Top 10 toxic household plants for cats


 

Plants are a great way to brighten up a home. But no matter how green your thumb is, some plants are a no-go for pets! When choosing greenery to decorate your space make sure you avoid these 10 common household plants that are toxic for your cat. And, if you’re visiting family or friends this holiday weekend, double-check the home for these toxic plants before letting your cat explore. Celebrations don’t always stay outdoors, so if you make your way indoors this weekend, be on the lookout for houseplants that could tempt your curious cat!

 

  1. Lilies. Beautiful though they may be, lilies are one of the most toxic houseplants for cats. Ingesting even a small amount or licking a bit of pollen off their coat can cause kidney failure and death.
  2. Philodendron. These resilient, easy-to-grow houseplants contain high levels of calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, this plant can cause burns to the mouth, excessive drooling and vomiting. Other houseplants with high levels of calcium oxalate include the peace lily, dieffenbachia and pothos (devil’s ivy).
  3. Oleander. Also known as Nerium, oleander is more commonly found in outdoor gardens, but some gardeners bring them inside for the winter. These plants contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rhythm and neurological signs.
  4. Sago palm. These leafy green ornamentals are highly toxic to cats! They contain cycasin, a toxin that causes severe liver failure within a few days of ingestion. All parts of the plant are toxic and ingestion can be fatal if not treated immediately.
  5. Daffodil. These beautiful yellow and white flowers are a herald of spring. But ingestion of any part of the plant can trigger severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and abnormal heart rhythm.
  6. Aloe. Both beautiful and functional, aloe is often used for its medicinal properties. But chewing on the plant can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. While the inner gel is generally considered non-toxic and is often used on scrapes and burns, do not use it on your pet.
  7. Hyacinth. The toxins in this spring-blooming perennial are concentrated in the roots and bulbs. Chewing on the bulbs can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, profuse drooling and burns to the mouth. Tulips also belong to the same plant family and can cause similar symptoms if the bulbs are ingested.
  8. Chrysanthemum. These bright fall flowers contain several toxic components that can cause illness in cats if ingested, including vomiting and incoordination. Luckily, symptoms are often mild as long as your pet has only eaten a small amount of the plant.
  9. Kalanchoe. This beautiful succulent is loved for its multitude of tiny colorful flowers, but every part of the plant is toxic—even the water in its vase! While small ingestions can cause vomiting and diarrhea, larger amounts can cause abnormal heart rhythm, weakness and collapse.
  10. Asparagus fern. Also known as the foxtail fern or emerald fern, these plants are often used in hanging pots due to their feathery leaves and hardy nature. But it can cause skin irritation if your pet brushes against it. Eating the berries can also cause vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
     

Choose your indoor plants wisely!

Plants certainly brighten up your home, but it’s important to choose houseplants carefully to avoid purchasing anything that’s toxic to your cat. Before bringing a new plant home, consult the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List to make sure it’s safe for your cat. 

If you believe your cat has eaten a toxic houseplant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 right away! 

 

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