What Flowers are Poisonous to Cats? the lily is an extremely toxic cat plant, with all parts being poisonous. If a cat eats this flower, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even kidney failure. However, many other plants and flowers, both indoors and outdoors, can also be dangerous. For instance, the sago palm and peace lily are extremely toxic to cats and dogs. To avoid plant poisoning, it's good to keep a plant list of non toxic options and know which flowers are safe for pets. If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately to ensure your pet's safety.

Although cats like to eat grass, they are typically cautious about consuming unfamiliar items, making cases of plant poisoning in dogs and cats rare. However, when a cat does become ill, it is often because a toxic cat plant has brushed against their fur or paws, which they then ingest while grooming. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other health issues. It's good to avoid keeping dangerous plants, like lily of the valley and other toxic flowers, around pets. Instead, opt for non toxic plants and keep cut flowers that are safe for cats away from their reach.

There is a greater risk within the home as it is a confined area, and a bored or curious cat might investigate an indoor plant or a cut flower display by playing and nibbling.

To keep your cat safe indoors:

1. Familiarize yourself with house plants that are toxic to cats and avoid having these in your home altogether.
2. Be wary of plants like lily of the valley, which are especially dangerous, and keep these flower toxic plants well out of reach of your pet.
3. Opt for non toxic plants and keep any cut flower arrangements that might be harmful away from your cat.
4. Provide cat grass for your cat to chew on, as it is safe and can reduce the likelihood of plant poisoning.
5. Be aware that if a cat ingests toxic parts of a plant, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other severe symptoms.
6. Keep your cat occupied with plenty of interactive toys and regular play sessions to reduce the risk of them nibbling on dangerous plants.
7. Embrace environmental enrichment with hiding places and high-up areas to keep your cat engaged and away from harmful plants.

When purchasing houseplants, it’s important to be cautious as certain varieties, such as ficus, cheese plants, and aloe vera, are poisonous to cats. Seasonal plants like mistletoe and poinsettia should be avoided, as they can be dangerous if ingested. Cycads are extremely toxic and should not be kept indoors or outdoors.

For safe houseplants that won’t harm your cat, many online retailers offer feline friendly options. This way, you can enjoy beautiful greenery without exposing your pet to harmful plants.

Not sure if a plant is poisonous to cats or safe to keep at home? Check our FAQ for information on whether specific plants are toxic, caution advised, or safe for pets, and make sure to keep dangerous plants away from your cat.

Looking to add some cat-friendly greenery to your home? We’ve compiled a list of beautiful indoor plants that are non toxic and safe for cats, even if they decide to nibble on them. These plants won't cause harm if your cat ingests them, making them ideal for keeping dangerous plants away from your pet:

• Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera, Easter cactus, November cactus)
• Maidenhair fern (Adiantum)
• Orchids
• Peperomia
• Prayer plants (such as Calathea orbifolia or Maranta leuconeura)
• Parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Sword fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
• String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

Various flower varieties can be dangerous for your cat. Common blooms like peonies, daffodils, and tulips have parts that can cause harm if ingested. Lilies, in particular, should be kept away from your cat, as they are especially hazardous. Always ensure that potentially dangerous plants are kept out of reach to keep your pet safe.

If you're preparing a bouquet for your home or a loved one, you might be concerned about which flowers are safe for cats. Fortunately, there are many beautiful, pet-friendly options available, such as freesias, roses, and snapdragons.

Typically, flower food contains sugar, citric acid, and a small amount of bleach to help reduce bacterial growth. While it is not highly toxic to cats, ingesting it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

If you're worried about your cat drinking the water from a vase and you can't keep the vase out of reach, it’s best to avoid using flower food altogether.

Fortunately, if the vase and water are kept clean and refreshed regularly, the flowers will remain fresh for the same amount of time without the need for flower food.

Lilies are extremely toxic to cats. Even if your cat seems uninterested in eating them, there is always a risk that they might come into contact with the flower's pollen by brushing against it and then licking their fur.

Several types of lilies, such as Easter Lily, Tiger Lily, and other members of the lily family, are poisonous to cats. All parts of the lily plant are toxic, and ingesting even small amounts can lead to severe poisoning.

To prevent poisoning, it’s best to avoid having lilies in your home or garden. If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a lily, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Although daffodils are a lovely sign of spring, they pose a danger to our feline friends. The bulbs contain crystals that are highly toxic to cats if ingested.

The heads and leaves of daffodils can also make your cat ill if consumed. They contain a harmful substance called lycorine, which can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, or more serious health issues.

If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a daffodil, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Protecting your cat outdoors can be challenging since they have a larger area to explore beyond just your garden. However, most cats are selective eaters and are unlikely to consume unfamiliar plants, typically sticking to safe grass or observing their surroundings.

To help keep your cat safe while outside:

• Familiarize yourself with outdoor plants that are toxic to cats and ensure they are not present in your garden.
• Quickly clean up any prunings and fallen berries, disposing of them away from your pets.
• Keep bulbs like tulips and daffodils out of reach.
• Plant cat grass and catnip to divert your cat's attention from potentially harmful plants.

Learn more about catnip by reading our article, "What is Catnip?"

If you suspect your cat has been poisoned, contact your vet immediately—don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

Possible signs of poisoning include:

1. Excessive salivation
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea
4. Muscle twitching
5. Seizures
6. Breathing difficulties
7. Shock
8. Collapse
9. Coma

When your cat explores outdoors, they might show interest in certain types of weeds. However, not all weeds are safe, and some can be toxic if ingested. While some grasses are safe for cats to eat, contamination with herbicides or pesticides can pose a risk. Learn more about "Why do Cats Eat Grass"

In summer, watch out for spiky seeds from grasses or non toxic weeds like wood avens, as these can become lodged in your cat’s ears, nose, paws, or skin. Regularly check and brush off any seeds from their fur, and inspect their face and paws to prevent discomfort or health issues.

If you grow herbs at home, whether on your windowsill or in your garden, it's important to know which ones should be kept away from your cat and which are safe.

Ragwort, also known as 'tansy,' is particularly toxic to cats due to its alkaloid content and thujone, which can cause liver damage if ingested in large amounts. Fortunately, its unpleasant taste usually deters most cats from eating it.

On the other hand, herbs like basil, coriander, thyme, and valerian root are generally safe to have around cats.

Check out the list below of common non toxic outdoor plants. Some of these can also enhance your garden and encourage your cat to stay within your outdoor space:

• Buddleia (Buddleja, Butterfly bush)
• Gerbera (Gerbera daisy)
• Hollyhock
• Nasturtium (Tropaeolum)
• Nemesia
• Petunias (Calibrachoa, Million bells)
• Roses
• Sunflowers (Helianthus)
• Zinnia

In addition to hazardous plants and flowers, various household items can also pose poisoning risks to cats. If you spot a poisonous substance, remove your cat from the area and contact your vet for guidance. They may need to see your cat right away, and inducing cat vomiting may not always be beneficial.

If you have evidence of what your cat has ingested, bring a sample to the vet. Even a sample of vomit can be useful for diagnosis, especially if it has an unusual color or contains plant material.

Most importantly, stay calm. Seek immediate advice from your vet, and they will provide the necessary help.