Flowers and plants
Cats love exploring plants, but some are toxic and life-threatening. This guide will help you choose safe plants and protect your pet.
1List of dangerous flowers
Caution
Lilies and daylilies — especially dangerous, can cause severe kidney damage.
Dieffenbachia — irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat.
Philodendron — irritation of mucous membranes, drooling, difficulty swallowing.
Monstera — contains insoluble calcium oxalates, causes burning and swelling in the mouth.
Caladium — mouth irritation, swelling of the tongue and lips.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) — irritation of mucous membranes and drooling.
Snake plant (Sansevieria) — can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Ivy — possible vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Sago palm (Cycas) — extremely toxic, can cause severe liver damage.
Azalea and rhododendron — vomiting, weakness, heart rhythm disturbances.
Oleander — highly toxic, capable of causing severe heart problems.
Tulips — the bulbs are especially dangerous, causing vomiting and GI irritation.
Daffodils — the bulbs are toxic, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms.
Hyacinths — the bulbs cause GI irritation.
Chrysanthemums — drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination.
Kalanchoe — toxic to heart function.
Aloe vera — vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
2Prevention
Tip
Prevention is the key to safety. If you're not sure whether a plant is safe for your cat, it's best to place it somewhere your pet can't reach. When in doubt, choose a different plant.
3What to do in case of poisoning
1. Don't panic, and isolate the cat — remove any remaining plant from its mouth if possible, and don't let it eat anything else.
2. Take a photo of the plant — the vet needs to know exactly which toxin caused the poisoning in order to choose the right antidote.
3. Go to the clinic immediately — don't try to induce vomiting yourself without a vet's instruction. Every minute can count.
More in this section
The information in this app comes from open sources and the experience of cat owners. It does not replace a consultation or an examination by a vet. Decisions about your pet's health and care are the owner's to make — if in any doubt, contact a vet.