What Plants are Poisonous for Cats?

We all love to have nice houseplants around. After all, their beauty tends to add a lot to a room and elevate interior design. However, it is important to know that many of these beautiful plants can also be poisonous to our pets.

Many species of flowers and common houseplants are poisonous to cats. This includes many fan favorites like lilies, tulips, and daffodils.

In this article, we will be listing all of the common houseplants that are poisonous to cats. We will also be explaining what you should do if your cat gets a hold of one of these toxic plants. Let’s get into it.

Plants That Are Poisonous To Cats

Although it may be surprising to some cat owners, there are actually many plants that are technically poisonous to cats. Here we have listed some of the most common, but it is important to remember that there may be other plants that are toxic to cats that are not listed. As a result, you should always research if a plant is toxic to cats before letting your cat be around it. Here are some of the most common houseplants that are poisonous to cats:

1) Lillies

Many species of lilies are actually toxic to cats. This includes the Lily, the Lily of the Valley, and the Peace Lily. Lilies can potentially be toxic to cats if they eat them or lick them. Additionally, smelling lilies could potentially be toxic to cats as well, especially if the scent is concentrated.

2) Tulips

Tulips are also toxic to cats if they ingest them. This includes all parts of the tulip including the petals, bulbs, and stem. Although toxicity from tulips is not the most serious in healthy adult cats, kittens, elderly cats, and cats with underlying health conditions are at a greater risk of developing serious complications from tulip toxicity.

3) Ivy

Multiple types of Ivy are poisonous to cats when ingested. This includes English Ivy, Boston Ivy, Glacial Ivy, and Heart Ivy. Of course, Poison Ivy is also toxic to cats when eaten or if one comes into physical contact with.

4) Daffodils

Daffodils are toxic to cats when eaten. All parts of the daffodil are potentially toxic; however, the bulbs are technically the most toxic part of the daffodil to a cat.

5) Oleander

Yellow Oleander is actually incredibly toxic to cats. As a result, you should never let your cat be around oleander if you can help it. This is because even just drinking water coming from oleander or eating small amounts of the plant could potentially be fatal to cats.

6) Azaleas

Azaleas are very poisonous to cats when eaten. All parts of the azalea are potentially toxic to cats.

7) Marijuana

Marijuana is toxic to cats. Both eating marijuana and inhaling large amounts of second hand marijuana smoke can also be toxic to cats.

8) Autumn Crocus

Autumn crocus is another plant that is incredibly toxic to both dogs and cats.

9) Spanish Thyme

Spanish Thyme is very toxic to cats when eaten. In some cases simply coming into physical contact with Spanish Thyme can cause poisoning in cats as well.

10) Sage Palm

The sage palm is also a common houseplant that is very toxic to plants. Most of the time cats will get sage palm poisoning from eating or licking a part of the plant. All parts of the sage palm are technically toxic to cats. However, sage palm seeds are technically the most poisonous.

What To Do If Your Cat Eats A Poisonous Plant

If your cat eats a poisonous plant, do not panic! Follow these simple steps to get your cat the proper care that they need.

1) Don’t Panic

The first thing that you should do is try not to panic. Take a deep breath and gather some information from the scene in front of you.

It can be helpful to take note of what plant species your cat has eaten and what parts. It is also a good idea to try and decipher how much of the plant your cat has eaten if possible.

These factors are very important because the answers to them can help a vet determine if your cat is at risk for poisoning or not. Generally knowing how much your cat weighs can also help a vet decide this as well.

2) Call The Vet

The next thing that you should do is call your vet. If your regular vet clinic is closed, then it is a good idea to call your closest emergency vet.

When calling your vet it is crucial that you explain the situation clearly and answer any follow-up questions that they may have to the best of your ability. By answering these questions the vet should be able to figure out if your cat is at risk for poisoning.

From here you should follow your vet’s instructions exactly. This is because in some cases, the vet may have you do things before making the trip out to a vet clinic such as CPR. Other times, the vet may have you just monitor your cat for a set amount of time in less serious cases.

3) Take Your Cat To The Vet If Necessary

Of course, if your vet tells you that you should take your cat to the clinic over the phone, then you should. This should be done right away or right after you have finished following your vet’s instructions over the phone.

Conclusion

There are many species of flowers and house plants that can be toxic to pets with varying levels of symptoms. If you suspect that your cat may have ingested a toxic plant, call your veterinarian right away.

For cats and cat parents in the Atlanta, GA region, The Village Vets has multiple locations to serve you and your pet. Visit us online to find a location near you!