If you’re a cat owner, you know they’re curious creatures who love to roam and explore. However, they may encounter plants that can be toxic to them. You may have one such plant in your house right now and not even know it!
Although cats are notoriously finicky eaters, they are particularly prone to eating plants. Knowing which plants are toxic to your feline friend is essential as a pet parent. Here, we will review eight such plants and what to do in the event your cat eats one.
1. All Parts of Tulips Are Toxic
Plants don’t have to be fancy or rare to be poisonous. Tulips are a welcome sight because they tell us that spring has sprung. But did you know these seasonal beauties are part of the lily family, Liliaceae? Like lilies, they’re toxic to cats and should be kept out of your pet’s environment.
All parts of the tulip are toxic to your cat, and, depending on how much they eat, the severity of the symptoms can include:
- Vomiting
- Mouth irritation
- Increased heart rate
- Abdominal pain
If you think your cat ate a tulip, this constitutes a veterinary emergency. As we’ll explain later, you have options for getting your furry friend medical care.
2. Daffodils Can Cause Drooling, Vomiting, and Convulsions
Because of their cheerful appearance, daffodils are often found in homes and the garden. But don’t let these spring beauties fool you; all parts of the daffodil are toxic if your cat nibbles on or eats them.
Daffodil poisoning can result in the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Heart arrhythmia
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Convulsions
3. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) Are Common Houseplants
You may not know the name, but you’ve likely seen this common houseplant before. Pothos is an indoor plant favorite due to its ease of care and forgiveness when neglected. Its long strands of shiny leaves often hang down from a pot, which can draw your cat’s attention.
Unfortunately, pothos is toxic to your cat, and when they bite into the leaves or stems, they can experience:
- Mouth irritation/burning
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
4. English Ivy (Sweetheart Ivy, Branching Ivy)
This climbing vine can be found both indoors and out. You may see English ivy wrapping around your trees, fence, or even as a ground cover. Cats love to climb under things, and the dangling leaves may tempt them.
If eaten, the sap of the English ivy can cause:
- Mouth irritation/burning
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
Try a spider plant if you have your heart set on a houseplant that’s easy to care for with long, dangling strands of leaves. They’re non-toxic to cats and even edible!
5. Azalea (Rhododendron) Is Harmful if Eaten
Common in landscaping due to its beauty, it’s not just the flowers of azaleas that are dangerous. Any part of this blooming hedge is harmful if ingested.
Depending on how much of the plant is consumed, the symptoms can range from mild to severe, such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
6. Chrysanthemums Are Mildly Toxic
Chrysanthemums are often included in floral arrangements and are mildly toxic to cats. Ingesting them can lead to:
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Loss of coordination
This common flower contains pyrethrins, which are used in pesticides. Mums are often added to gardens to help ward off pests naturally––hence its tendency to cause your cat to get sick when ingested. Daisies are part of the chrysanthemum family and, therefore, should be kept away from your cat.
7. Poinsettia Contains Harmful Liquid
Although not severely toxic, the poinsettia dispels a liquid that, when eaten, can make your cat sick and experience:
- Vomiting
- Gastric upset
- Drooling
- Skin irritation
Because cats are curious about new additions to their environment, this holiday plant may pique their interest. Typically placed on tables, ledges, and floor, your cat may be drawn to it and indulge in a taste test.
8. Lily Are Extremely Toxic to Cats
The lily is the plant known to be the most harmful to your cat. Any part of the plant can be toxic (even lethal), including the water in the vase. If your cat gets the poisonous pollen on their fur, it can be licked off and ingested during self-cleaning sessions.
While some lily plants are easy to identify, others you may not realize are part of the lily family and therefore toxic to your kitty.
If your cat has even touched a lily, time is of the essence, as both contact and ingestion can lead to:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Kidney failure, if not treated
Due to the risk of deadly toxicity, it’s best to keep lilies out of your cat’s environment entirely.
Steps if Your Cat Ate a Toxic Plant
First and foremost, if you think your cat ingested a toxic plant, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at 1-888-426-4435. Even if your cat isn’t showing any symptoms, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you aren’t familiar with the plant your cat ingested, take a picture with your phone, so the vet can identify it. Bring a piece of the plant or a sample of the vomit with the plant pieces, if possible. Pay attention to the symptoms your cat is displaying as well. This information will help the vet determine how to treat your furry friend.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
There’s a reason for the expression “curiosity killed the cat.” Their curious nature leads them to check out their environment, which includes smelling and tasting things. What may look like a harmless plant could be dangerous to your cat.
Cats often seek out plants to eat or chew on, so help by placing a container of cat grass out to give them something healthy and safe. Prevention is the best medicine, so it’s best to keep known toxic plants out of your home to protect your furry family member.
