Some plants can be life-threatening to cats, while others are potentially toxic, resulting in mild gastrointestinal upset and vomiting. Although indoor plants are beneficial for purifying our air, you should always check which household plants can sicken your cat. So when choosing plants at your nursery, always consult with your nursery person for cat-friendly plant suggestions.
If you're in a rush, a quick scroll through our list will help you determine which plants are cat-friendly and which are poisonous to cats. Remember, though, that some pet-safe plants can also cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Try to purchase organic plants without pesticides or insecticides, which can be harmful to cats. We've compiled a list of pet-friendly and poisonous plants to get you started. Here's the takeaway:
Which Indoor Plants Are Safe for Cats?
In 2023, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control (APCC) received hundreds of thousands of calls of over 351,000 items and substances that pets had been exposed to. One of the top ten toxins of 2023 was plants and fungi, with both indoor and outdoor plants posing a threat to pets.
Kittens are naturally inquisitive, especially when bored, and they will also often chew on anything they can find. Cats will also explore any new changes in their environment, including indoor plants. Keeping cat-friendly culinary herbs at home is also a good option for adding greenery to your kitchen. These include:
- Sage
- Dill
- Thyme
- Basil
- Cilantro
Pet-Safe Houseplants
While growing and caring for houseplants can be relaxing and rewarding, many houseplants can be poisonous if ingested. Cats that are around toxic plants can also get the seeds or pollen trapped in their fur or paws.
Living with cats means preparing your home and pet-proofing to avoid mishaps. Finding a few pet-safe houseplants to keep at home gives you peace of mind. Some non-poisonous indoor plants for cats include the following:
African Violet
This is another popular house plant with pet parents. The African Violet comes in various floral colors, ranging from white to pink and maroon. This plant does well with indirect sunlight and can flower throughout the year.
Boston Fern
While many ferns are not toxic to cats, others are, so it's important to shop for the right variety. The Boston fern is a safe, non-toxic choice, and cats love this plant because of its shaggy leaves.
This is a feathery-looking plant that does well in a cool and humid environment. Keep it out of direct sunlight. Most ferns are safe for cats apart from the asparagus firm, which contains a steroid called sapogenin.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are easy to care for and do well in low light. They purify the air and make an attractive hanging plant. For cats that enjoy hanging out under long grass-like leaves, the spider plant works well.
According to the ASPCA, spider plants don't contain chemicals that can harm pets, and they don't have spikes, thorns, or other physical features that can cause pain.
Areca Palm
Also known as the butterfly palm, the Areca Palm is another non-toxic plant that's safe for cats and dogs. This is one of the many beautiful plants that you can have at home to help add some greenery. The ASPCA says that the Areca Palm's fronds are safe for cats to eat.
Orchids
Orchids are pet-friendly plants that you can keep safely around cats. Even if your cat takes a nibble, the orchid doesn't do much harm. However, as with many non-toxic plants, if your cat eats a large portion of an orchid, he may experience diarrhea and vomiting.
Toxic Plants for Cats
This is a short list that shows poisonous plants that can affect cats in many ways, in some cases debilitation, illness, and even death. Whether an entire plant or just a small portion is toxic depends on the plant species.
If your cat ingests a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or poison control center immediately. For a complete list of toxic plants for cats, visit the ASPCA.
Some of these toxic cat plants also cause long-term illness, reproductive problems, decreased weight gain, and death.
- Aloe, medicinal aloe- latex under the skin
- Amaryllis- bulb
- Azaleas- entire plant
- Chrysanthemum- entire plant
- Daffodil- bulb
- Foxglove-entire plant
- Gladiolus-entire plant
- Hyacinth -bulb
- Hydrangea- flower bud
- Iris-rootstock
- Ivy-leaves and berries
- Lilly of the Valley-Bush- leaves and nectar
- Mistletoe-berries
- Morning Glory-berries
- Nightshade plant and flower parts.Fruits and berries. Toxic parts vary between plants.
- Oleander-entire plant
- Philodendron( all species) -leaves
- Rosary pea- seeds
- Tulip- bulb
- Yew, Japanese Yew- seeds and foliage
What are Plant Toxins?
"A poisonous plant is defined as a plant that, when touched or ingested in sufficient quantity, can be harmful or fatal to an organism or any plant capable of evoking a toxic and/or fatal reaction," says a Science Direct study.
The study goes on to say that there are hundreds of toxic plants to man and animals, with plants displaying two types of toxicity: major significant and minor. Plant poisons are metabolites that plants create to defend themselves against various threats like insects, predators, and pathogens. Part of a plant that can be toxic include:
- Tubers
- Stems
- Fruits
- Buds
- Foliage
- Roots
Major toxic plants will have serious fatal effects when ingested by animals, while minor toxic plants will have less severe symptoms. These include diarrhea and vomiting.
The study adds that toxic plants contain glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, proteins, oxalates, and coumarins, as well as volatile oils. Glycosides in higher doses will affect the heart via cardiac toxicity. Some plant toxins will lower blood pressure and cause dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets.
Signs of Toxic Plant Poisoning in Cats
If you suspect that your cat has ingested any part of a poisonous plant, you should visit your vet as soon as possible. This is a veterinary emergency. Signs of cat plant poisoning include the following:
- Vomiting and depression
- Drooling
- Excessive diarrhea
- Mucous membrane irritation, gum, and eye irritation
- Dilated pupils
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Nervousness
- Trembling and incoordination
- Irregular heartbeats
- Inappetence
- Collapse
- Pawing at nose and mouth
- Allergic dermatitis
How to Prevent Your Cats from Eating Toxic Plants
Cats often lick, chew, or ingest household plants, which can lead to poisoning. Houseplants have varying degrees of toxicity, so it's always best to search for cat-friendly houseplants before bringing any type of plant indoors.
Before bringing a kitten or adult cat home, you should take all necessary precautions. If you aren't sure whether a plant is toxic, take a sample to your nursery and have it identified. You can then compare it to our list or the ASPCA's more comprehensive list.
Final Thoughts
You can parent cats and keep plants inside your home but always do your research into what indoor plants you're bringing home. Check to see whether all plants are safe for cats.
Remember that plant sprays and pesticides can be just as toxic to cats if inhaled or ingested. Plant fertilizers may contain organophosphates, which are also highly toxic to cats, and ingestion results in watery eyes, seizures, breathing difficulties, and even death.
Be aware of the toxic risks of everything that you have in your home, and try to reduce access to plants in your home. If your cats tend to chew on the leaves and flowers of your indoor plants, opt for our safe picks, including pet-friendly herbs with digestive enzymes.
