Have you ever wondered if any of your houseplants are unsafe for your favorite felines? Thinking of shopping around for new plants to spice up your living space? Below are two lists of common houseplants that are safe, as well as those that are toxic, to cats. Please note: these lists are not exhaustive, and there are many other plants that are safe and unsafe for cats. If you are ever concerned that your cat has consumed a potentially toxic plant, contact a veterinarian or the pet poison hotline (855-764-7661) immediately. The pet poison helpline website is: https://petpoisonhelpline.com
Safe, harmless plants:
- Calatheas/prayer plants: A tropical looking, non-toxic and very easy plant to care for
- Spider plants: a low maintenance and non-toxic alternative to snake plants
- African Violets: a pretty flowering houseplant that is safe for pets
- Orchids (Orchidaceae family) these are beautiful and harmless alternative to lilies
- Sword fern/Boston fern: a large and fluffy houseplant that is safe if accidentally consumed by our feline friends
- Rosemary, parsley, basil or dill: These cooking herbs are safe for cats should you wish to grow them in your garden or kitchen
- Oat, wheat, barley, alfalfa, and rye grass: These grasses are safe for cats to nibble on and are a common component of “cat grass”
Unsafe, harmful plants:
- Lilies (Lilium, Hemerocallis spp.): These are the MOST dangerous plants for cats. It causes rapid, life threatening kidney damage.
- Philodendron: Causes severe irritation and inflammation of the mouth, throat, stomach, and even the windpipe
- Jade: Causes depression, weakness, vomiting, and incoordination
- Snake plants: Causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration
- Rhododendron: Causes drooling, loss of appetite, stomach upset, weakness, incoordination, and weak heart rate
- Lily of the Valley: Causes the heart to beat irregularly and possibly stop
- Aloe Vera: Causes vomiting, diarrhea, severe dehydration, lethargy, depression, loss of appetite, tremors, and change in urine colour
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