Most Common Poisonous Plants for Cats

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All the cat’s parents should know that some plants and weeds are dangerous for their feline-friendly companion. So they should take their cats away from those dangerous plants in their yard or their garden to keep them healthy and alive.

The toxicity in the various types of plants depends upon the poisonous types of components present in the plants. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reported that in 2021, nearly 10 percent of all calls were related to pets ingesting plants toxic to them, making it fifth on their list of the top 10 pet toxins.

For the indoor plants, as you know cats are the best climbers, and they love to do various types of adventure in their life so they could also ingest your indoor plants. So you should keep your indoor plants out of your paw’s reach.

If you are wondering, which plants are poisonous to cats? Or those that are safe? Then don’t worry, this post is all about you. In this article, we will explore which plants are dangerous for our affectionate companions.

Cats and the poisonous plants and flower

Many plants are dangerous to the cat’s life, but the most dangerous plant is the lily. One thing that should always be remembered is that both indoor and outdoor plants can be harmful to cats.

Will cats eat poisonous plants?

It depends. For most cats, their instinct will be to sniff first and if it smells odd, avoid altogether. So thankfully, poisoning via plants tends to be quite rare.

But cats like to eat grass. When a cat does become unwell, it is usually because something has brushed on their fur or paws, which they have then ingested while grooming. 

What are the signs of plant poisoning in my cat?

If you think your cat has been poisoned, contact your vet immediately. Don’t wait for signs of illness to develop.

What are the signs of plant poisoning in my cat?

Signs of plant poisoning in my cat include:

  • salivation
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • twitching
  • fitting
  • breathing difficulties
  • shock
  • collapse
  • coma

Common houseplants poisonous to cats

You should take special heed when you are buying home plants because some plants like aloe vera, ficus, and cheese plants are not good for your feline-friendly companion.

Seasonal plants like mistletoe and poinsettia should be avoided. Cycads are lethal so do not have these either indoors or outdoors. There are many options by which you can enjoy greenery in your home without any harm to your cat. 

Common houseplants safe for cats

Looking for complete greenery for your home? Then don’t worry, we have a complete list of the common household plants that are safe for your loyal companion and feline-friendly cat.

  • Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera, Easter cactus, November cactus)
  • Maidenhair fern (Adiantum)
  • Orchids
  • Peperomia
  • Prayer plants (such as Calathea orbifolia or Maranta leuconeura)
  • Parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
  • Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
  • Sword fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
  • String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

Which flowers are toxic to cats?

Various flower varieties are hazardous to your cat. Common blooms like peonies, daffodils, and tulips can be harmful if they eat them, and lilies should always be avoided.

How to make a cat-safe bouquet?

If you’re looking to put together a bunch of flowers for your home, or for someone you love, you might be wondering which flowers are cat-safe. Thankfully, there are lots of beautiful, pet-friendly petals you can use, including freesias, roses, and snapdragons.

Most toxic plants for cats

Although there is a too long list of plants that are dangerous and toxic for cats the most toxic plants for cats include:

  • Lilies
  • Sago’s palms
  • Azaleas & Rhododendrons
  • Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
  • Cannabis

Is fresh-cut flower food harmful to cats?

However, flower foods contain things like citric acid and sugar along with a very small concentration of bleach which is used to reduce bacterial growth in organisms. They are not so much toxic but they can cause gastrointestinal disorders if they are ingested.

If you’re concerned about your cat drinking the water out of a vase (and you can’t keep your vase out of reach), it is best to avoid it altogether.

Are Daffodils poisonous to cats?

The short answer is yes. The whole plant is toxic for your cat, especially the bulb.

Are Daffodils poisonous to cats?

As a part of the Amaryllidaceae family, daffodils are poisonous to cats, though rarely fatal. If your cat ingests any part of the plant, they can experience some level of toxicity.

Though some plants are non-toxic to cats, daffodils are not one of them, so make sure to call and consult your vet if you suspect this has happened. 

Why are lilies so dangerous for cats?

All parts of the lily plant are toxic, including petals, stems, leaves, and pollen. Note that, even the water in a vase of cut lilies is thought to be toxic, and the pollen can fall onto the cat’s hair and be ingested via grooming.

lilies

Ingesting even just small amounts can cause rapidly fatal kidney failure (generally within 12 to 72 hours of ingestion). Unfortunately, several types of lilies are poisonous to cats, including Easter Lily, Tiger Lily, and other members of the lily family.

If you suspect your cat may have ingested any part of the lily plant, please seek advice from your vet immediately.

Common outdoor plants that are safe for your cat

Take a look at the list given below of some safe outdoor plants that will enhance your stay with your cat in a garden and make your outdoor environment beautiful.

  • Buddleia (Buddleja, Butterfly bush)
  • Gerbera (Gerbera daisy)
  • Hollyhock
  • Nasturtium (Tropaeolum)
  • Nemesia
  • Petunias (Calibrachoa, Million bells)
  • Roses
  • Sunflowers (Helianthus)
  • Zinnia 

How to keep your cat safe from dangerous plants and flowers indoors

The home is a confined space, so a bored or curious cat has a greater chance of damaging an indoor plant or cut flower display.

To keep your cat safe indoors:

  • Familiarize yourself with houseplants poisonous to cats and avoid having these in your home altogether.
  • embrace environmental enrichment, such as hiding places and high-up places 
  • Provide cat grass for your cat to chew on

How do I make my garden cat-friendly?

To keep your cat away from dangerous plants to keep his health maintained, you should follow the tips that are given below:

1. Beware of plants that are dangerous for cats

2. Escort your cat

3. Create hiding places

4. Make the garden safe for other animals too

5. keep bulbs such as tulips and daffodils out of reach

6. plant cat grass and catnip to distract your cat from other plants  

7. Provide safe water sources

Conclusion

In conclusion, I will say that several plants are dangerous for cats, but lilies are toxic to the cat’s health. So you should keep your cat away from the yards or gardens in which you have poisonous plants like autumn crocus, Soga palms, Azaleas and rhododendrons, and Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane).

You should seek the vet’s advice if your cat ingests that type of food for their health.

Leave any comments about this article. Do you also have a cat? Does your cat also eat poisonous plants?


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