Toxic Plants Can Cause Illness and Death To Your Cat

Are you disappointed by the endless list of feline-toxic plants and flowers? According to the American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (ASPCA), the list includes many of your popular greenhouse favorites.

I've researched house and outdoor garden plants for the last few years and have found many non-toxic, hardy, and easy-to-grow cat-friendly plants and flowers. You needn't give up your green thumb because you choose to own cats! While there are more toxic plants than non-toxic ones, knowing the difference can save your cat's life.

House plants clean, filter, and humidify the inside air and provide peaceful beauty. Garden plants do the same for the outdoors. Still, with the popularity of outdoor cat enclosures, we need to be mindful of what we grow outdoors. I’ve learned which house and garden plants won’t harm cats if they ingest them. They will do it at some point. Toxic plants and flowers, if consumed, can cause serious side effects, including death. Potted plants and flowers are also popular for gifts, holiday decorations, and other occasions. Cats can't avoid the temptation to investigate anything new.

An Important Word About Lillies

The lily is the deadliest plant to felines! Lillies come in wide varieties, both indoors and outside. A lily’s pollen causes kidney failure in cats if they come into contact with or ingest it while grooming. There are over 90 different species of lilies. If in question whether a plant is indeed a lily, make it unavailable to the cat.

Toxicity symptoms include vomiting, depression, diarrhea, dehydration, and inappetence. If left untreated, death can occur within four to seven days of ingestion and sooner if the cat consumes more of the plant

Common toxic plants and flowers:

Daffodil

Azalea

Tulip

Boxwood Amaryllis

Peace lily and all lily varieties

Mistletoe and Holly

Chrysanthemum

Gardenia

Poinsettia, the most popular holiday plant

Hyacinth

Iris

Safe alternate plants and flowers:

Christmas and other cacti and succulents

African violets

Orchids

Bromeliads

Roses

Boston fern

Peperomia

Prayer plant

Spider plant

Swedish ivy

Polka dot plant

Feline Diseases and Health Problems That Cause Cats To Eat Plants

There are a few conditions that could cause your cat to eat plants:

Compulsive Cat Behaviors: A cat with a compulsive disorder might exhibit it through movement or other behaviors, such as eating the wrong things

A disorder called "Pica": If your cat regularly eats inanimate things such as pieces of toys, string, rubber bands, or other non-food objects, the kitty might have "pica." Sufferers of pica eat unusual things that are generally not food-related. Since cats can't determine what is harmful to eat, this can cause problems if your kitty ingests something that creates a blockage in their digestive tract.

Safety Note

If your pet shows any signs of distress, immediately inform your veterinarian of anything the animal may have consumed. Please don't try to diagnose or treat any ailments yourself. This list is incomplete, so contact your vet before introducing new plants to your home. If you have questions, contact the APCC 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

This article is accurate and true to the author's knowledge. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.