What plants are poisonous to cats

Key Takeaways

• Lilies are one of the most dangerous plants for cats and can cause kidney failure.
• Not all toxic plants are equally risky; some cause mild upset while others can be fatal.
• Orchids, roses, and spider plants are generally safe for cats.
• If your cat eats a toxic plant, call a vet straight away and do not try to make it vomit.
• Knowing the plants in your home and garden helps your vet treat your cat faster in an emergency.

What is plant poisoning in cats?

Plant poisoning happens when a cat eats or chews a harmful plant. It can also happen through grooming. Pollen can land on your cat's coat. When your cat washes itself, it swallows that pollen. Cats can even be harmed by drinking water from a vase that held toxic cut flowers.

Not all exposures are equal. Some plants cause mouth soreness or mild sickness. Others can damage the kidneys or liver very quickly.

Will cats eat poisonous plants?

Cats don't reliably avoid toxic plants. Some chew leaves out of boredom. Others brush past flowers and pick up pollen on their fur. You can't rely on your cat knowing what is safe.

Houseplants poisonous to cats

Several popular houseplants can be harmful to cats. The table below covers the highest-risk plants you might have indoors.

Some plants, like Dieffenbachia, also have sap that can irritate your cat's skin or eyes on contact.

Indoor plants safe for cats

If you want plants at home without the risk, the options below are generally safe for cats.

Always check the plant name before you buy. Common names can be confusing. Many plants share the word "lily" but carry very different risks. If you're not sure, ask for the Latin name at the garden centre and check it before the plant comes home.

Are lilies poisonous to cats?

Yes. Lilies are one of the most dangerous plants for cats. They can cause kidney failure. Even a tiny amount can be fatal.

A cat that brushes past a lily can get pollen on its coat. When it grooms, it swallows that pollen. That's enough to cause serious harm.

All parts of the lily plant are toxic, including:

• Petals
• Leaves
• Stems
• Pollen
• Water from a vase that held cut lilies

Signs of lily poisoning can appear within two hours. Early signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, and weakness. Without treatment, kidney failure can follow within 24 to 72 hours.

If your cat has had any contact with a lily at all, call a vet straight away. Time matters.

Which lily species are most dangerous to cats?

• Easter lily
• Tiger lily
• Stargazer lily
• Daylily
• Asiatic lily
• Japanese show lily

Peace lilies belong to a different plant family. They are still toxic to cats but less likely to cause kidney failure. They can cause mouth soreness, drooling, and vomiting.

Are daffodils poisonous to cats?

Yes. All parts of the daffodil plant are toxic to cats. The bulb has the highest levels of toxin. It is the most harmful part if eaten.

Signs of daffodil poisoning can include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Drooling
• Weakness or lethargy
• Low blood pressure in severe cases

The sap can also irritate your cat's skin. If your cat chews any part of a daffodil, call your vet for advice.

Outdoor and garden plants poisonous to cats

UK gardens often contain plants that can harm cats. Spring bulbs and autumn berries are common hazards to look out for.

Walk your garden at the start of each season. New bulbs sprout in spring. Berries and seed pods appear in autumn. Both are easy to miss.

Outdoor plants generally safe for cats

• Roses
• Calendula
• Buddleia
• African daisies

Symptoms of plant poisoning in cats

How bad the signs are depends on the plant and how much your cat was exposed to.

Mild to moderate symptoms

• Vomiting or retching
• Diarrhoea
• Drooling
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness or lethargy
• Pawing at the mouth

Severe or life-threatening symptoms

• Tremors or muscle twitching
• Seizures
• Breathing problems
• Collapse
• Drinking a lot more or urinating less (may point to kidney damage)
• Yellow eyes or gums (may point to liver damage)

If your cat shows any severe signs, call a vet straight away. Don't wait to see if things improve.

What to do if your cat eats a toxic plant

Act quickly. Earlier treatment gives your cat a much better chance.

1. Move your cat away from the plant to stop any more contact.
2. Don't try to make your cat vomit. This can cause more harm. Only do it if a vet tells you to.
3. Note the plant name and which part your cat touched. Was it a leaf, pollen, a bulb, or a flower?
4. Note roughly how much your cat may have eaten.
5. Take a photo or a small sample of the plant. This helps your vet identify it fast.
6. Call your vet straight away. For out-of-hours help, contact your nearest emergency vet.

You can also call the Animal Poison Line on 01202 509000 (charges apply).

What to expect at the vet

Your vet may run blood tests to check kidney and liver function. They may give your cat fluids through a drip or other treatment to manage symptoms. Bring a photo or sample of the plant if you can. The sooner treatment starts, the better.

How to keep your cat safe from toxic plants

A few simple steps can lower the risk at home and in the garden.

• Remove high-risk plants. If you have lilies at home, swap them for orchids or African violets.
• Keep vases out of reach. Lily pollen can fall into the water and stay toxic even after the flowers are gone.
• Label your garden plants. Knowing what you grow helps you act fast if something goes wrong.
• Walk your garden each season. Look for new bulbs in spring and berries in autumn.
• Keep a list of plants your cat can reach. It can help your vet treat your cat faster in an emergency.

If you're not sure about a specific plant, your local Medivet team is only too happy to help you check.

Making cat-safe bouquets and gifts

Cut flowers are a common way cats come into contact with toxic plants. Lilies in particular are found in many shop-bought bouquets.

Before a bunch of flowers comes into your home, check the contents. Ask your florist to swap out lilies, tulips, and daffodils. Safe choices for bouquets include:

• Roses
• Sunflowers
• Snapdragons
• Lisianthus
• Alstroemeria (also known as Peruvian lily, which is not a true lily and is considered far less risky)

Keep vases on high shelves or in rooms your cat can't access. Even if the flowers are safe, drinking the vase water is not a great habit to encourage.

If you're giving flowers as a gift to someone with a cat, it's a kind thought to choose a cat-safe bunch.