Toxic House Plants for Pets

Toxic plants contain chemical substances---toxins---that can hurt people and animals. Reactions vary from mild (short-lived) to moderate (requiring some care) and severe (causing debilitation or death). The problem is that you can't tell, just by looking at them, which plants aren't safe to have around your pets. So, your best strategy is to learn about the plants you have, and would like to get, in order to keep your animals safe.

  1. English Ivy

    • English ivy is a fast-spreading woody vine that produces thick green leaves, small green flowers and black berries. According to the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, this ivy's leaves and berries have caused mouth and stomach irritation, diarrhea and breathing problems in cats, dogs and pet monkeys. In large quantities, English ivy can induce coma and kill your pet.

    Catnip

    • A perennial herb in the mint family, catnip grows to 3 feet tall. Some cats act as if they are "high" after rolling on and sniffing the herb. In small quantities, catnip doesn't have any harmful effects, but in large amounts, its oils can give your cat vomiting and diarrhea.

    Poinsettia

    • Poinsettia is the deep-red potted plant associated with Christmas. When house pets chew on the leaves and stems, they begin to salivate because the plant's sap is toxic to them. In fact, it irritates any part of the animal it touches, including its eyes, skin and stomach. In addition to salivating, your pet might shake her head, paw at her mouth or rub her eyes. Eating a large amount of the plant can also cause vomiting and nausea. If your pet gets into your poinsettia, give her a bath and wipe her face to wash the sap off.

    Easter Lily

    • Easter lily is a fragrant white flower that commercial growers force to bloom out of season to sell for the holiday. According to the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, the leaves, and possibly the stems and flowers, are lethal to cats. Within one hour of eating the plant, a cat may begin to vomit. If your cat receives immediate treatment, he might recover; but without prompt veterinary care, your cat will develop kidney failure and die.