Cats love to chew on greenery, and many curious cats nibble houseplants and bouquets. Some plants cause mild stomach upset. Others, like lilies, can be deadly. Here’s a guide to the most dangerous toxic plants for cats and what to do if your cat eats one.
Quick Answer: True lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are extremely toxic to cats. Eating a small part of a leaf or petal, licking pollen from fur or drinking vase water can cause kidney failure. If you suspect lily exposure, go to a vet immediately. Other toxic plants include sago palm, oleander, dieffenbachia, pothos, philodendron and tulips.
Lilies: The Most Dangerous Plant for Cats
| Lily type | Risk |
|---|---|
| Easter lily | Deadly |
| Tiger lily | Deadly |
| Asiatic lily | Deadly |
| Stargazer and Oriental lilies | Deadly |
| Daylilies | Deadly |
| Peace lily, calla lily | Not true lilies; cause mouth irritation |
| Lily of the valley | Not a true lily; affects the heart |
All parts of true lilies and daylilies are toxic: petals, leaves, stems, pollen and even the water in the vase. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center lists lilies among the most dangerous plants for cats.
Lily poisoning is an emergency. Kidney damage can begin within hours, and early treatment greatly improves the chance of survival. Don’t wait for symptoms.
Signs of lily poisoning
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Increased then decreased urination
- Dehydration
Other Toxic Plants
| Plant | Main effects |
|---|---|
| Sago palm | Liver failure; can be fatal |
| Oleander | Heart problems; can be fatal |
| Azalea and rhododendron | Vomiting, heart problems |
| Tulips and hyacinths (bulbs especially) | Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea |
| Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) | Mouth pain, drooling |
| Pothos and philodendron | Mouth irritation, drooling |
| Aloe vera | Vomiting, diarrhea |
| Jade plant | Vomiting, lethargy |
| Kalanchoe | Vomiting; heart effects in large amounts |
| Cyclamen | Vomiting; heart problems with tubers |
| Autumn crocus | Severe vomiting, organ damage |
| English ivy | Vomiting, diarrhea |
What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Toxic Plant
- Remove your cat from the plant and take away any plant material.
- Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a sample.
- Call your vet, an emergency clinic or a pet poison helpline right away.
- Don’t induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- For lily exposure, go to the vet immediately, even if your cat seems fine.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
Cat-Safe Plants
| Plant | Notes |
|---|---|
| Spider plant | Popular, safe (may cause mild upset if eaten in large amounts) |
| Boston fern | Safe |
| Areca palm | Safe |
| Calathea (prayer plant) | Safe |
| African violet | Safe |
| Cat grass (wheat or oat grass) | Safe and enjoyable |
| Catnip and cat thyme | Safe |
| Orchids (Phalaenopsis) | Safe |
Keeping Cats Safe Around Plants
- Keep lilies out of homes with cats entirely, including bouquets.
- Ask florists to remove lilies from arrangements.
- Place plants out of reach or in rooms cats can’t enter.
- Offer cat grass as a safe chewing alternative.
- Check plant names before buying.
Other Household Hazards
Many other household items are toxic to cats, including some medications and essential oils. See why is my cat vomiting and chronic kidney disease in cats.
How Vets Treat Plant Poisoning
Treatment depends on the plant and how quickly your cat is seen. It may include:
- Inducing vomiting, if done soon after eating
- Activated charcoal to limit absorption
- IV fluids for 48 hours or more after lily exposure, to protect the kidneys
- Bloodwork to monitor kidney or liver values
- Anti-nausea medication and supportive care
The sooner treatment starts, the better the outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a small amount of lily pollen dangerous?
Yes. Even grooming pollen from fur can cause kidney failure.
Are peace lilies safe for cats?
Peace lilies aren’t true lilies. They cause mouth irritation and drooling but not kidney failure.
Why do cats eat plants?
Curiosity, boredom and texture. Offering cat grass can help.
Is catnip safe?
Yes. Catnip is safe. Some cats get very excited, then mellow.
Are dried flowers safe?
Dried lilies are still toxic. Avoid them in arrangements around cats.
What about holiday plants?
Poinsettias cause mild irritation. Mistletoe and holly can be more harmful. Keep all of them out of reach.
Can outdoor plants poison cats?
Yes. Lilies, oleander, sago palms and some bulbs in gardens are a risk for outdoor cats.
Are artificial plants safe?
Yes, as long as your cat doesn’t chew and swallow pieces of plastic or fabric.
Is cat grass the same as catnip?
No. Cat grass is usually wheat, oat or barley grass that cats like to chew. Catnip is an herb that affects behavior.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
