Popular Plants That Are Toxic To Cats

Have you ever brought a new plant home, only to find your feline buddy immediately started gnawing on its leaves? Cats are carnivores, but they do enjoy some greens and fiber now and then. Unfortunately, kitties don’t know what is and isn’t safe for them. Several popular houseplants are actually toxic to your cute pet. A vet lists a few plants for cat owners should avoid in this article.

Lily

This one is particularly concerning at this time of year, as many people like to include lilies in their Easter bouquets. Peace lilies are extremely toxic to our feline friends. In fact, even drinking a little of the water could make your kitty very sick. Many other lilies are also poisonous to Fluffy. These include the Day lily, Asiatic lily, Rubrum lily, Tiger lily, Japanese Show lily, and Wood lily, along with many hybrids. Though it’s not an actual lily, Lily of the Valley is also unsafe.

Eucalyptus

As you may know, eucalyptus is often used in aromatherapy. It’s a very popular scent for candles and scented oil. Keep eucalyptus and eucalyptus products away from your furry friend, though. It can cause vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea.

Devil’s Ivy

Often called golden pothos, or sometimes devil vine, Devil’s ivy contains insoluble calcium oxalates. These are small crystals that are present in all parts of the plant. They can seriously irritate Fluffy’s mouth, and can cause drooling, irritation, vomiting, and trouble swallowing.

Tulips

Another popular spring flower, tulips are also very dangerous to our feline overlords. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In fact, you can generally consider anything with a bulb to be toxic to your cute pet. That includes daffodils, irises, and hyacinths, as well as edible (to us) plants like garlic, onions, chives, and scallions, too!

Philodendron

Like the devil’s ivery, Philodendrons, along with other plants that belong to the Araceae group, such as oleanders, also contain calcium oxalate crystals. 

Tips

If you aren’t certain whether your plants are safe for your cat or not, check the ASPCA site here. This is also a handy site to pull up while you’re at a greenhouse or plant sale. Just keep in mind that many plants go by several names. We also recommend keeping the number for the Pet Poison Helpline on hand. That number is 800-213-6680. (Charges may apply.)

Please contact us, your local veterinary clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!