List of Indoor Plants Toxic to Cats

A variety of common household plants can be toxic or cause distress to cats. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists 393 indoor and outdoor plants in its database as potentially harmful. Cats eat grass to aid in digestion, and cats raised indoors tend to eat plants for the same purpose. Common household plants should be evaluated and kept out of the reach of cats until determined to be safe.

  1. Poinsettias

    • Poinsettias, plants with a mix of green leaves and colorful leaves, are traditionally available during the Christmas holiday season and are indigenous to Mexico and Guatemala. Cats consuming this flowering plant can experience vomiting, diarrhea, mouth blisters and labored breathing.

    Easter Lily

    • Easter lilies were originally found in Japan, but after World War I, United States production settled in the Oregon and California border area. Cats ingesting Easter lilies can exhibit symptoms of kidney failure.

    Cacti

    • Cacti flourish in desert regions and display thick, prickly stems in a variety of shapes and sizes. Cacti can be found in the dry climates of California, Nevada and Arizona as well as the tropical climates of Mexico, some Caribbean islands and South America. Cats that encounter cacti can accidentally puncture skin, which can lead to infections.

    Mistletoe

    • Mistletoe grows as a parasite on other trees by attaching its berries to the bark and extending a slender root stem into the bark after a few days of lying on the tree. Ingesting the mistletoe berries causes cats to vomit, and experience diarrhea, blistering inside the mouth and breathing problems.

    Azalea

    • This blooming floral plant has thousands of named varieties with different petal shapes and color patterns, including single color, two colors, stripes and flecks. Cats ingesting azaleas can experience trembling, coordination problems and collapse from the symptoms.

    Daffodils

    • Daffodils are a blooming plant with a trumpet-shaped floral petal. This recurring flower has at least 50 species and 13,000 hybrids, and flourishes in moderate climates. Seizures, tremors, coma or death can occur if a cat eats a daffodil.

    Aloe

    • Aloe, a member of the lily family, has spiky straight stems, yellow flowers and triangular leaves, and originates in Africa. Of the over 300 species of the aloe plant, aloe vera is the most common plant, used for the soothing gel found in its fleshy leaves with serrated edges. Cats ingesting aloe can suffer from acute diarrhea.