🐱 Plants · vet-sourced verdicts
Which plants are toxic to cats?
For cats, one plant family stands above all others: true lilies, where even pollen groomed off fur can cause fatal kidney failure. But the everyday houseplant shelf hides more hazards than most owners realize. Every plant we've checked, sorted by risk.
⚠️ If your cat got into a "never" item, act now — don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet or a poison line: ASPCA 888-426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661. 60-second emergency check →
🚫 Never — keep away (6)
🌸LilyTrue lilies (Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, Day) are deadly to cats. Even the pollen, a single petal, or the vase water can cause fatal kidney failure.No🌴Sago PalmSago palm is extremely toxic to cats and can cause fatal liver failure. Treat any contact as an emergency.No🌼DaffodilDaffodils are toxic to cats, the bulb most of all. Ingestion can cause severe vomiting and heart or breathing problems — treat it as an emergency.No🌺AzaleaAzalea is highly toxic to cats — grayanotoxins can cause vomiting, weakness and dangerous heart changes. Treat any ingestion as an emergency.No🌸OleanderOleander is deadly to cats. The cardiac glycosides in every part of the plant can stop the heart. Treat any contact as a dire emergency.No🌿MistletoeMistletoe is toxic to cats and can affect the heart and blood pressure beyond simple stomach upset. Treat ingestion of more than a berry or two as an emergency.No
⚠️ Caution — limits apply (14)
🪴Aloe VeraAloe’s saponins and latex irritate a cat’s stomach, causing vomiting and lethargy. Keep the plant out of reach.In moderation🌺PoinsettiaThe sap mildly irritates a cat’s mouth and stomach. Unpleasant but seldom dangerous — still, keep it away.In moderation🪴Snake PlantChewing snake plant leaves irritates a cat’s mouth and gut. Not usually serious, but keep it out of reach.In moderation🌷TulipTulips irritate a cat’s mouth and stomach, with the bulb being the most toxic part. Keep bulbs and bouquets away.In moderation🪴PothosChewing pothos causes a painful burning sensation in a cat’s mouth and throat, with drooling and vomiting. Keep this common houseplant out of reach.In moderation🌿Peace lilyA peace lily is not a true lily, so it does not cause the deadly kidney failure those do — but the oxalate crystals still painfully irritate a cat’s mouth and throat.In moderation🪴PhilodendronChewing philodendron burns a cat’s mouth and throat and causes drooling and vomiting. Keep this popular houseplant out of reach.In moderation🪴Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)Dumb cane causes intense mouth burning and swelling in cats. Rarely life-threatening, but very painful — keep it away.In moderation🌿English ivyEnglish ivy irritates a cat’s stomach, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Keep trailing vines out of paw’s reach.In moderation🪴Jade plantJade plant can make cats vomit and act wobbly or sluggish. Keep this common succulent out of reach.In moderation🌿HollyHolly causes drooling, vomiting and diarrhea in cats, and the spiny leaves can hurt the mouth. Keep festive holly out of reach.In moderation💐HydrangeaHydrangea can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats; serious poisoning needs a large amount, but it is best kept away.In moderation🌼Chrysanthemum (mums)Mums contain pyrethrins that irritate a cat’s stomach and can cause drooling and wobbliness. Cats are fairly sensitive, so keep them away.In moderation🌱GrassMany cats eat grass to help digestion. Offer safe “cat grass” and keep them away from treated lawns and toxic houseplants.In moderation
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By the CanMyPet Editorial Team · Verdicts reviewed against ASPCA Animal Poison Control, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Pet Poison Helpline · How we review →
CanMyPet provides general information reviewed against trusted sources (ASPCA, AKC, Pet Poison Helpline). It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian.