Common Plants and Flowers Harmful to Cats

1 Common Plants Harmful to Cats

Autumn Crocus

Causes intense burning in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, spasms, liver and kidney damage, arrhythmias, and can be fatal.

Tulip

The whole plant is toxic, the bulb most of all. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and heavy drooling, and in larger amounts poisoning.

Oleander

The whole plant is poisonous; causes heart abnormalities, muscle tremors, vomiting, spasms, diarrhea, or bloody stool.

Hydrangea

Eating the flower heads can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and weakness.

Wisteria

Seeds and pods are toxic; cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and collapse.

Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)

Contains saponins that irritate the gut; causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

English Ivy

Causes drooling, labored breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and muscle weakness.

Money Tree (Jade Plant)

Causes vomiting and diarrhea.

Kalanchoe (Mother of Thousands)

The whole plant is toxic; causes vomiting and diarrhea and sometimes irregular heartbeat.

Holly Shrub

Can cause digestive upset and depression of the nervous system.

Aloe Vera

Contains saponins and anthraquinones; causes vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea.

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena)

Contains saponins; causes vomiting, depression, and drooling.

Chrysanthemums and Related Plants

Daisies, chamomile, and dahlias contain pyrethrins and sesquiterpenes; cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of coordination.

These are common household plants that are toxic to cats. Check your home and remove them before getting a cat. Many other plants are also dangerous, so research before buying. If a cat eats a toxic plant, remove plant material from its mouth, induce vomiting if appropriate, and get to a vet immediately.

If you enjoy plants, grow some cat grass and offer it occasionally to help your cat pass hairballs.