Keeping lush green plants around your home can brighten your space, purify the air, and add a touch of nature to your environment. But if you’re a cat owner, it’s crucial to be extra cautious about the greenery you bring inside. Many common houseplants are toxic to cats—some causing mild symptoms like drooling or nausea, while others can be life-threatening.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 common houseplants that are toxic to cats, the symptoms of plant poisoning, safer alternatives, and tips to cat-proof your greenery.
Why Are Some Houseplants Toxic to Cats?
Cats are naturally curious and often nibble on houseplants. Unfortunately, many plants contain compounds like calcium oxalates, saponins, alkaloids, or essential oils, which can irritate your cat’s digestive system or even damage internal organs.
Many of these toxic plants are sold without warning labels, making awareness and prevention key to protecting your pet.
10 Toxic Houseplants for Cats
Below are the most common toxic plants found in households that cat owners should avoid:
1. Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species)
- Toxic Parts: All parts — leaves, petals, pollen, even vase water
- Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, kidney failure
Lilies are extremely dangerous to cats. Even a small amount—such as licking pollen or drinking water from a vase—can lead to kidney failure within 24–72 hours. Species to avoid include Easter lilies, tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies, and daylilies.
2. Aloe Vera
- Toxic Parts: Gel (in large amounts), skin
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors
While aloe vera is great for human skincare, it contains saponins and anthraquinones that irritate a cat’s digestive system. It’s safest to keep this plant out of reach or avoid it entirely.
3. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
- Toxic Parts: Leaves and stems
- Symptoms: Drooling, oral pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can burn a cat’s mouth and throat, making it hard to eat or breathe.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Toxic Parts: Leaves and flowers
- Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, pawing at mouth, oral irritation
Although not a true lily, the peace lily still contains insoluble oxalates. It usually causes intense discomfort rather than fatal toxicity.
5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Toxic Parts: Entire plant
- Symptoms: Oral burning, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Also known as Devil’s Ivy, pothos is a popular low-maintenance plant that can cause sharp oral and digestive irritation in cats.
6. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Toxic Parts: Entire plant
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Commonly called Mother-in-law’s Tongue, it contains saponins which are toxic to cats when ingested.
7. Philodendron
- Toxic Parts: Leaves and stems
- Symptoms: Mouth irritation, swelling, difficulty swallowing
Another houseplant with calcium oxalates, the philodendron is beautiful but harmful to cats.
8. Sago Palm
- Toxic Parts: All parts, especially seeds
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure, seizures, death
This is one of the most toxic plants to cats. It contains cycasin, which leads to severe liver damage. Even a small amount can be fatal.
9. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Toxic Parts: Leaves and berries
- Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, diarrhea
This popular hanging or climbing plant contains triterpenoid saponins which irritate the digestive system.
10. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Toxic Parts: All parts
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation
Stylish and hardy, the ZZ plant is increasingly popular—but it contains oxalate crystals, making it unsafe for pets.
Signs Your Cat Has Eaten a Toxic Plant
It’s not always obvious when your cat chews on a plant, but there are clear symptoms to watch for:
1. Excessive Drooling
May indicate oral irritation from substances like oxalates.
2. Vomiting or Diarrhea
Common signs of gastrointestinal distress and early poisoning.
3. Lethargy or Weakness
A sudden drop in energy may point to nervous system or organ distress.
4. Loss of Appetite
Often indicates nausea or internal discomfort.
5. Pawing at the Face or Mouth
This behavior suggests oral pain or swelling.
6. Breathing Difficulty or Unsteady Walking
These are emergency symptoms—seek immediate veterinary care.
What to Do If Your Cat Ingests a Toxic Plant
- Call your vet immediately and describe the symptoms.
- Identify the plant if possible—take a sample or a photo.
- Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (available 24/7).
Pet-Safe Alternatives: Houseplants That Are Safe for Cats
Love plants but don’t want to risk your cat’s health? Try these beautiful cat-safe houseplants instead:
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Air-purifying and non-toxic, perfect for hanging baskets.
2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Adds a tropical feel without endangering your cat.
3. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Improves air quality and completely pet-safe.
4. Calathea
Colorful, patterned foliage safe for cats.
5. Peperomia
Variety of shapes and colors, all pet-friendly.
6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Great in humid areas like bathrooms.
7. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Safe and fascinating with its leaf movements.
8. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Bright flowers that add safe color to your home.
9. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Compact, pet-safe, and easy to care for.
10. Cat Grass (Dactylis glomerata)
A treat your cat can safely munch on.
Tips to Keep Cats Away from Houseplants
Even with safe plants, keeping your cat away is smart:
1. Use Citrus-Based Deterrents
Spray diluted citrus oil (carefully) or place citrus peels near your plants.
2. Offer Cat Grass or Catnip
Redirect chewing behavior with safe alternatives.
3. Keep Plants Out of Reach
Use tall stands, high shelves, or hanging baskets.
4. Try Motion-Activated Deterrents
These harmless devices help train curious cats to stay away.
Trust the Experts at Gotham City Cat Care 🐾
At Gotham City Cat Care, we’re here to support your cat-friendly lifestyle. From houseplant safety tips to daily care, we help you create a happy, healthy environment for your feline family.
Final Thoughts: Keep a Cat-Safe Home
Houseplants add beauty to your home, but it’s crucial to understand which ones are safe for your cat. By learning about toxic houseplants and choosing pet-friendly alternatives, you can enjoy a lush indoor jungle—without compromising your pet’s health.
Always research new plants before bringing them home, and consult your vet if your cat shows any signs of poisoning.