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Top 10 Houseplants Poisonous to Cats

Kari Simpson • Jun 11, 2020
Plants Toxic to Cats |Chipman Blog

You know the old saying, right? Curiosity killed the cat. Cats are curious by nature, which is oftentimes adorable, but in reality, it can be very dangerous for them. We are all aware of the obvious dangers such as predators and traffic, but one of the biggest threats to their safety are under our own roofs: houseplants. There are many plants toxic to cats. We use them to decorate and add color and life to our homes and yards, but many times, the plants that we have grown to love are dangerous and the reactions can be severe and even fatal for our feline friends. Are you wondering what house plants are poisonous to cats? 

Lilies

Lilies and cats. If you are asking yourself, are lilies toxic to cats, the answer is yes. They simply do not go together. Despite their unparalleled beauty, Lillies are one of the most poisonous flowers for cats. With over 90 varieties, knowing which varieties adversely affect cats can be confusing. Lilies that are in the “true lily and “daylily” families are all very dangerous for cats. From the leaves to the stem and even the water in the vase, the entire lily plant should always be completely kept away from them. Even just a few grains of pollen can cause kidney failure in less than 3 days. Because the condition escalates so quickly, it is important to know the lily poisoning cats symptoms. The first signs of lily poisoning can include decreased energy, vomiting, loss of appetite and drooling. Those symptoms will start 0-12 hours after ingestion. Signs of kidney damage begin 12-24 hours after ingestion. Kidney failure will occur within 24-72 hours if your cat is not treated by a veterinarian. It is important to contact your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of a lily plant. 

Aloe

The answer to the question is aloe toxic to cats may be surprising. Aloe is a great natural remedy for many of the ailments that humans suffer from, so it seems like it should be safe for cats, right? Wrong. If a cat ingests aloe vera juice, they can become very sick. Some of the symptoms include a change in urine color, loss of appetite and in rare cases, tremors. If you believe that your cat has ingested aloe, contact your veterinarian at once. 

Asparagus Fern

Are ferns poisonous to cats? The answer to that can be confusing. Though not technically a fern, the asparagus fern is harmful to your cats. Both the leaves and the berries contain chemicals, such as steroidal saponins, that can be very hazardous. If your kitty rubs up against the leaves, toxic saponin based sap can cause swelling of the skin and blisters. In addition, your pet could experience vomiting, diarrhea and stomach upset. The level of toxicity is generally mild, but if you believe that your kitty has had any contact with an asparagus fern or you believe that they have consumed any part of the plant, is it important that you contact your vet as soon as possible. 

Pothos

Pothos | Pothos are Toxic to Cats

Pothos are very popular plants due to the fact that there are so many different varieties of pothos plants available, their amazing air-purifying qualities and the ease of growing them. You may be asking yourself, are pothos poisonous to cats? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is that yes, pothos are toxic to cats. If you suspect that your cat has ingested any part of a pothos plant, contact your vet immediately.

Golden Pothos

Called the Ceylon creeper, money plant, hunter’s robe, and devil’s ivy, the golden pothos plant is poisonous to cats. Due to the raphides and calcium oxalate in the plant, cat owners are advised to keep this one away from their furry friends. Symptoms of golden pothos toxicity can include skin irritation, oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. If your cat is displaying any of those symptoms and contact with a golden pothos is possible, it is important to contact your vet promptly.

Neon Pothos

Sporting heart-shaped leaves in a bright green color, Neon Pothos is a wonderful plant for a gardener looking for a pop of color. As easy to care for as any house plant could be, and with amazing air-purifying abilities, you have likely found yourself wondering about neon pothos and cats. Regrettably, mixing neon pothos and felines is not a good idea as it can be toxic for cats. Similar to the golden pothos poisoning, symptoms include skin irritation, oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Check with your vet as soon as possible if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a neon pothos.

Yucca Plant

Is yucca cane poisonous to cats? A popular plant for indoor and outdoor design plans, yucca plants have a variety of plant uses and even has health benefits when consumed by humans. Regrettably, yucca cane and cats can be a dangerous combination. The culprit in the yucca plant, as with many of the plants on this list, is the harmful chemical component called saponins. Symptoms of yucca plant toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions and lack of coordination. If your cat displays a combination of these symptoms and has had access to a yucca plant, contact your vet.

Peonies

Peonies are one of the most well known and beloved flower options. Knowing that If a peony is well situated and happy, it may bloom for 100 years or more with little or no attention makes this easily grown show stopper a favorite among flower enthusiasts. But, are peonies poisonous to cats? Sadly, yes, peonies are poisonous to cats. Symptoms include depression, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect your cat is ill due to ingesting peonies, call your vet.

Dumb Cane

Dumb Cane Can Poison Cats |Best Veterinarian in Lee's Summit, MO

Dumb cane, dieffenbachia, charming dieffenbachia. Call it what you want, but dieffenbachia and cats? Should you be worried, or are they ok together? Is dieffenbachia poisonous to cats? Yes, dumb cane can be toxic to cats. Symptoms include oral irritation, intense burning, and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, drooling and difficulty swallowing. Contact your vet as soon as possible if you believe that your feline has consumed a dieffenbachia plant.

Philodendron

With over 500 species, the philodendron offers something for everyone. With a Greek name that is a combination of “love” (philo) and “tree” (dendron), Philodendron is an easy plant that makes a great addition to most homes. Sadly, philodendron is toxic to cats. Philodendron leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals which, if ingested, irritate the gastrointestinal tract all of the way through. Cats that have been affected will have oral irritation, swelling of the mouth, drool excessively and show signs of abdominal pain. Prompt treatment by a veterinarian is recommended. 

Philodendron Selloum 

Philodendron selloum and cats are not a good combination. Native to South America, the philodendron selloum, or tree philodendron, thrives in warm climates and is self heading and easy to care for. Distinguished by its large size and deeply lobed leaves, philodendron should be off-limits to our curious cats. 

Heartleaf Philodendron

With its dark green, shiny, heartshaped leaves and ability to climb, Heartleaf Philodendron, also known as a sweetheart plant, is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts because it is very easy to grow. Regrettably, heartleaf philodendron and cats do not mix.

Eucalyptus

Considering its medicinal properties, craft uses and aromatherapy benefits, it is no wonder that many people find themselves considering eucalyptus plants for both indoor and outdoor uses. If you are a cat lover, you may be surprised to find out that eucalyptus and cats are a dangerous combination. If ingested, any part of the eucalyptus plant will cause excess salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and weakness in cats and they should be evaluated by a vet promptly. 

Rubber Plant

Also known as the Ficus Elastica, there are many different types of rubber plants, from the American rubber plant to the Japanese rubber plant, all of which are dangerous to cats. Symptoms of ingesting part of a rubber plant include diarrhea, vomiting, depression and lack of coordination. Though the reactions are not often severe, you should contact your vet if you suspect your cat has consumed part of your rubber plant.

Not all houseplants are poisonous to cats though! For information on how to create a safe space for your cat and houseplants, check out our blog on Tips for Living with Cats and Houseplants

If you are looking for an expert veterinarian in Lee's Summit, MO, call Chipman Road Animal Clinic 816-524-1886

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