37 Plants and Flowers That Are Toxic to Cats

Cats are so well known for their curiosity, it’s almost a cliche. So it should come as no surprise that your nosy feline may start checking out the plants around your home and even decide to take a bite. That’s why it’s important to make sure any plant or flower your cat can access is nontoxic.

Since many plants can be toxic to cats, we can’t cover every single one here. But to get you started, the list below includes 37 common plants that are toxic to cats. And if you’re ever unsure about one you don’t see here, you can consult this list of toxic and nontoxic plants put out by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Quiz: What plants are toxic to cats?

1. Lily

Lilies are incredibly toxic to cats, which is why they’re No. 1 on our list. Every part of the lily — from its leaves and pollen to the water from the vase it’s placed in — can cause serious problems for cats. And this applies to every type of lily, including Easter lilies, calla lilies, and all other varieties.

Signs of plant poisoning in cats who eat lilies can include:

• Lower activity level

• Vomiting

• Drooling

• Lack of appetite

• Kidney failure, which may cause increased thirst and urination

Signs of poisoning can occur within minutes of your cat eating any part of a lily. They may also appear anytime during the 12 hour period following ingestion. Your cat can then develop kidney damage within the first 24 hours and kidney failure within 24 to 72 hours. Kidney failure is fatal for cats who don’t get treatment.

Cats who get treatment right away have a better chance of recovering from lily poisoning. But delaying treatment for even 18 hours can leave your cat with permanent kidney damage.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera may help soothe your sunburns. But for cats, ingesting aloe vera in plant form can lead to:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lack of energy

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3. Amaryllis

Amaryllises sprout beautifully shaped flowers at the top of their stems. But these beautiful blooms aren’t for cats. If cats ingest amaryllises, they can experience signs of toxicity, such as:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Salivating more than usual

• Weight loss

• Abdominal pain

• Tremors

4. Azalea

Azaleas are poisonous to cats because the flowers and plants contain a toxin called grayanotoxin. When cats eat azaleas, they can experience vomiting and diarrhea. But ingesting this toxic plant can also lead to weakness and heart failure.

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5. Bird-of-paradise

There are a number of varieties of bird-of-paradise plants, and they’re all best kept away from cats. These plants can cause stomach-related symptoms in cats, including nausea and vomiting. 

Some varieties — such as Caesalpinia gilliesii and Poinciana gilliesii — can also cause:

• Mouth pain and irritation

• Burning sensation in and around the mouth

• Drooling

• Diarrhea

• Trouble swallowing

• Difficulty with coordination

6. Buttercup

Sweet little yellow buttercups are best kept far away from your cat’s curious mouth. Buttercups are toxic to cats and can lead to signs of poisoning, such as:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Weight loss

• Salivating more than usual

• Mouth ulcers

• Wobbly walking

7. Carnation

Classics of any corsage, carnations are also best kept away from cats. Though certainly not the most toxic plant on this list, carnations can still lead to digestive upset, skin irritation, and itching in cats.

8. Chamomile

Chamomile contains oils, acids, and other chemicals that are toxic to cats. Cats who consume chamomile may experience:

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea

• Lack of appetite

• Skin irritation

9. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums — sometimes referred to as simply “mums” — are toxic to cats. Cats who ingest any part of the mum may experience:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Salivating more than usual

• Difficulty with coordination

• Skin irritation and itching

10. Chive

You may think of chives more as a type of food that adds flavor to dishes. But chives are plants at heart, and they’re toxic to cats. Signs of chive poisoning in cats include:

• Vomiting

• Weakness

• Increased heart rate

• Panting

• Blood in the urine

• Red blood cell destruction

11. Daffodil

Daffodils may be a beautiful sign of spring, but they can be big trouble for cats. Like tulip bulbs, daffodil bulbs are especially toxic. 

If your cat consumes a small amount of any part of a daffodil plant, they may experience diarrhea, vomiting, and increased salivation. Cats who consume a large amount of the daffodil plant or bulb may experience:

• Low blood pressure

• Convulsions

• Tremors

• Heart arrhythmias

12. Daisy

Daisies are nice to have around for a pop of color, especially in spring. But it’s best to avoid these flowers if you have cats. Daises are toxic to cats and can cause:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Drooling

• Lack of coordination 

• Skin inflammation 

13. Elephant ear

Elephant ears got their name because of the shape of their big, green leaves. However, elephant ears contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are released in your cat’s mouth and digestive tract if they chew on the plant. This can cause pain and intense burning in or around their mouth, as well as:

• Drooling

• Trouble swallowing

• Vomiting

14. Eucalyptus

Keep your cat away from eucalyptus. Cats who eat small amounts of eucalyptus may experience mild signs of digestive trouble. But when consumed in larger amounts, cats can experience eucalyptus poisoning, which can lead to:

• Unsteady walking

• Tremors

• Seizures

Eucalyptus is also a common ingredient in essential oils, and it’s not safe for cats in this form, either.

15. Foxglove

You may love the colorful, cone-shaped flowers of the foxglove plant. But it’s best not to plant foxgloves in or around your home if your cat will have access to them. Ingesting foxgloves can be fatal for cats.

Cats who ingest foxglove may experience potentially life-threatening poisoning symptoms, such as:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Abnormal heart rhythms

• Weakness

• Heart failure

16. Geranium

Geranium flowers come in a wide variety of colors, and they’re all toxic to cats. They contain two toxic substances that can cause signs of poisoning, such as:

• Vomiting

• Weight loss

• Depression

• Skin irritation and itching

17. Gardenia

Gardenias produce beautiful white flowers that are unfortunately poisonous to cats. Though not the most toxic flowers to cats on this list, they can still cause symptoms like:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Hives

18. Gladiola

The big flowers of your favorite gladiolas may make you smile. But for your cat, gladiolas may cause:

• Vomiting, possibly with blood

• Diarrhea, possibly with blood

• Abdominal pain

• Salivating more than usual

If consumed in large enough quantities, gladiolas can cause your cat to have neurological issues, as well.

19. Holly

Holly is popular around the holidays for its distinctive green leaves and red berries. For cats, however, holly represents a number of dangers. Depending on the variety, holly plants can contain substances that are toxic to cats. In addition, the leaves of many holly varieties — including Christmas and English holly — have sharp points. 

Cats can experience harmful effects from ingesting holly, such as:

• Severe vomiting

• Severe diarrhea

• Lip smacking

• Drooling

• Headshaking

20. Honeysuckle

It may be counterintuitive, but cats can be attracted to the sweet smell put out by some flowers. That seems to be the case with honeysuckle, another plant that’s not great for felines. Cats who ingest honeysuckle may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and low energy.

21. Hosta

Hostas are easy to grow, though they’re best grown away from areas your cat can access. Signs of hosta poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.

22. Hyacinth

Like tulips, hyacinths belong to a family of plants that contain toxins that are harmful to cats. The flower’s bulb is usually the most toxic part of the plant for pets. But a cat who consumes any part of a hyacinth may experience:

• Upset stomach

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Drooling

• Increased heart rate

• Increased breathing rate

• Trouble breathing

23. Hydrangea

Hydrangeas’ clumps of colorful flowers may look pretty in the garden. But they don’t do well in your cat’s tummy. Cats who ingest any part of the hydrangea plant, especially its leaves or flowers, may experience:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lack of energy

24. Iris

Irises, which have uniquely shaped flowers perched at the end of a stem, are toxic to cats. Ingesting this multicolored flower can lead to:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Drooling

• Lack of energy

25. Ivy

When it comes to keeping your cat safe, it’s the leaves you need to watch out for more than any other part of the ivy plant. Cats who ingest ivy can experience poisoning symptoms, such as:

• Abdominal pain

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Salivating more than usual

26. Lavender

We humans love lavender for its calming scent. For cats, however, lavender in both plant and essential oil form is harmful. Cats who ingest lavender can experience stomach upset, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

27. Mint

Mint plants contain essential oils that are poisonous to cats. So keep this herb far away from your feline. Otherwise, they could experience vomiting and diarrhea, especially if they eat a lot of it. 

28. Morning glory

Morning glory blooms characteristic purple-blue flowers with perfect yellow centers. Unfortunately, these lovely flowers are toxic to cats. Vomiting is the most common sign of poisoning in cats who eat morning glory. But if your cat consumes a lot of the seeds of the plant, they can experience hallucinations.

29. Nightshade

You may not have a nightshade indoors. But if you have a cat who spends time outdoors, be mindful of keeping them away from nightshade plants. These contain a number of toxins that are poisonous to cats. 

Common signs of nightshade poisoning include:

• Salivating more than usual

• Lack of appetite

• Diarrhea

• Severe digestive upset

• Sleepiness

• Confusion

• Behavioral changes

• Slow heart rate

• Dilated (widened) pupils

30. Oleander

Oleander — a shrub usually found outside in warm places — is highly toxic to many species, including humans, dogs, and cats. Oleander contains oleandrin, a toxin that affects the heart. Many of its most toxic effects can be fatal.

There are a number of related plants that contain the toxin oleandrin, and the level of toxicity varies based on the plant. But in general, cats who consume any part of an oleander shrub may experience: 

• Abnormal heart rate

• Digestive upset leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and drooling

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Dangerously high potassium levels

31. Philodendron

Philodendron is a leafy plant that is toxic to cats. Philodendron contains crystals that can harm your cat if they bite into any part of the plant. This can lead to issues in your cat’s mouth and digestive system, including:

• Mouth pain, which may cause them to paw at their mouth

• Drooling

• Vomiting

• Lack of appetite

32. Poinsettia

Poinsettias are one of a number of holiday plants that are toxic to cats. The ASPCA has said that poinsettias aren’t as concerning for pets as once believed. However, when ingested by cats, poinsettia sap can cause symptoms like mouth irritation and irritation in the stomach that can trigger vomiting. 

33. Pothos

Pothos plants are known for their luscious leaves and vines — so much so that your cat might take an interest in your pothos, as well. But pothos can be toxic to cats due to crystals contained in the plant. If cats chew on pothos, they can experience painful symptoms, such as:

• Vomiting

• Drooling

• Lack of appetite

• Mouth pain, which may lead to pawing at the mouth

34. Rhododendron

Rhododendrons are also toxic to cats because they contain grayanotoxin. This toxin can cause a variety of symptoms, even if your cat only ingests a little bit of the plant. Common signs of poisoning include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Drooling

• Abnormal heart rate

• Weakness

• Low blood pressure

• Tremors

• Blindness

• Seizures

• Coma

35. Sago palm

If you’re thinking of adding a tropical touch to your space, it’s best to skip the sago palm for the sake of your cat. Sago palm is very toxic to cats and can lead to:

• Vomiting

• Increased thirst

• Dark or watery stool

• Jaundice

• Abdominal pain

• Inability to form blood clots when wounded

• Liver damage and failure

• Death

Other varieties of palm are similarly toxic to cats, including:

• Cardboard palm

• Fern palm

• Grass palm

• Coontie palm

36. Tulip

Tulips come in a variety of appealing colors, but as mentioned above, they are toxic to cats. While all parts of the tulip plant can cause signs of poisoning, the bulbs are especially poisonous. Signs your cat may have eaten toxic tulips include:

• Lots of drooling

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Increased heart rate

• Increased breathing rate

• Difficulty breathing

37. Wisteria

If you’re considering growing fragrant wisteria blooms in reach of your cat, think again. Cats who ingest wisteria may experience: 

• Vomiting, possibly with blood

• Diarrhea

• Depression

What to do if your cat eats a toxic plant

If you believe your cat has eaten a toxic plant, get help right away. You can call your veterinarian or take your cat to an emergency animal clinic. You can also call a pet poison hotline as your first step, since some plants are more poisonous than others and you may want advice as quickly as possible. There are two pet poison hotlines in the U.S.:

• Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661)

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435)

These helplines are staffed by veterinary experts who can provide guidance on what to do if your cat has eaten something toxic. Keep in mind that you often have to pay a fee to get help from a pet poison hotline.

What plants are safe for cats?

The good news is that many plants and flowers are safe for cats. So you don’t need to give up on having a green thumb to keep your precious pet safe. Just remember that too much of anything can cause digestive upset in your cat. And in general, it’s best to keep your cat from eating any of your plants.

With this in mind, the following plants are not toxic to cats:

• African violet 

• Baby’s breath

• Baby’s tears

• Bamboo palm

• Begonia

• Blue echeveria succulent

• Boston fern

• Candy corn plant

• Cast iron plant

• Christmas cactus

• Cornflower

• Donkey’s tail succulent

• Dwarf palm

• Friendship plant

• Gerbera daisy

• Ghost plant/mother-of-pearl plant

• Haworthia margaritifera

• Hens and chickens

• Hibiscus

• Jasmine

• Marigold

• Money tree/plant

• Orchid

• Pansy

• Parlor palm/good luck palm

• Plush plant

• Rose

• Rubber plant

• Sage

• Snapdragon

• Spider plant

• Sunflower

• Sweet pea

• Thyme

• Venus flytrap

• Zinnia

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Written by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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