Most Common Poisonous Flowers & Plants for Cats

It’s no fun dealing with a sick kitty. As cat owners, we often know what foods and chemicals to avoid to prevent toxicity. 

But it’s less common for pet owners to know the everyday plants and flowers that can lead to toxicity, illness, and even death. These can include everyday flower bouquets, plants in our gardens, or native plants on the side of the road. Keeping our cats away from toxic plants is important in preventing serious complications.

In this guide, we cover the most common poisonous flowers and plants for cats, plus the associated symptoms. We’ll also provide some tips for how to prevent exposure to these plants, and what to do if they are accidentally ingested.

Poisonous Flowers and Plants for Cats by Severity

So, what plants and flowers cause the most health issues for cats? We’ve provided a table for you to reference. 

Here are the most common poisonous flowers and plants for cats, including their toxicity level:

1. (Most poisonous) Lilies

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Lilies are beautiful, flowering plants with large, showy blooms. Lilies can include various species, such as Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and Asiatic lilies. Lilies of all kinds are highly toxic to cats, especially their leaves, petals, and pollen.

Even small ingestions can cause severe symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and dehydration, leading to kidney damage or even kidney failure. 

Lilies should be avoided at all costs given that ingestion is potentially fatal, even in small quantities.

2. Tulips and hyacinths

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Tulips and hyacinths are spring-blooming flowers with bright, colourful blooms and, often, a strong fragrance. These plants contain allergenic lactones and glycosides, which, if ingested, can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation. Other common side effects include drooling and vomiting.

These types of flowers should be avoided, as they can induce gastrointestinal discomfort, which can be distressing for cats.

3. Azaleas and rhododendrons

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Azaleas and rhododendrons are beautiful, evergreen flowering shrubs. As pretty as they may be, these plants contain toxins that can cause health issues with cats. Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and potentially more severe symptoms like cardiovascular collapse and even death can occur if these plants are ingested. 

These plants should be avoided as they can cause severe symptoms affecting multiple systems, including cardiac issues.

4. Sago Palm

Sago Palms (Cycas revoluta) are not actually palms but instead refer to the cycad plant, which has a feather-like crown and stout trunk. All parts of the Sago Palm are toxic to cats, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure, and even death.

Exposure to the Sago Palm should be avoided, as it can lead to severe symptoms, including organ failure.

5. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Dieffenbachia (a.k.a. “Dumb Cane”/”dumbcane”) are decorative houseplants with broad leaves. These plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are known to cause oral irritation, intense burning, and swelling of the mouth and throat if ingested. 

There are other types of plants that also contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These include (but are not limited to):

• Arrowhead vine
• Mother-in-law’s tongue
• Sweetheart vine
• Pothos
• Hunter’s robe
• Devil’s ivy
• Umbrella plant
• Elephant’s ear

6. Oleander

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Best known for its vibrant, colourful flowers, Oleander is a common outdoor shrub. While many pet owners might desire this attractive look around their property, it’s important to know that Oleander is highly toxic to cats. If ingested, it can cause gastrointestinal issues, abnormal heart function, hypothermia, and potentially death.

You might want to think twice before planting Oleander if you have cats, as it can cause severe health issues, including heart problems.

7. Marijuana (Cannabis)

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Marijuana (or “cannabis”) is a plant that’s most known for its psychoactive properties. While marijuana is quite tolerable to most humans, it can have adverse effects on cats. Notable symptoms include depression, incoordination, and potential coma, which are quite serious. Marijuana intoxication in cats can cause depression of the central nervous system, leading to a range of issues. 

8. Castor Bean Plant

The Castor Bean Plant is known for its red or green leaves and spiky fruits. It is rarely a domesticated plant, but rather is typically found in moist soils such as along river beds and roadsides. The Castor Bean Plant contains ricin, which is highly toxic to cats. 

Symptoms of Castor Bean Plant ingestion can include abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and death. 

9. Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a type of succulent plant with vibrant, long-lasting flowers. Though not one of the most dangerous for cats, Kalanchoe ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abnormal heart rhythm in cats.

10. Autumn Crocus

The Autumn Crocus is a flowering plant known for its vibrant and delicate blooms. It belongs to the Colchicum genus and typically flowers in the fall. All parts of this plant contain toxic alkaloids, particularly colchicine, making it extremely toxic to cats. Autumn Crocus ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal irritation, bloody vomiting, multiple organ damage, and potential death.

11. Daffodils

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They say “April showers bring May flowers”, and Daffodils are a common flower in the bunch. Daffodils are characterized by their trumpet-shaped blooms and vibrant colours, making them a common favourite.

But your cat won’t be a fan of Daffodils, given that all parts of the daffodil plant, particularly the bulbs, contain toxins. Ingestion of these “alkaloids”, such as lycorine, can result in vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cardiac issues in cats. 

Immediate veterinary care is crucial if ingestion is suspected to mitigate symptoms and potential complications.

12. Cyclamen

Cyclamen is a flowering plant with distinct cyclamen-shaped flowers and attractive variegated leaves. These plants contain toxic compounds like cyclamine and other triterpenoid saponins. 

Ingestion of cyclamen can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and potentially fatal heart abnormalities in cats. It's vital to keep cyclamen away from your cat to avoid severe health complications.

13. Peace Lily

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The Peace Lily is a popular indoor decorative plant with glossy green leaves and white flowers. All parts of the Peace Lily contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, similar to the Dieffenbachia plant. 

Ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning, swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in cats. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary in case of ingestion to alleviate discomfort and manage symptoms.

14. Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a bulbous plant appreciated for its large, colourful blooms. Various species of Amaryllis contain toxic compounds, including alkaloids. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremours, and severe adverse effects in cats. 

Timely veterinary care is crucial if your cat ingests any part of the Amaryllis plant to address potential toxicity.

15. Philodendron

Philodendrons are common houseplants known for their heart-shaped leaves. However, these plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause oral irritation upon ingestion. 

If your cat accidentally ingests part of a Philodendron plant, symptoms may include intense burning, swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. Keeping Philodendrons out of reach is essential to prevent discomfort and potential health issues for all pets.

16. Ivy (English Ivy)

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English Ivy is a climbing evergreen vine with lobed leaves, often grown as a decorative plant indoors or outdoors. 

Ingestion of English Ivy by cats can cause gastrointestinal upset, leading to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. 

17. Yew

Yew is an evergreen shrub with red berries, often used in landscaping. All parts of the Yew plant, including the seeds and foliage, contain toxic alkaloids. Ingestion can result in severe symptoms in cats, such as difficulty breathing, tremours, seizures, and sudden death.

Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if ingestion occurs.

18. Chrysanthemums

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Chrysanthemums, often referred to as mums or chrysanths, are flowering plants available in a variety of vibrant colours and shapes. These flowers are commonly used for decorative purposes in gardens and floral arrangements. 

Chrysanthemums contain naturally occurring pyrethrins, which, while generally considered low in toxicity, can cause mild symptoms in cats if ingested. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and occasionally mild incoordination. These symptoms usually subside without causing severe health issues in cats.

If you suspect your cat has ingested any of these plants or is showing signs of poisoning, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately. Prompt medical attention can be crucial in cases of plant toxicity in cats.

Other Types of Plants Toxic to Cats

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Above, we listed the 18 most common plants and flowers that are poisonous to cats. However, there are hundreds more that vary in toxicity from mild to severe. The ASPCA lists the following as some other toxic plants and flowers for cats.

Plant Safety Tips for Pet Homes

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As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to make sure our homes are safe havens for our pets. That means keeping toxic materials out of reach – yes, even our favourite flowers and plants. Consider the following plant safety tips to keep your home toxin-free and protect the health and safety of your pets. 

Research plants before you buy

Before buying a new plant for your home, make sure to research their toxicity level for your pets. If the plant is toxic, you should consider not introducing this plant into your home. Always cross-reference multiple reputable sources for accurate information.

Create pet-friendly “zones”

You can designate specific areas in your home where you keep pet-safe plants. Likewise, put toxic plants in areas that are entirely inaccessible to your pets. Elevated shelves or hanging baskets can be good options to keep plants out of reach.

Monitor your pet's health and behaviour

Keep an eye on your pets' behaviour around plants. Some pets are more curious than others and may try to nibble on leaves or dig into the soil. Any signs of chewing, digging, or attempts to ingest plants should be discouraged. Access to any toxic plants should be restricted.

Be prepared for emergencies

Accidents can happen, so it’s best to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of plant poisoning; the most common include vomiting, gastrointestinal upset, and drooling. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. Be ready to provide information about the plant and the symptoms your pet is experiencing.

What to Do if Your Cat Ingests a Toxic Plant

If your cat ingests a toxic plant, you need to take action right away. This is crucial when it comes to avoiding more serious complications. 

Here are the steps to take:

1. Identify the Plant: Try to identify the plant your cat ingested. Check for any leftover parts of the plant or take a photo for reference. Knowing the plant's name will help your veterinarian provide appropriate treatment.
2. Contact Your Veterinarian or Poison Control: Immediately contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline, such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) or Pet Poison Helpline. They can offer guidance on what steps to take and may ask for details about the plant and your cat's symptoms.
3. Follow Professional Advice: Follow the instructions given by the veterinarian or poison control specialist. They might advise inducing vomiting (only if recommended), providing supportive care, or rushing your cat to an emergency veterinary clinic.
4. Monitor Your Cat: Keep a close eye on your cat and note any changes in behaviour, symptoms, or signs of distress. Be prepared to provide this information to the veterinary professionals.
5. Consider Pet Health Insurance: Pet health insurance can provide financial assistance with veterinary bills, including emergency visits due to plant toxicity. If your cat requires extensive treatment, having pet insurance can alleviate the financial burden.
6. Visit the Veterinarian: Take your cat to the veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic as advised. The vet will perform a thorough examination, provide necessary treatment, and monitor your cat's condition.

Also, be sure to remove the toxic plant from your home or keep it securely out of reach to prevent future incidents. Remember, quick action and seeking professional veterinary advice are critical in cases of plant toxicity in cats.

Furkin Pet Insurance can be beneficial in covering unexpected veterinary expenses, including emergencies resulting from plant toxicity. We provide financial support for treatments, medications, and hospitalization costs for unexpected illnesses and accidents. We encourage you to research different coverage options and consider your cat's specific needs to choose the most suitable plan.

Prepare for the unexpected with Furkin Pet Insurance! Get a free quote today.

Featured Photo by Sven Mieke on Unsplash