66 Plants That Are Poisonous for Cats

Knowing which plants are poisonous to cats is a big part of being a pet owner, and unfortunately, the list is a long one.

Updated October 12, 2023
Cat trying to chew a potted plant

There are dozens of common plants that are poisonous to cats, and it's good to keep a list on hand so you can avoid having the flowers and foliage in your home or yard. Even some traditional holiday plants like poinsettias or lilies can present a toxic hazard to a curious feline, so you may need to modify some of your regular decorating traditions.

Common Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats

There are multiple plants, flowers, and trees that the ASPCA has identified as being toxic to cats. If you suspect that you have one of these plants in or around your house, it might be wise to find it a new home with a friend who doesn't have pets. 

10 Extremely Dangerous Plants for Cats

Most of the poisonous plants will cause some kind of stomach upset or drooling if your cat eats a small amount, but there are some that result in life-threatening damage after just a nibble. These ten plants are highly toxic to cats, meaning they can cause irreversible organ damage or even death. 

Plant Symptoms
Azalea Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, heart failure
Crocus Shock, organ damage
Daffodil Vomiting, drooling, tremors, arrhythmia 
Day lily Vomiting, kidney failure, death 
Easter lily Kidney failure, death
Hyacinth Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors
Jade plant  Vomiting, depression, disorientation 
Oleander Drooling, stomach pain, death
Sago palm Vomiting, clotting problems, liver failure, death
Yew Seizures, heart failure, sudden death
10 Dangerous Plants For Cats
Quick Tip

Because these plants are incredibly poisonous, keep them away from your cat at all costs.

More Indoor Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats

Commonly found indoors, watch out for your cats around the following poisonous plants. 

Plant Symptoms
Aloe Vera Vomiting, depression, change in urine color
Baby's Breath Vomiting, diarrhea
Branching Ivy Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Cactus (some varieties) Nausea, retching
Carnations Mild gastrointestinal distress and rash
Cyclamen Vomiting, diarrhea, heart rhythm defects, seizures
Elephant Ears Burning of the lips, tongue and throat, difficulty swallowing
Eucalyptus Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
English Holly Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
Exotica Burning of the lips, tongue and throat, difficulty swallowing
Florida Beauty Dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, abdominal pain
Giant Dracaena Vomiting with blood, depression, dilated pupils
Golden Pothos Burning of the lips, tongue and throat, difficulty swallowing
House Pine Vomiting, depression
Indian Rubber Plant Oral irritation, vomiting
Oilcloth Flower Oral irritation and burning
Mistletoe Gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular collapse
Poinsettia Irritating to the mouth and stomach
Peace Lily Oral irritation and burning
Ribbon Plant Vomiting with blood
Quick Tip

There are many common household plants that are poisonous to cats. You may already have a few in your house without realizing it, so check your home against the list above and move forward from there.

A cat and a bunch of fresh lilac

More Outdoor Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats

The many plants found in your yard or neighborhood can be extremely dangerous and toxic for cats as well. Look for the following around your garden and act quickly if you notice your cat develop these symptoms.

Plant Symptoms
Chinaberry Diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, seizures
Corn plant Vomiting, depression, dilated pupils
Deadly Nightshade Hypersalivation, depression, confusion
Ferns Vomiting, jaundice, liver failure
Heartland Philodendron Oral irritation, vomiting
Laurel Vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions
Philodendron Oral irritation, burning, difficulty swallowing
Rhubarb Kidney failure, tremors, salivation
Swiss Cheese Plant Oral irritation, burning, difficulty swallowing
Tobacco Depression, problems with coordination, paralysis
Tomato Plant (and fruit when green) Salivation, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, weakness, confusion

More Flowers That Are Poisonous to Cats

If you have an outdoor cat, or like to bring in bouquets (who doesn't?), keep an eye out for these varieties. Unfortunately, a lot of beautiful flowers are poisonous to cats. Nibbling on the flower petals or leaves of these outdoor flowers could make them very sick.

Flower Symptoms
Amaryllis Vomiting, depression, tremors
Begonia Oral irritation, difficulty swallowing
Bird of Paradise Nausea, vomiting, depression
Buttercup Vomiting, diarrhea, balance issues 
Calla Lilly Oral irritation, difficulty swallowing
Christmas Rose Drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Chrysanthemum Vomiting, diarrhea, problems with coordination
Clematis Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea
Foxglove Heart arrhythmia
Geranium Vomiting, depression, dermatitis
Hydrangea Vomiting, depression, diarrhea
Iris Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea
Jonquil Vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure
Larkspur Weakness, muscle spasms, convulsions
Morning Glory Gastrointestinal upset, tremors, agitation
Peony Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
Periwinkle Vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, low blood pressure, convulsions
Primrose Mild vomiting
Rhododendron Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, coma
Sweet Pea Weakness, lethargy, pacing, tremors, seizures
Tulip Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
Wisteria Vomiting, diarrhea, depression

Fruit Trees That Are Toxic to Cats  

Even if the flesh of a certain fruit is safe for cats, the tree leaves, flowers, and even fruit pits might be toxic.

Fruit Tree Symptoms
Apple

Dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, shock

Apricot

Dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, shock

Avocado Vomiting, diarrhea
Cherry

Dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, shock

Peach

Dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, shock

What to Do if Your Pet Eats a Poisonous Plant

If your cat ingests a poisonous plant, your first step should be to phone your veterinarian, the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center, or the Pet Poison Helpline for advice. Be prepared to give the proper name of the plant, along with how much they ate. It's also a good idea to keep a feline first aid kit on hand for emergencies.

If you call the poison control center and tell them what your cat’s nibbled on, they will tell you what kind of first response treatment to give your cat, if needed. Some plants are so toxic to cats that they can be fatal or cause severe damage to a cat's internal organs, such as the kidneys, so it's always better to err on the side of caution and reach out for advice. 

Play It Safe With Poisonous Plants

Never fear, plant lovers, there are several safe plants for cats. Many local plant stores carry seeds or plants already started that you can purchase and take home. This way, you can enjoy a green house while still keeping your special cat safe

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66 Plants That Are Poisonous for Cats