Common House and Garden Plants that are Harmful to Cats

Knowing which plants in your house and garden are poisonous to your cats can help you protect their health in the event that they ingest poisonous plants.

Plants & Cats

Cat poisoning is uncommon since cats are typically quite cautious about what they consume. However, when feline plant poisoning does occur, it frequently results from a bored cat toying with and nibbling on a plant that appears amusing or from the cat grooming itself.

Cats who are near poisonous plants may end up with pollen or seeds stuck to their paws or fur. The poisonous ingredients are then consumed while the cat is grooming itself.

However, accidents do occur. Knowing which plants is poisonous to your cats can prevent you from an emergency trip to the vet.

Cat-Safe Toxic Plants

Numerous plants are hazardous or harmful to cats and kittens. Call your local veterinarian if you find your pet eating any plants, you're not sure about.

Some of the most typical plants that are harmful for your cat or kitten to consume are listed below:

• Daffodils
• Lily
• Lily of the Valley
• Spring bulbs 
• Amaryllis 
• Autumn Crocus
• Azaleas and Rhododendrons
• Castor Bean
• Chrysanthemum 
• Dieffenbachia 
• English Ivy 
• Hyacinths
• Kalanchoe
• Marijuana 
• Oleander 
• Peace Lily 
• Pothos, Devil’s Ivy
• Sago Palm
• Spanish Thyme
• Tulip
• Yew

All of the plants mentioned above are poisonous to cats, but the lily may be the most hazardous. Cats that come into contact with the pollen from lilies and ingest it while grooming can develop kidney failure. Particularly the brown lily anther which you can easily pick off the plant as they stain everything anyways.

If you choose to keep flowers in your home, particularly lilies, ensure that they are in a room where your kitties won't come into contact within the house.

Cat Poisoning Signs and Symptoms

The early warning signs and symptoms of poisoning might differ significantly depending on the plant species consumed.

Irritating substances might result in symptoms like oral irritation, itching, swelling, and red or watery eyes.

The following signs of poisoning may appear in your cats if their internal organs have been harmed by ingesting a poisonous plant: difficulty breathing, drooling, swallowing issues, excessive drinking, frequent urination, general weakness, or irregular heartbeat.

Vomiting and diarrhea are two gastrointestinal signs of poisoning.

How to Handle a Cat Who Has Been Eating Plants

Contact your local veterinarian right away if you observe your cat consuming a plant you are unsure of.

There are a few things you should do before going to the veterinarian clinic:

Maintain your composure and clear any plant matter from your cat's mouth, paws, or fur before relocating it to a secure enclosure far from the plant as you prepare to visit the veterinarian.

If you can, try to identify the plant that your cat consumed before calling your vet or, if it's after hours, the closest emergency vet clinic. Inform them of the incident and the fact that you'll be bringing your cat to the vet.

If you are unsure which plant your cat has been eating, bring in a sample of the plant and your cat's vomit that contains the plant debris to show your veterinarian.

Cat Plant Poisoning Diagnosis

Knowing which plant your cat has consumed will provide your veterinarian a critical advantage when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.

Your veterinarian will need to perform a series of tests to determine the type of poison your cat ingested before treatment can start if you are unable to identify the plant that your cat has consumed or provide a sample of the plant material.

Please take note that the information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice for animals. Please schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian for a precise diagnosis of your pet's illness.