Cats and Plants 101: What’s Safe and What’s Not
Spring is quickly approaching and that means it’s time to start thinking about the plants, both in your home and in your garden. But before you sow just any seed, you need to consider which plants are safe for cats and which aren’t.
Luckily, we’ve got a list for you. Keep reading to learn about 10 plants to avoid – and 10 that are perfectly safe for kitty.
Important Note: This list is not inclusive. If you have questions about a specific plant, be sure to ask your vet before bringing the plant into your home or garden. If you have one of the dangerous plants and/or suspect your cat has ingested it, please remove the plant from your home and take your pet to the vet immediately. Only keep plants you know are safe inside your house and/or in your garden. For further information on more plants that are toxic and nontoxic to pets, please click here.
10 Plants to Avoid
1. Azaleas and Rhododendrons
2. Lilies
3. Peace Lily
4. Sago Palm
5. Tulips
6. Aloe
7. Daffodils
8. Dieffenbachia
9. Oleander
10. Cyclamen
10 Plants That Are SAFE!
1. Areca Palm
2. Variegated Wax Plant
3. Spider Plant
4. Bamboo Palm (not ALL bamboo is safe though; check with your vet if in doubt!)
5. Lilyturf
6. Boston Fern
7. African Daisy
8. African Violet
9. Orchids
10. Roses
Are lilacs poisonous to cats. I love to pick them for the house, but the blooms drop off & I worry about my kitties.
Hi Donna, are you referring to lilac bushes (Syringa spp.)? If so,these are not poisonous to cats. Source for more info: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/lilac-bushes-poisonous-animals-81413.html
Are jade plants poisonous to kitties and cats?
It appears from the ASPCA website that Jade is toxic to cats and dogs. Please double check and/or confirm the species you have with a specialist.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/b
I have a focus tree and recently adopted a Maine coon 6 month old kitty is this a bad plant to have around her?
I am sorry I meant ficus tree
Hi Cynthia, it seems that ficus trees are poisonous to cats. I would suggest removing the tree ASAP. Here is a source with more information: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/ficus/
Lucky bamboo is toxic to cats. Make a note at least or remove bamboo all together from okay list.
Thanks Connie, we updated our post to reflect that not all bamboo is safe.
I have several of the plants you mentioned that are not safe. sago palm, ficus…I have had the ficus tree for 21 years or more???? I just threw out lilies that were on my table. There must be a way of knowing whether you can keep plants of soooo many years in when I have had 6 cats in my home over the years and no problems with the same plants.
I have the annual Verbena (not to be confused with the flowering shrub verbena) He was chewing on the leaves and then threw up a small amount. Are these toxic to cats? Needless to say, I put them out of reach.
Hi Lissa,
I am not sure which specific verbena plant you are referring to, but here is a list featuring several different verbena plants and their toxicity (if any) to cats. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list As you can see, lemon verbena is toxic, but sand verbena and wild lantana are not.
As always, we suggest always consulting your veterinarian prior to introducing any new plants to your household.
Are white car carnations poisonous to cats? I left one out this morning
Hi Karin,
Carnations can be toxic to cats. I suggest removing the plant from your home and contacting a veterinarian immediately if your cat has had contact with the plant. Also, in the future, we suggest consulting a veterinarian before introducing any new plants into your home. Here is an article with more information on carnations: http://pets.thenest.com/carnations-poisonous-cats-4450.html
Are schefflera umbrella plants poisonous to cats? I’m adopting a boy and want to know if I should get rid of it brfore bringing him home.
Hello Teresa, according to the ASPCA, the Schefflera is toxic to cats. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/schefflera I would remove the plant from your home and make sure any other plants you may have are safe for cats before bringing your boy cat home.
Hi
Lilacs are a huge favorite of ours. What is the danger for cats? Is just being in proximity problematic or eating them s problem for the cat ?
Hi Kay, according to SF Gate, lilacs are not poisonous to cats. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/lilac-bushes-poisonous-animals-81413.html In the future always research or consult your vet if you have any questions about the toxicity of plants.
Are philedendrons safe for cats
Hi Marolee, no they are not safe, they are toxic to both cats and dogs according to this source: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/philodendron/
Hello:)
Can you tell me if miscanthus gracillimus is toxic or safe for both cats and dogs? My cat keeps wantu g to chew on this in my garden!
Here is a source that you can check: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/b
When in doubt, don’t let you animal eat anything that may cause them harm.
My cat makes a B-line for a potted annual plant on my patio called… Gazania…are there any issues with that variety that you’re aware of?
Here is a source that you can check: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/b
When in doubt, don’t let you animal eat anything that may cause them harm.
Hi,
Is Cholius toxic to cats? Thank you
It appears that this plant could be toxic to cats.
https://www.reference.com/pets-animals/coleus-plants-poisonous-cats-9cce5bb2f826dcde
Are Iris toxic to kitties
Hi Crystal, yes they are. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/iris
Is a great wallflower (Campania patrolled) toxic to cats?shouldn’t r was
Hi Shirley, unfortunately I’m not sure what plant you are talking about. What is the scientific name of the plant? When in doubt, always check with your vet before bringing any new plants into your home. Only bring plants into your home that you are 100% sure are safe for pets!
are pony tail palms poisonsous to cats?
Hi Nashwa, according to the ASPCA, pony tails are non-toxic to cats. Source: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/pony-tail
I checked aspca for strawflowers (Bracteantha). I found nothing. They are far from “tender fare” for a cat to taste- at least the flowers) I just need to know whether I can bring them indoors to overwinter them with my cats. If not, I will give them away.
I inherited a plant that I was told was a “Bridal Veil”. Is it safe for my cats?
please consult your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA toxic plants site: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
I have a curly willow tree in my yard. I want to cut some branches to bring in and root over the winter. Is this safe for cats?
please consult your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA toxic plants site: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
Can cats eat regular yard grass or do they need to eat cat grass?
Hi Wanda, according to PetMD.com, there is no harm in cats eating regular grass. Source: http://www.petmd.com/cat/wellness/evr_ct_eating_grass Thanks!
Regular grass ok IF it hasnt been sprayed or treated with weedkillers or other possibly toxic yard care products.
Dogs and cats will often eat a bit of grass to make themselves vomit when they have a certain feeling… it’s like self-medicating.
I’ve had both dogs and cats over the years and often at the same time as plants like pointsettia or philodendron Never have I had a cat munch on a toxic plant. Cats are quite smart about not eating things that are bad for them. A quality diet and regular meals probably are the best insurance against foraging among the toxic plants. It is a good thing spider plants are not toxic though – every cat I’ve ever had is crazy about them and those always have to be hung so the cats can’t get at them or they gorge on them. Weird!
what CAN I bring into the house as a houseplant (not a large, floor plant) that I can grow for my cat to safely eat?
I tried cat grass at pet stores – they eat it, it dies out, and doesn’t re-grow. I tried looking at grass seed in bags to grow myself, but MANY of the types of seeds they sell now say “not for consumption” and “not to let animals eat it”! (Since when is grown-grass not edible by animals and “unsafe for consumption”? Nowadays, with a confusing array of grass seeds to choose which have apparently been tampered with, things added, etc.
So what grass seed, in house, might be good to grow and let my cats eat it.
ALSO – I had catnip I grow – but was told by a pet store worker THAT Is bad for cats and very toxic causing liver and/or kidney problems? Is this true?
Thanks,
Sharon
Hi Sharon, there are several plants that are safe for your kitty to eat. Some include wheat grass, herbs like parsley and mint, and even the spider plant. Here are some articles with full lists of cat-friendly plants: https://iheartcats.com/8-plants-herbs-both-you-and-your-cat-can-enjoy/ and http://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-what-plants-can-cats-eat-catnip. Hope this helps!
Curious if Dragon’s Tongue (hemigraphis repanda) is toxic to cats.
Hi Jane, I did some research and wasn’t able to find a clear answer regarding Dragon’s Tongue. Please consult your vet.
Is clover safe for cats. kiermp@gmail.com
Hi Mary, if you are referring to shamrocks, then it is toxic to cats. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/shamrock-plant
Thank you Heidi. Our beloved cat has been chewing on our shamrock. The shamrock is going outside. Your response saved our beautiful cat. Thank you!!!!
You are so welcome! Thank you for checking and caring so greatly for your kitty 🙂
I know that Boston Ferns are safe for cats, would a Kimberly Queen Fern be in the same class?
Hi Susan, according to the ASPCA, Queen Ferns are safe for cats. Source: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/king-and-queen-fern
I volunteer at a cat shelter that has an atrium. What plants could we use that would withstand cats laying on them and trying to destroy them. Would like them to be perennial so we would not have to plant every Spring.
Hi Cindi, here is a list of several pet-friendly garden plants. I hope some of these work for you! https://petnet.io/blog/pet-friendly-gardens
Hi is easter palm safe for cats?
Hi Tammy, it depends on what kind of palm it is. Here is a good list of toxic and non-toxic plants: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list If in doubt, I would keep the palm away from your cat.
Is a gardenia plant poisonous to cats? One of my cats nibbled on a few leaves.
Hi Pamela, according to the ASPCA, this plant is toxic to cats. Please keep it away from your kitties! https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/gardenia
All lillies? I just planted a bulb
Hi Sam, all kinds of lilies should be avoided, lilies are VERY dangerous to cats. Here is an article explaining more https://www.yourcat.co.uk/cat-advice/outdoor-cats/why-are-lilies-dangerous-to-cats/
thanks my daughter is growing lilies.. i will mmake sure they stay outside
You’re welcome. Also make sure your kitties don’t get outside if you have lilies out there 🙂
Some of these plants and flowers I never herd of they have some nice flowers
My cat wants to eat my Baby Blue Eyes plant (flowers). Will this be harmful to her?
Hi Jordan, if you are talking about Blue Eyed Daisy, no, it is not harmful. Source: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/blue-eyed-daisy
If you mean another plant, please contact your vet before bringing the plant into proximity of your cat.
Thanks for checking!
Is driftwood harmful to kittens
It would depend on what else is in the driftwood (bugs, chemicals, etc). We would suggest not letting your cat eat or lick the wood. And if you are questioning the material, it would be best to not let you cat have access to it.
The most common house plant in the world I think is Pothos, but we all just call house IVY thatwe have all had forever with our pets, and personally I’ve never had one die or get sick. I have a new 6mo. old kitten who has diarrhea tonight, and I think she could have eaten a tiny bit. Should I be scared and throw all of my “house Ivy” pothos away?
Hi Ann, yes I would dispose of it immediately. There’s a chance your previous pets just didn’t choose to eat the ivy, but the new kitten is. According to this article satin pothos is toxic to pets: http://www.vetstreet.com/learn/10-household-plants-that-are-dangerous-to-dogs-and-cats.
Are pomegranate tree leaves safe for cats? There is one growing near my balcony and I occasionally catch my cat nibbling the leaves. I cannot remove the tree but could clip the twigs nearest to us.
Hi Kris, I am unsure about the tree’s leaves but the fruit is not toxic (unless they eat a lot, which can cause stomach upset). Source: https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-can-cats-eat-exotic-fruit
To find out about the leaves specifically, I would contact your vet.
What some dog owners may not know is that there are some plants and flowers that are dangerous to our furry family members. It is better to do some research about our garden and plants to prevent dogs from getting poisoned. Also, train your dogs not to eat anything else. In the worst case, call your vet once your dog got poisoned.
Can you tell me if Plumeria is toxic for cats?
Hi Melokai! The ASPCA has a great list of toxic and non-toxic plants. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list
Are pomegranate dwarf leaves poisonous for cats to eat . I have a 1 gallon pot in the house for winter and she keeps paying attention to it!
Hi Robin! Thank you for asking – it’s so important for us to be careful that our pets don’t ingest poisonous plants and seeds. The ASPCA has a great list that you can look up individual plants to see if they are dangerous! https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants