe

Daffodil

Oleander

Orange tree

Yucca

Philodendron

Snake plant

Ornamental pepper

St Joseph's plant

Snowdrop

Finger plant

Wax flower

Silk plant


Please note: these are the most common houseplants found in people's homes. This list is therefore not complete.


Important to know

During the Christmas season, many people have a festive Christmas tree or poinsettia in their homes. Your cat may not eat the needles intentionally, but they can still end up unnoticed in its food bowl. These needles are poisonous to your cat, so be especially vigilant in December.

We also want to warn you about lilies. A common flower in bouquets. This flower, including its pollen, is highly poisonous. If your cat brushes past a lily, pollen can get into its coat. This means your cat could ingest pollen when grooming 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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