Plant safety hub

Houseplants and garden plants toxic to cats 111

• Autumn Crocus Colchicum autumnaleDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSEVEREColchicine causes severe GI signs, multi-organ damage, can be fatal.
• Azalea Rhododendron spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICSEVEREGrayanotoxins affect heart and nervous system.
• Cardboard Palm Zamia furfuraceaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSEVEREClosely related to Sago Palm.
• Castor Bean Plant Ricinus communisDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSEVERESeeds contain ricin, among the most toxic plant compounds known.
• Daylily Hemerocallis spp.DogsSAFECatsTOXICDEADLY TO CATSDespite the different genus from true Lilium, daylilies carry the same acute-kidney-failure risk in cats.
• Easter Lily Lilium spp.DogsSAFECatsTOXICDEADLY TO CATSEvery part of the plant, including pollen and vase water, can cause acute kidney failure within 24-72 hours.
• English Yew Taxus baccataDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSEVERETaxine alkaloids can cause sudden death from acute heart failure with little warning, sometimes preceded by tremors, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and seizures.
• Foxglove Digitalis purpureaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSEVERECardiac glycosides.
• Lily of the Valley Convallaria majalisDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSEVERECardiac glycosides.
• Madagascar Periwinkle Catharanthus roseusDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSEVEREContains vinca alkaloids, the same class of compound used in chemotherapy drugs like vincristine.
• Milkweed Asclepias spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICSEVEREMany species contain cardenolide/bufadienolide cardiac glycosides that disrupt heart electrolyte balance (irregular heartbeat, tremors, seizures); other species carry neurotoxins instead.
• Oleander Nerium oleanderDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSEVERECardiac glycosides, all parts including dried leaves.
• Queen Sago Cycas circinalisDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSEVERELike all Cycas and Zamia species (including Sago Palm), contains cycasin and causes vomiting, liver failure, and death; up to 50% of ingestions are reported fatal.
• Sago Palm Cycas revolutaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSEVEREOne of the most dangerous common houseplants.
• Yellow Oleander Thevetia peruvianaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSEVERECardenolides (cardiac glycosides) throughout the plant, including the sap, disrupt heart rhythm and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dangerously slow heart rate.
• African Milk Tree Euphorbia trigonaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICIrritant milky sap: skin and GI irritation on contact/ingestion.
• Agave Agave americanaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSap is a mild-moderate skin and GI irritant: drooling, vomiting, possible dermatitis on contact.
• Alocasia Alocasia spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalates: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.
• Aloe Aloe veraDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSaponins and anthraquinones in the gel/latex layer (not the clear inner gel used topically): vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, change in urine color.
• Amaryllis Hippeastrum spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICLycorine and other alkaloids, concentrated in the bulb: vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, tremors.
• American Mistletoe Phoradendron leucarpumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICPhoratoxins and viscumin (lectins) cause vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and low heart rate; difficulty breathing is possible with large ingestions.
• Anthurium Anthurium andraeanumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalates: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, swelling of mouth/throat.
• Arrowhead Plant Syngonium podophyllumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalates: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.
• Asparagus Fern Asparagus setaceusDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSapogenin: GI upset with repeated exposure; berries can cause dermatitis on skin contact.
• Australian Umbrella Tree Schefflera actinophyllaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICCalcium oxalate crystals cause intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue, with drooling and difficulty swallowing.
• Begonia Begonia spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICTubers (underground parts) most toxic: soluble calcium oxalates cause intense burning, drooling, vomiting.
• Belladonna Lily Amaryllis belladonnaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSame alkaloid profile as Hippeastrum amaryllis, bulb most concentrated: vomiting, drooling, tremors.
• Bird of Paradise Strelitzia reginaeDogsTOXICCatsTOXICMild-moderate: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness.
• Boxwood Buxus sempervirensDogsTOXICCatsTOXICAlkaloids cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats; horses can see more severe colic, respiratory failure, or seizures.
• Buttercup Ranunculus spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICProtoanemonin, an irritant released when the plant is chewed or bruised, causes vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, oral ulcers, and a wobbly gait.
• Caladium Caladium bicolorDogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalates: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
• Calla Lily Zantedeschia aethiopicaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICNOT a true lily: insoluble calcium oxalates cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.
• Carnation Dianthus caryophyllusDogsTOXICCatsTOXICAn unidentified irritant causes mild GI upset (vomiting, diarrhea) and can also trigger mild skin dermatitis on contact.
• Catmint Nepeta catariaDogsSAFECatsTOXICASPCA rates catnip 'toxic to cats': nepetalactone can cause vomiting or diarrhea with large ingestions and triggers the well-known euphoric/sedative response, but this is not dangerous poisoning, and it's the same plant sold specifically as a cat treat.
• Chinese Evergreen Aglaonema commutatumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalates: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.
• Chives Allium schoenoprasumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICN-propyl disulfide damages red blood cells, causing hemolytic (Heinz body) anemia: watch for vomiting, weakness, blood-tinged urine, and a racing heart.
• Christmas Rose Helleborus nigerDogsTOXICCatsTOXICCardiac glycosides (bufadienolides) plus saponins and protoanemonin cause drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, and depression, with cardiovascular disturbance possible in larger ingestions.
• Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICPyrethrins: GI upset, drooling, incoordination, possible dermatitis.
• Clematis Clematis spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICContains the same irritant glycoside as buttercups (protoanemonin), causing salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea when chewed or bruised.
• Coral Cactus Euphorbia lacteaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICIrritant milky sap, same Euphorbia profile: skin/eye irritation, GI upset if ingested.
• Corn Plant Dracaena fragransDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSaponins: vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils in cats.
• Creeping Fig Ficus pumilaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSame irritant Ficus sap profile: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, possible dermatitis on contact.
• Croton Codiaeum variegatumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICDiterpenes and irritant sap: mild mouth and stomach irritation: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea; skin irritation on contact.
• Crown of Thorns Euphorbia miliiDogsTOXICCatsTOXICIrritant milky sap: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, skin/eye irritation on contact.
• Cyclamen Cyclamen persicumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICRoots/tubers most toxic.
• Daffodil Narcissus spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICBulb most toxic (lycorine): vomiting, diarrhea, drooling; large ingestion can cause cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors.
• Desert Rose Adenium obesumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICCardiac glycosides related to Oleander family: vomiting, potential heart rhythm effects with significant ingestion.
• Dragon Tree Dracaena marginataDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSaponins, same profile as other Dracaena species.
• Dumb Cane Dieffenbachia seguineDogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalates: intense oral burning, drooling, vomiting, can swell airway if large amount chewed.
• Elephant Ear (Colocasia) Colocasia esculentaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalates: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.
• English Holly Ilex aquifoliumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSaponins in the leaves and berries cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression; the spiny leaves add mechanical mouth/GI irritation risk.
• English Ivy Hedera helixDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSaponins: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling.
• Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulusDogsTOXICCatsTOXICEucalyptol in the essential oils causes salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and weakness.
• Fiddle Leaf Fig Ficus lyrataDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSame Ficus sap irritant profile: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis.
• Foxtail Fern Asparagus densiflorusDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSame sapogenin profile as Asparagus Fern (A.
• Gardenia Gardenia jasminoidesDogsTOXICCatsTOXICGenioposide and gardenoside cause mild vomiting and/or diarrhea, sometimes with hives.
• Geranium Pelargonium spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICGeraniol and linalool: mild-moderate GI upset, possible skin irritation/dermatitis.
• Giant White Bird of Paradise Strelitzia nicolaiDogsTOXICCatsTOXICGI irritants (mainly concentrated in the fruit and seeds) cause mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness; ASPCA's direct verdict covers the closely related Strelitzia reginae, and the same profile is expected across the genus.
• Ginseng Ficus Ficus microcarpaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSame Ficus sap-irritant profile as Weeping Fig/Rubber Plant: proteolytic enzymes and psoralens irritate skin and GI tissue on contact or ingestion.
• Gladiolus Gladiolus spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICToxic principle is unknown, but ingestion causes salivation, vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea.
• Heartleaf Philodendron Philodendron hederaceumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalates: oral pain, drooling, vomiting, swelling.
• Heavenly Bamboo Nandina domesticaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICCyanogenic glycosides release cyanide when the plant is chewed, potentially causing weakness, incoordination, seizures, and (rarely in pets) respiratory failure or death.
• Hosta Hosta spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICSaponins cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
• Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalisDogsTOXICCatsTOXICBulb most toxic: intense GI upset, drooling, tremors with large ingestion.
• Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophyllaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICAll parts contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release small amounts of cyanide when chewed, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
• Iris Iris spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICRhizome (underground stem) most toxic: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy.
• Jade Plant Crassula ovataDogsTOXICCatsTOXICExact toxic principle unknown; causes vomiting, incoordination, and in dogs occasionally a slowed heart rate.
• Kaffir Lily Clivia miniataDogsTOXICCatsTOXICLycorine and other alkaloids, concentrated in the bulb, cause vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea; large ingestions can bring on convulsions, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias.
• Kalanchoe Kalanchoe blossfeldianaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICCardiac glycosides: GI upset common; in larger ingestions can affect heart rhythm.
• Lantana Lantana camaraDogsTOXICCatsTOXICUnripe berries most concentrated: GI upset, photosensitivity (skin/light sensitivity), can affect liver with large ingestion.
• Larkspur Delphinium spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICDiterpene alkaloids, highest in new growth and seeds, cause neuromuscular paralysis: drooling, muscle tremors, weakness, and in severe cases cardiac or respiratory failure.
• Lavender Lavandula angustifoliaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICLinalool and linalyl acetate cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
• Lemon Citrus limonDogsTOXICCatsTOXICEssential oils and psoralens in the peel, leaves, and stems cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and potential skin irritation (dermatitis) on contact.
• Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratusDogsTOXICCatsTOXICEssential oils and cyanogenic glycosides cause stomach upset from ordinary ingestion.
• Monstera Monstera deliciosaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalates: intense oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
• Morning Glory Ipomoea purpureaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSeeds contain indole alkaloids (including lysergic-acid derivatives) that cause vomiting; eating a large quantity of seeds can cause hallucinations and agitation.
• Mother of Millions Kalanchoe daigremontianaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICBufadienolide cardiac glycosides, more concentrated than in common Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, typically cause vomiting and diarrhea, and rarely an abnormal heart rhythm with larger ingestions.
• Mountain Laurel Kalmia latifoliaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICGrayanotoxins throughout the plant (same family as azalea/rhododendron) disrupt nerve and muscle sodium channels, causing drooling, vomiting, weakness, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias.
• Norfolk Island Pine Araucaria heterophyllaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICMild GI upset typically: vomiting; needles can also cause mechanical GI irritation if swallowed.
• Oregano Origanum vulgareDogsTOXICCatsTOXICGastrointestinal irritants cause mild vomiting and diarrhea.
• Panda Plant Kalanchoe tomentosaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSame Kalanchoe cardiac-glycoside profile as blossfeldiana: vomiting, diarrhea, and rarely abnormal heart rhythm with larger ingestions.
• Parsley Petroselinum crispumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICFuranocoumarins can cause photosensitization (sunburn-like skin reaction) in large amounts: a garnish-sized nibble is not a concern.
• Peace Lily Spathiphyllum spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICNOT a true lily: insoluble calcium oxalates cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.
• Pencil Cactus Euphorbia tirucalliDogsTOXICCatsTOXICIrritant milky sap, more caustic than most Euphorbia: can cause significant skin/eye burns and GI irritation.
• Peony Paeonia lactifloraDogsTOXICCatsTOXICPaeonol (concentrated in bark/root, present throughout the plant) causes vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
• Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrimaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICMilder than reputation suggests: sap causes mouth/stomach irritation, drooling, vomiting.
• Pothos Epipremnum aureumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing on chewing/ingestion.
• Privet Ligustrum vulgareDogsTOXICCatsTOXICTerpenoid glycosides throughout the plant most commonly cause GI upset (vomiting, diarrhea); larger ingestions can bring on incoordination, irregular heart rhythm, and rarely death.
• Purple Heart Tradescantia pallidaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSame Tradescantia sap-irritant profile: mild dermatitis and GI upset.
• Purple Shamrock Oxalis triangularisDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSoluble calcium oxalates cause drooling and tremors, and: while rare: can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats with large ingestions.
• Red Bird of Paradise Caesalpinia gilliesiiDogsTOXICCatsTOXICLikely hydrocyanic acid, concentrated in the seed pods, causes intense oral burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty swallowing.
• Rhubarb Rheum rhabarbarumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSoluble calcium oxalates, concentrated in the leaves and roots, cause drooling and vomiting and can progress to kidney failure and tremors in significant ingestions.
• Rubber Plant Ficus elasticaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSap is a skin/GI irritant: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, possible dermatitis on contact.
• Satin Pothos Scindapsus pictusDogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause oral pain, drooling, and vomiting on contact: same mechanism as true Pothos and Philodendron.
• Snake Plant Dracaena trifasciataDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSaponins: mild-moderate vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
• Song of India Dracaena reflexaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSaponins, same profile as other Dracaena species.
• Spearmint Mentha spicataDogsTOXICCatsTOXICEssential oils can cause vomiting and diarrhea with large ingestions, but a nibble of the live plant is rarely a concern: concentrated mint oil products are the bigger risk than the garden herb itself.
• Split-Leaf Philodendron Philodendron bipinnatifidumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalates: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.
• String of Bananas Senecio radicansDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSame Senecio toxic profile as String of Pearls: mild-moderate GI upset.
• String of Pearls Senecio rowleyanusDogsTOXICCatsTOXICMild-moderate GI upset (vomiting, drooling, diarrhea).
• Swiss Cheese Vine Monstera adansoniiDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSame calcium oxalate profile as Monstera deliciosa.
• Ti Plant Cordyline fruticosaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICFructosans: vomiting (sometimes with blood in cats), depression, hypersalivation, dilated pupils in cats.
• Tomato Plant (leaves/stems/unripe fruit) Solanum lycopersicumDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSolanine in green parts and unripe fruit: mild GI upset typically; ripe tomato fruit itself is fine.
• Tulip Tulipa spp.DogsTOXICCatsTOXICBulb most concentrated with toxins (allergenic lactones): intense GI upset, drooling; large bulb ingestion can affect heart rate and breathing.
• Umbrella Plant Schefflera arboricolaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalates: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
• Wandering Jew Tradescantia zebrinaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSap can cause skin dermatitis on contact; ingestion causes mild GI upset and drooling.
• Weeping Fig Ficus benjaminaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSap is a skin/GI irritant: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, possible dermatitis on contact.
• Wisteria Wisteria sinensisDogsTOXICCatsTOXICLectins and the glycoside wisterin cause vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, and depression.
• Xanadu Philodendron Philodendron xanaduDogsTOXICCatsTOXICInsoluble calcium oxalates: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.
• Yucca Yucca giganteaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICSaponins: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, depression with large ingestion.
• ZZ Plant Zamioculcas zamiifoliaDogsTOXICCatsTOXICCalcium oxalates: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.

Frequently asked questions

Which plants are toxic to cats?

111 plants in Plant Doctor's list are classified toxic to cats, including Pothos, Snake Plant, Aloe, and Jade Plant. The full list is on this page.

Which plants are most dangerous to cats?

Plant Doctor's data flags 15 of them as SEVERE or DEADLY TO CATS: Autumn Crocus, Azalea, Cardboard Palm, Castor Bean Plant, Daylily, Easter Lily, English Yew, Foxglove, Lily of the Valley, Madagascar Periwinkle, Milkweed, Oleander, Queen Sago, Sago Palm, and Yellow Oleander.

Are there plants that are toxic to cats but not dogs?

Yes. In Plant Doctor's list, Catmint, Daylily, and Easter Lily are classified toxic to cats but not to dogs.

What should I do if my cat ate a toxic plant?

Move the plant out of reach, offer water if your pet is alert, and call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435, especially with drooling, vomiting, swelling, or lethargy.

Is a plant that is not on this list safe for cats?

Not automatically. Plant Doctor's list is not exhaustive and is conservative by design: a plant that is not on it is unverified, never assumed safe. Check with your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435).