Plants That Are Poisonous for Cats
Which plants aren’t feline friendly?
Cats will play with anything and everything around the house. They’ll think a cardboard box is a great hideout, eat crumbs off of the ground, and munch on houseplants for a snack. If you’ve noticed that your cat has a penchant towards eating plants, you’ll want to check the following list — because a lot of plants are actually poisonous for cats.
Steer clear of these greens, or put them in a hanging container out of Kitty’s reach:*
- Aloe
- Azalea
- Chrysanthemum
- Lily
- Mistletoe
- Poinsettia
- Rhododendron
- Tulip
- Holly
This is only a partial listing of plants that may be harmful to your cat. Visit ASPCA for a more comprehensive list.
Uh oh. What symptoms will my cat show if he ate a poisonous plant?
The most obvious symptoms will be irritation, inflammation, swelling, or itchiness on their skin or around their mouth. If the toxicity of the plant effects a particular organ, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive water consumption or urination
- Fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
- Drooling or difficulty swallowing
Yikes. What should I do if I notice these symptoms?
Try the following steps:
- Try to identify which plant your cat has consumed. This will help your veterinarian treat your furry friend.
- If your cat is throwing up or clawing at his mouth, you may want to call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 213-6680 to determine next steps.
- When in doubt, it’s always best to call the vet.
On my way! What will my veterinarian do?
Your veterinarian will give your cat a physical exam and order any tests as needed to determine your cat’s overall health and if the plant consumption has harmed your cat. If your cat has vomited, the veterinarian may feed him or her activated charcoal to absorb any of the toxicity in its system. They may also administer medication such as sucralfate, which will protect your cat’s stomach, or an intravenous medicine.
That was a close call. How will I take care of my cat after this incident?
Some plants, such as lilies, may be fatal if ingested by your cat. However, other plants may cause enough damage for your cat to need special medication or a special diet afterward. Your veterinarian will give you instructions for your cat and her needs, and it’s always best to heed the veterinarian’s advice.
Need some R&R with your cat?
After a close call, you could both use some meditation. Join the Paw Points® Reward Program, and earn enough points to score access to rewards like Me-owm Meditation. Center you and your cat’s mind and say meowmaste to these guided meditations featuring purring cats and sage wisdom. Or check out the full Paw Points® catalog and go to your happy place, dreaming of all those cat-friendly rewards.
* Source: www.aspca.org
