Common Household Plants That Are Actually Poisonous to Cats

Many people think that because a plant is common in households, it must be safe for cats. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. There are many plants that are poisonous to cats and can cause serious health problems if ingested.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most common household plants that are poisonous to cats. As an initial advice, it’s best if you have access to essential vetcare supplies and some good knowledge of first aid, so you know what to do when something goes wrong.

Lilies

All parts of the lily plant are poisonous to cats, including the flowers, leaves and stem. The poison in lilies can cause kidney failure. If you suspect that your cat has ingested any part of a lily plant, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.

Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Both azaleas and rhododendrons contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even coma in cats. These plants should be kept away from cats at all times.

Dieffenbachia

Also known as dumb cane, dieffenbachia is a common houseplant that contains saponins. If a cat ingests this plant, it can experience swelling of the tongue and throat, difficulty breathing and vomiting.

Philodendron

Philodendrons contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause burning and irritation of the mouth and stomach, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if ingested by a cat.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a popular houseplant that is known for its healing properties. However, the sap of the aloe vera plant contains aloin, a compound that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.

Caladium

Caladium plants contain saponins that can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea in cats. If ingested in large quantities, caladium plants can also cause tremors and heart arrhythmias.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen is a popular flowering plant that contains saponins, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested by cats. In large quantities, cyclamen plants can also be toxic to the heart.

Daffodils

Daffodils are a common spring flower that contain lycorine, an alkaloid that can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and even liver damage in cats.

Ivy

Ivy is a common houseplant that contains triterpenoids saponins, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea in cats. If ingested in large quantities, Ivy can also be toxic to the heart.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in cats. In large quantities, chrysanthemums can also be toxic to the nervous system.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a popular tropical flower that can be poisonous to cats. The petals of the hibiscus plant contain saponins, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested.

Crocus

Crocus plants contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even seizures in cats. Like everything else on this list, these plants should be kept away from cats at all times.

If you are concerned that your cat may have ingested a poisonous plant, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. By being aware of which plants are poisonous to cats, you can help keep your cat safe and healthy.