How to Bring Greenery in with Pet-Safe Houseplants
Whether you’re looking to bring the outdoors in or just looking to spruce up your home with some houseplants, it’s important to know which plants are poisonous to cats. Our feline friends are often curious and may take a nibble of a houseplant within their reach, leading to potentially serious health risks.
This guide shares some of the most common houseplants that are poisonous to cats, symptoms to look out for if you believe your cat may have consumed a toxic houseplant and some non-toxic alternatives.
Common houseplants and flowers that are toxic to cats:
Lilies
Snake plants
Hyacinths
Oleanders
Tulips
Daffodils
Poinsettias
Aloe Vera
Birds of Paradise
Chrysanthemums
While different plants may produce different side effects, there are some common signs of plant poisoning in cats, including:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excess salivation
Tremors
Twitching
Lethargy
Breathing difficulties
Poor coordination
Skin irritation
To keep your cat safe from toxic houseplants and flowers, it is best practice to keep them out of reach, or avoid them all together.
There are many non-toxic alternatives you can use instead which are pet-safe, including:
Orchids
Marigolds
Prayer plants
Spider plants
Lilacs
Roses
Ferns (Boston, Button, Kimberly Queen, Crocodile, Phlebodium, etc.)
Cast Iron plants
Money plants
Grape Ivy
Hoya varieties
Polka Dot plant
Bromeliads
Calathea plants
Christmas Cactus
Some Palm plants (Areca, Parlor, Ponytail, etc.)
Even though these plants are considered pet-safe, they should not be consumed in excess by cats or become a regular part of their diet, as ingesting high amounts of any plant can cause digestion issues.
While sometimes cats eat houseplants out of curiosity or to help with digestion, there may be a larger nutritional issue as to why your cat is chewing on houseplants, such as a lack of fiber or other nutrients in their diets. Cats need a complete and balanced diet, primarily protein-based, and should be discouraged from consuming any houseplants.
Cats are curious creatures by nature, and when you bring them into your home, they’re keen to explore their surroundings. By removing and avoiding any toxic houseplants and flowers, you can ensure you keep your furry companions safe and healthy.
Note: This guide provides a general overview of common houseplants that are toxic and non-toxic to cats - it is not a comprehensive list. When looking to purchase houseplants, flowers or outdoor plants, it’s important to check whether the plant could be toxic to felines. For a more detailed list, check out this guide from PetMD. If you believe your cat may have eaten a toxic plant, immediately contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
