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Plants dangerous to cats

Cats nibble leaves and groom pollen off their fur. Lilies are the single biggest plant danger: any part can cause fatal kidney failure.

Cats

Warning signs: Vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, hiding, increased or no urination (with lilies).

If you suspect poisoning: remove any plant material, keep a sample, and call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

17 plants to keep away from cats

  • Lilies (true lilies & daylilies)

    Severe

    Acute kidney failure; even pollen or vase water can be fatal.

  • Sago palm

    Severe

    Liver failure, bloody vomiting, seizures. All parts are toxic, seeds most of all.

  • Azalea & rhododendron

    Severe

    Grayanotoxins cause vomiting, weakness, abnormal heart rhythm.

  • Oleander

    Severe

    Cardiac glycosides disrupt heart rhythm; can be fatal in small amounts.

  • Lily of the valley

    Severe

    Cardiac glycosides cause dangerous heart arrhythmia.

  • Onion, garlic & chives

    Severe

    Damage red blood cells, causing anemia.

  • Tulip

    Moderate

    Bulbs irritate the mouth and stomach, causing vomiting and drooling.

  • Daffodil

    Moderate

    Bulbs cause vomiting, drooling and, in large amounts, heart problems.

  • Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)

    Moderate

    Calcium oxalate crystals cause oral pain, swelling and drooling.

  • Pothos

    Moderate

    Calcium oxalate crystals irritate the mouth and throat.

  • Monstera

    Moderate

    Calcium oxalate causes mouth irritation and vomiting.

  • Peace lily

    Moderate

    Oral swelling and drooling (not a true lily).

  • Kalanchoe

    Moderate

    Cardiac glycosides cause vomiting and, rarely, heart rhythm problems.

  • Jade plant

    Moderate

    Vomiting, lethargy and a slow heart rate.

  • Snake plant

    Mild

    Saponins cause nausea and vomiting.

  • Chrysanthemum

    Mild

    Vomiting, drooling and skin irritation.

  • Aloe vera

    Mild

    Saponins cause vomiting and diarrhea.

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General information only, not veterinary advice. Toxicity varies with the amount eaten and the animal's size.