Foliage Plants That Are Harmful to Cats

Foliage plants are plants designed to be enjoyed for their leaves, not their flowers. Used for ground covers, house plants or border designs, these plants provide visual interest but may be harmful to your feline companions. If you suspect your cat is suffering ill effects from eating a foliage plant, contact a veterinarian immediately. If possible, bring a sample of the plant to help the veterinarian determine the cause of the symptoms and the appropriate treatment.

  1. English Ivy

    • English ivy, known scientifically as Hedera helix, is toxic to cats according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Poison Control Center. Ingestion of both the leaves and berries spells trouble, but the leaves are the more dangerous of the two. Ingestion leads to stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and excessive salivation. The active toxic principle in English ivy is hederagenin. English ivy can be found growing on houses, alongside walkways and in ornamental planters.

    Hostas

    • Hostas, known scientifically as Hosta plataginea and sometimes referred to as plantain lilies or funkia plants, are characterized by their broad leaves with variegated shades of green, yellow and white. Poisonous to cats, according to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, hostas contain saponins, which change the way fats are metabolized and stored in the body. Resulting symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and depression. Hostas are planted along walkways and are often found as indoor houseplants.

    English Yew

    • The English yew, Taxus baccata, is a short shrub with a spread of 12 to 15 feet. These evergreen shrubs are used in privacy or decorative hedges and borders. Bearing pine-like needles and red berries, these plants are extremely poisonous to cats, according to the "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians." Symptoms include seizure, tremors, shortness of breath and vomiting. Sudden heart failure has been reported in cats who have eaten English yew due to the cardiac effects of taxine A and taxine B, poisonous alkaloids found in the plant.

    Arrowhead Vine

    • The arrowhead vine, Syngonium podophyllum, is found outdoors as a trailing plant or indoors as a houseplant. Toxic to cats, arrowhead vines contain calcium oxalate, states the ASPCA Poison Control Center website. Calcium oxalates form sharp, needle-like crystals within the cat's body. These crystals puncture the body's organs, causing trauma, and eventually build up within the kidneys. Symptoms of ingestion include pain and irritation in the mouth; burning sensations of the mouth, lips and tongue; excessive salivation; vomiting; and difficulty swallowing.