Cats are curious creatures, often drawn to the green foliage around them. However, many plants can be harmful to our feline friends. Pet owners should be vigilant about the flora within reach of a cat to avoid accidental poisoning. Below are 20 of the most common poisonous plants for cats.
- Lily (Lilium spp.)
Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, leading to kidney failure in severe cases. Even a small ingestion of any part of the plant, including the pollen, can be fatal.
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- Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander is highly toxic and causes severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and possibly heart failure in cats.
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- Sago palm (Cycas revoluta)
All parts of the sago palm are poisonous, but the seeds are the most toxic, causing liver failure and potentially death.
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- Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
Tulip bulbs are toxic to cats, causing gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, and loss of appetite.
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- Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
Ingesting even a few leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling in cats, and severe cases can lead to coma and death.
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- Autumn Crocus (Colchicum Autumnale)
This plant can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, liver and kidney damage, and even bone marrow suppression in cats.
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- Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.)
Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac arrhythmias in cats.
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- Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)
Dieffenbachia can cause oral irritation, drooling, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in cats.
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- Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp.)
The bulbs are the most toxic part, causing vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and anorexia in cats.
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- English ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhea in cats.
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- Yew (Taxus spp.)
All parts of the yew plant are toxic to cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and potentially heart failure.
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- Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.)
The roots are particularly toxic to cats, causing severe vomiting and even death in severe cases.
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- Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
The bulb, plant, and flower are all toxic to cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory depression.
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- Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.)
This plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea and hypersalivation in cats.
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- Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
The bulbs can cause intense vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and tremors in cats.
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- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Foxglove is extremely toxic, causing cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in cats.
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- Cannabis sativa
Ingestion may cause prolonged depression, vomiting, incoordination, drowsiness or excitation, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, and low blood pressure in cats.
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- Tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum)
The green parts of the tomato plant can cause vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, and weakness in cats.
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- Castor Plant (Ricinus communis)
This plant contains a toxic protein that can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and shock in cats.
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- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos can cause irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing in cats.
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If you suspect your cat has ingested a poisonous plant, immediate veterinary attention is essential. The faster treatment is available, the better the prognosis. Cat owners should be aware of harmful plants and strive to keep their pets away from this foliage. It is essential to exercise caution and remove all potentially harmful plants from your home or garden to ensure the well-being of your feline friend.
Advice:
If unsure about a plant’s toxicity, pet owners can refer to resources such as the ASPCA’s extensive list of toxic and nontoxic plants or consult their local veterinarian. Keep emergency phone numbers handy and have a plan in place to get your cat to a veterinarian quickly if poisoning is suspected.