Plants & Flowers Poisonous to Cats

According to the Earth Clinic website, over 700 plants are considered toxic to felines. If you chose to have plants in your home, you may need to take action to keep your cat safe, but you can protect both your cat and your plants. Before buying a plant, cat owners should research whether it could be hazardous to their cat's health.

  1. Identification

    • Lilies are one one of the most serious toxins to cats.

      Some plants dangerous to cats commonly grow in household gardens, such as mushrooms, rhubarb and spinach. PetMD lists flowers such as daffodil, jasmine and hyacinth as poisonous to cats, along with marijuana, sago palm, tulips, azalea, oleander, yew and cyclamen. Poinsettias, the popular Christmas flower, are safe, despite widespread belief. Avoid lilies in the home, or take proper care to keep your cat away from the flowers, as they are especially hazardous, warns the Cat Fanciers' Association.

    Exceptions

    • Cats, especially those that spend most of their time outside, will instinctively eat grass, plant leaves and stems to aid in digestion. It loosens undigested food and collects hair to be regurgitated for overall better health. If your cat is constipated, it will crave the enzymes in grass and leaves. Peach, cherry, apricot and almond trees are not considered dangerous to cats, but could cause minor abdominal pain and vomiting, reports PetMD.com.

    Prevention

    • Cat repellent, apple spray and diluted perfumes will keep pets away, according to the Cat Behavior Problems website. Pet stores carry safe chemical and organic sprays to put on your houseplants, but for outdoor plants, create barriers with plant stakes or wire fencing. For another indoor solution, place double-sided tape or aluminum foil around plants to keep cats at a distance. Sprinkling chili powder on the tops of plant leaves is also a less obtrusive way to keep your cat safe.

    Symptoms

    • PetMD provides a list of symptoms if you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant, including vomiting, diarrhea, swollen mouth, irregular breathing (heavy or shallow), and excessive salivation. In extreme cases, and if much time has passed, cats will exhibit abnormal behavior and could suffer from seizures.

    Emergency Care

    • Rarely are plant toxins deadly to cats, but call the Animal Poison Control Center if you suspect your cat has eaten a toxic plant. If the symptoms are more severe and require immediate medical attention, such as seizures, take the cat to the nearest animal/pet emergency care center. Try to make the animal as comfortable as possible, and bring the plant or flower that made your pet ill, if possible. A leaf or blossom will help the veterinarian diagnose and treat the problem.