Poisonous and dangerous plants for cats

Many of our potted plants and cut flowers are poisonous or have irritating sap. It is often the amount that the cat ingests that determines whether the cat becomes poisoned or not. Many plants and flowers are only poisonous if the cat ingests a lot. But some plants are dangerous regardless of quantity, such as lily plants, which can damage the cat's kidneys.

Put poisonous plants in a place where the cat can't reach them, or choose plants that are safe.

Think twice about what kind of plants you have at home if you have a cat that likes to chew on potted plants or cut flowers. Place poisonous plants in a place where the cat cannot reach them or choose plants that are not poisonous.

Poisonous houseplants for cats

• Amaryllis
• Anemone
• Azalea
• Leaves of citrus tree
• Cyclamen
• Dracaena species Christmas rose
• Call of peace
• Wardrobe flower
• Spark
• Gold vine
• Hydrangea
• Hyacinth
• Autumn glow
• Iris
• Coral berry
• Cone palm
• Lily (mainly of the genus Lilium and Hemerocallis)
• Lily of the Valley
• Leaf of life
• Mistletoe
• Monstera
• Oleander
• Umbrella Aralia
• Dot leaf
• Daffodil (especially the onion)
• Rosenkalla
• Tazetta
• Timeless
• Tulips
• The angel's trumpet

Poisonous evergreen plants

• Boxwood
• Yew
• Holly
• Ivy

Find out more about plants that are poisonous to pets

Symptoms of plant poisoning

Common signs that a cat has been poisoned by plants are that the general condition is affected, the cat drools, vomits or has diarrhoea. But if you suspect that your cat has eaten a poisonous plant and is not showing symptoms yet, it may be good to consult a veterinarian as some poisonings only show symptoms after a while and then it may be too late. 

Find out more about poisoning in cats including Christmas flowers that are toxic to cats, and spring toxins to watch out for. Our guide on mouse and rat poison goes into further detail on why its dangerous for your feline friend and signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for.

What should I do if I think my cat has been poisoned by a plant?

If you can see the plant that your cat has eaten, take your cat away from it straight away. Don’t try to make your cat sick as this may be unhelpful. If you have any reason at all to worry that your cat has been poisoned, you need to contact your vet immediately for advice – do not wait for symptoms to develop or worsen.

How to keep your cat safe from poisonous plants

To keep your cat safe from dangerous plants and flowers indoors, it's important to be selective about the plants you bring into your home. Avoid toxic plants such as lilies, poinsettias, and aloe vera, and opt for cat-friendly alternatives like spider plants or cat grass.

Keep any potentially harmful plants out of your cat's reach by placing them on high shelves or in areas they can’t access. Regularly check your plants for fallen leaves or pollen, as cats may ingest these while grooming. If you have guests bringing flowers, ensure that arrangements with toxic flowers, like lilies, are kept well away from your cat's environment.

Plants that are safe for cats

While many plants can be harmful to cats, there are also plenty of safe options for both indoors and outdoors. Some non-toxic indoor plants include spider plants, cat grass, and Boston ferns, which are safe for curious cats to nibble on. Outside, consider planting cat-friendly options like lavender, marigolds, and sunflowers. These plants not only add beauty to your garden but also won’t harm your cat if they come into contact with them. Always double-check plant safety, as even safe plants can cause digestive upset if eaten in large quantities.

As an Agria Pet Insurance customer with our cat or kitten insurance, you can speak to a vet completely free whenever you have a question or concern about your pet’s health. Simply download the Agria app for free 24/7 video calls; giving you expert advice to help keep your pet happy and healthy.

Download free from your app store here.