Plants toxic to cats
Cats face plant dangers that dogs do not. Lilies are the most critical - they cause fatal kidney failure from even casual contact with pollen. This guide covers what must come out of your home and what to watch for in the garden.
All data cross-referenced with ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database.
EMERGENCYRemove from your home immediately
Lily - Tiger, Easter, Asiatic, Stargazer, Day Lily
EMERGENCYEven pollen causes kidney failure. Zero tolerance. Remove from home entirely.
Sago Palm
EMERGENCYLiver failure from cycasin. Seeds most lethal. One seed can kill a cat.
Yew (Taxus sp.)
EMERGENCYTaxine causes cardiac arrest within hours.
Autumn Crocus
EMERGENCYColchicine causes multi-organ failure. Not the safer spring crocus.
Toxic - vet attention required
Oleander
TOXICCardiac glycosides. All parts including dried.
Foxglove (Digitalis)
TOXICDigoxin causes arrhythmias. Garden staple; high risk.
Lily of the Valley
TOXICCardiac glycosides. Different from true lily but still serious.
Azalea / Rhododendron
TOXICGrayanotoxins; vomiting and cardiac effects.
Cyclamen
TOXICRoots most toxic. GI symptoms and cardiac effects.
Tulip (bulb)
TOXICBulb most concentrated; GI symptoms and CNS depression.
Daffodil (bulb)
TOXICLycorine causes severe vomiting. Garden and houseplant.
Hyacinth (bulb)
TOXICAlkaloids in bulb cause vomiting and tremors.
Wisteria
TOXICWisterin in seeds and pods; GI symptoms and depression.
Rhubarb (leaves)
TOXICOxalic acid; leaves only. Stalk safe for humans.
Caution - monitor closely
Kalanchoe
CAUTIONCardiac glycosides; common succulent. More serious than commonly thought.
Philodendron
CAUTIONInsoluble oxalates; oral burning and drooling.
Pothos (Devil's Ivy)
CAUTIONVery common houseplant. Insoluble oxalates; oral irritation.
Peace Lily
CAUTIONNot a true lily. Causes oral irritation and GI upset, not kidney failure.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
CAUTIONOxalate crystals cause severe burning. Throat swelling risk.
Aloe Vera
CAUTIONThe gel layer is safe; the anthraquinone layer causes GI upset.
Safe plant options for cat households
Spider Plant
SAFECommonly feared but ASPCA-listed as non-toxic. Safe for cats.
African Violet
SAFENon-toxic. Safe alternative houseplant.
Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
SAFECommon orchids are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Also safe: Boston fern, bamboo palm, money tree (Pachira), calathea, peperomia, and most succulents (except jade and aloe).
Essential oil diffusers: a growing cat hazard
Essential oils are plant extracts concentrated far beyond what a cat might encounter in nature. Diffuser mist settles on surfaces cats walk on and groom off their paws. Tea tree (melaleuca), pennyroyal, wintergreen, clove, and cinnamon oils are hepatotoxic to cats. Many "pet-safe" blends still contain problematic concentrations. When in doubt, use unscented alternatives in rooms cats use.
Source: ASPCA and AVMA essential oil guidelines.