Cats can be notoriously fussy eaters, but that doesn’t mean they always know what’s good for them.
Cats being poisoned as a result of eating the wrong plants is thankfully pretty rare, but it’s generally better to be safe than sorry when it comes to bringing new types of plants into the home. And even if your cat doesn’t actively try to eat a poisonous plant, there remains the possibility of getting some of that plant on or in their fur, which they might then ingest later while grooming.
In this article, we’re going to explore some of the plants you need to be wary of as a cat owner, together with a few you can bring into your home without a worry in the world!
Which houseplants are poisonous to cats?
There are many houseplants you need to exercise caution with, but one species you really must avoid is Cycads, which include sago palms and fern palms. Even small quantities can be deadly – not just to cats, but to dogs and people as well – with the seeds being particularly toxic.
You should exercise caution with the following common houseplants, which can cause anything from skin irritation to gastrointestinal problems. Even if you’re confident that your cat is unlikely to have a nibble at them, it’s still safer to keep them as inaccessible as possible – and yes, we do know how much easier said than done that is with cats!
Be aware that this is by no means an exhaustive list of poisonous houseplants for cats, so you should always check before introducing any new or unknown plant into your home, especially if you have a particularly curious cat.
- Aloe vera
- Amaryllis
- Begonia
- Cheese plant
- Cyclamen
- Gladioli
- Hyacinths
- Jade plant
- Peace lily
- Poinsettia
- Rubber plant
- Yucca
Which houseplants are safe for cats?
There are, thankfully, also many plants you can bring into the home without having to worry about whether they are safe for your cat. These include:
- Aspidistra
- Chinese money plant
- Christmas cactus
- Crocodile fern
- Money tree
- Orchids
- Parlour palm
- Spider plant
- Sedum
- And many more!
Which outdoor plants are poisonous to cats?
It is, of course, far harder to control which plants your cat encounters when out and about, and outdoor plants that can be poisonous include some of the most popular of all garden plants and flowers. These include:
- Azalea
- Chrysanthemum
- Daffodils
- Delphinium
- Foxglove
- Lilies
- Lily of the Valley
- Rhododendron
- Rhubarb
- Tomato plant
- Tulips
Clearly, seeing as so many of the above are so common, our cats are generally not going out and eating them. However, it is worth remembering that if your cat spends time outside and demonstrates regular symptoms of plant poisoning (see below) – even if only mildly – it’s worth considering whether your garden plants might be responsible.
Many of the outdoor plants listed above are often brought inside in the form of cut flowers, so again, you need to be aware of the possible effect they might be having. You also need to be careful if your cat tries to drink the water out of your vases, as the flower food provided with commercial cut flowers might contain very small amounts of bleach that could cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
The most poisonous of the above plants that you should absolutely try to avoid at all times is the lily. All parts are toxic and even small amounts can lead to severe symptoms. Your cat will almost certainly not try to eat it, but could easily get pollen into its fur after rubbing against it and subsequently ingest it while grooming.
Which outdoor plants are safe for cats?
Safe outdoor plants include:
- Roses
- Sunflowers
- Nasturtium
- Buddleia
- Hollyhock
- Petunias
- Gerbera
Symptoms of poisoning in cats
Common signs to look out for that might indicate plant poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Difficulty breathing
- Salivating
- Twitching
More severe symptoms can include:
- Seizures
- Collapsing
- Shock
- Coma
What should I do if my cat eats a poisonous plant?
If your cat eats a poisonous plant and shows any of the above symptoms, you should contact your vet immediately and take a sample of the plant (or of any vomit if you’re not sure which plant is responsible).
If your cat demonstrates any of the above symptoms on a regular basis and you are unsure whether poisonous plants might be the cause, remove suspect plants from rooms your cat uses and/or keep your cat indoors. If the symptoms ease, you’ll need to make changes to protect your cat in the longer term.
Here at Green Lane Farm Boarding Kennels, our cattery offers a safe place for you to home your cat while you’re away. With over 50 years of experience caring for the cats of customers in and around Chessington, Kingston and the wider Surrey area, we always aim to offer the perfect home from home. Meanwhile, our pick-up and drop-off service means it couldn’t be easier or more convenient for you, either.
Get in touch now if you’d like to either book a visit to view our facilities for yourself or to book in your cat for a stay in our warm and comfortable cattery.
