Cats and plants don't always mix. Many popular houseplants are toxic to cats, and since cats love to chew on leaves, this is a real risk in most homes. Here's what to keep away from your cat — and what's safe to keep around.
The Most Dangerous: Lilies
Lilies deserve their own section because they're not just toxic — they're potentially fatal. True lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) can cause acute kidney failure in cats. This includes:
- Easter lilies
- Tiger lilies
- Asiatic lilies
- Daylilies
- Stargazer lilies
Every part of the plant is dangerous: petals, leaves, pollen, and even the water in the vase. A cat who rubs against a lily and then grooms the pollen off their fur can be poisoned. If you have cats, the safest approach is to never bring lilies into your home.
If your cat has any contact with a lily, call your vet immediately. This is a true emergency — kidney damage can begin within hours.
Other Common Toxic Plants
- Pothos (Devil's Ivy) — Causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Very common in homes because it's easy to grow.
- Snake plant (Sansevieria) — Causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Usually mild but unpleasant.
- Aloe vera — The gel is fine for humans but the latex layer beneath the skin contains saponins that cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats.
- Tulips and hyacinths — The bulbs are the most toxic part. Ingestion causes intense GI irritation, drooling, and in severe cases, breathing and heart rate changes.
- Poinsettias — Often overstated as deadly, but they do cause mouth and stomach irritation. Mildly toxic, not usually life-threatening.
- Sago palm — Extremely toxic. All parts, especially the seeds, can cause liver failure. This one is as dangerous as lilies.
- Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) — Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense oral pain, swelling, and drooling.
- Philodendron — Similar to pothos. Causes oral irritation and GI symptoms.
Safe Alternatives
You don't have to give up plants entirely. These are non-toxic to cats:
- Spider plant — Easy to grow, safe for cats (though cats love to chew on the dangling leaves).
- Boston fern — Non-toxic and adds great texture to a room.
- Cat grass (wheatgrass) — Grows quickly and gives cats something safe to chew on. Many cats love it.
- Calathea (prayer plant) — Beautiful foliage, completely safe.
- Parlor palm — A true palm that's non-toxic and low-maintenance.
- African violet — Safe and adds color.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Toxic Plant
- Identify the plant — Take a photo or bring a sample to the vet.
- Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control — (888) 426-4435.
- Don't induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
- Watch for symptoms — Drooling, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing.
With lilies and sago palms, don't wait for symptoms. Call immediately.
Not sure if a plant in your home is safe? Mylo can help you search for any plant by name and find out whether it's a risk for your cat — plus what other cat owners have done to keep their homes both green and safe.