Spring is prime season for buying houseplants, and cats are notorious for nibbling greenery. Some plants are harmless, some cause mouth irritation or upset stomachs, and a few can be life-threatening. Before you bring a new plant home, it pays to check.
The most dangerous: lilies
True lilies, plants in the genus Lilium, and daylilies, in the genus Hemerocallis, are extremely toxic to cats. Eating small amounts of any part of the plant, including leaves, petals, pollen or even water from the vase, can cause kidney failure. Common examples include Easter lilies, tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies, stargazer lilies and daylilies. Homes with cats should avoid these plants entirely.
If you think your cat has had any contact with a lily, contact a veterinarian immediately. Early treatment matters.
Other plants to avoid or use with care
- Sago palm. All parts are toxic, especially the seeds, and can cause liver failure.
- Pothos, philodendron and dieffenbachia. These contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth pain, drooling and vomiting.
- Peace lily. Despite the name, it is not a true lily. It contains calcium oxalates and can cause mouth irritation.
- Snake plant and aloe. Generally associated with gastrointestinal upset.
- Jade plant. Can cause vomiting and other signs.
- Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Spring bulbs, especially the bulbs themselves, can cause gastrointestinal upset and other problems.
- Cyclamen and kalanchoe. Popular flowering plants that can cause gastrointestinal and other effects.
This is not a complete list. The ASPCA maintains a searchable database of toxic and non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and horses on its website, aspca.org, which is a good place to check before buying.
Plants generally considered non-toxic to cats
- Spider plant
- Boston fern
- Parlor palm and areca palm
- Calathea and prayer plant
- African violet
- Peperomia
- Haworthia
- Cat grass, often a mix of wheat, oat or barley grass
Even non-toxic plants can cause mild stomach upset if a cat eats a lot. Fertilizers, pesticides and decorative stones or moss in the pot can also cause problems.
Keeping plants and cats apart
- Choose cat-safe plants for any spot your cat can reach, which with cats means almost anywhere.
- Offer a pot of cat grass as an attractive, safer alternative to nibbling.
- Use hanging planters or a closed room for plants you are unsure about, but remember that leaves and pollen can fall.
- Remove fallen leaves and flowers promptly.
- Check bouquets and gift plants before bringing them inside.
Signs of plant poisoning
Signs vary with the plant but can include drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite and changes in urination. If you suspect your cat has eaten a toxic plant, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away, and bring a photo or sample of the plant. This article is general information only.
