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If you're unsure whether a plant or flower is poisonous to your cat, if you're keen to find plants and flowers safe for cats, or if you suspect your cat may have been poisoned, we have guidance and vet-approved lists to help you.
- Cat-safe plants
If you know your cat has ingested a toxic plant, don’t wait...
- Cat-safe plants
Not all pets are affected in the same way by toxic plants – a plant may affect one pet very seriously, but cause no symptoms in others. In order to keep your pet safe, it’s best to avoid poisonous plants altogether, regardless of how toxic they are.
- SAGO PALM. Grown for its attractive fronds and unfussy nature, sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is actually a cycad. Despite its elegant appearance, all parts of the plant are extremely poisonous if ingested by pets, with the seeds being the most toxic part of the plant.
- JADE PLANT. Introduced as a houseplant decades ago, jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent grown for its fleshy leaves and sturdy tree-like appearance that lends an exotic appeal.
- AMARYLLIS. A favorite of holiday gift givers, the oversized bulb of amaryllis (Hippeastrum) produces a tall, sturdy stem with large, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors.
- ALOE VERA. Popularized for its many therapeutic uses, aloe (Aloe vera) is a succulent that grows natively in tropical regions worldwide. Cultivated as a houseplant or outdoors in mild climates, Aloe vera is grown for its spiky architectural form and ease of maintenance.
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Many cats love catnip. You might have even given it to your cat and watched them roll around. It can be an effective attractant, helping you get your cat used to items in the house like a scratching pad or litter box.
- Cat Grass. Cat grass is often a combination of safe grasses for kitties to munch on or roll around. It is usually a single population or a combination of barley, oats, wheat, or rye.
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum) According to the ASPCA, an excellent resource for checking if plants are toxic, basil is non-toxic for cats and dogs. That means you shouldn’t have anything to worry about if your cat knocks over your basil plant or chomps on a few leaves.
- Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) Valerian root is safe for cats to consume because it has a wide margin of safety. Like in people, it has calming properties.
- Lilies
- Chrysanthemums
- Poppies
- Marigolds
- Mistletoe
- Poinsettia
- Croton
All parts of liliesare toxic to cats if ingested, and consuming small amounts can result in severe poisoning and kidney failure, which can be fatal. Although it's unlikely that your cat will eat lilies, there's a risk that they may come into contact with the flower's pollen by rubbing up against it and then licking their fur. Alison Richards says: ...
Chrysanthemums naturally contain the botanical insecticide pyrethrin. Although most cats would need to ingest large amounts of chrysanthemum in order to be affected, particularly sensitivecats may develop skin irritation just by rubbing up against them. Other symptoms include vomiting, diahorrea and a lack of appetite.
All parts of poppiescan be harmful to cats if ingested. The amount of alkaloids or opioids can vary, depending on the species, but all have potential to harm your cat. Symptoms of poisoning include dilated pupils, difficulty walking, lack of appetite and coma.
Marigolds (Tagetes species) may cause mild stomach upset. The sap from the plant can also cause skin irritation. Pot marigold, Calendula,is not toxic to cats.
Mistletoepoisoning is most likely to occur at Christmas, when you bring plants into the house. Symptoms of poisoning include drooling, upset stomach, difficulty walking, low blood pressure, seizures and even death.
Another plant likely to be brought into the house at Christmas, poinsettiacan harm your cat. However symptoms are usually mild, and can include stomach upset, drooling, and skin and eye irritation.
The striking foliage of the croton plantmay look attractive, but it's one to steer clear of if you have feline friends roaming the house, as its sap is toxic to pets.
- BBC Gardeners' World Magazine
Onions, shallots, leeks, garlic, and chives are part of group of plants called alliums which are toxic for cats and dogs. They cause gut upsets, and damage red blood cells, which results in anaemia. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, a reduced appetite, and dehydration.
People also ask
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Are lilies toxic to cats?
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If you know your cat has ingested a toxic plant, don’t wait for symptoms to show, contact your vet immediately. Remember that even the tiniest part of a lily may have devastating efects which needs urgent action. If your cat starts showing the following symptoms seek veterinary advice straight away.
