Pond Plants That Are Poisonous for Cats

If you have a pond in your yard, you may wish to decorate it with plants or flowers. However, if you also have cats in your yard, there is a good chance the cats will eventually discover these plants and nibble on them as they do on other plants. That makes it your responsibility to provide safe pond plants that will beautify your pond but not endanger your cats' health. These plants won't harm cats or dogs or even the fish in your pond.

  1. Water Flag

    • The water flag is a flowering plant often used to bring color to water gardens. This plant is also known as iris, snake lily and flag. The water flag is toxic not only to cats but also to dogs. Effects of water flag ingestion in cats include salivation/drooling, vomiting/diarrhea and lethargy.

    Elephant Ear

    • This green plant has broad, green leaves. It is also known as caladium and malanga. Elephant ear is very toxic to cats, producing drooling and vomiting as well as difficulty swallowing. Elephant ear also causes extreme mouth irritation such as excessive itching and burning of the lips, tongue and mouth area.

    Water Hyacinth

    • Water hyacinth bears bright little flowers in a variety of colors. Effects of water hyacinth ingestion include digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. It can be deadly if consumed in large quantities or if an animal doesn't get veterinary treatment. This plant is toxic to cats, dogs and horses.