Toxic Plants for Cats: How to Keep Your Feline Friend Safe
Photo: Photo by Konstantinos Ntinos on Unsplash Images
Copyright: sipa USA
A Warning for Cat Parents: Beware of Toxic Plants and Flowers
Bringing fresh flowers and plants into your home can brighten up your space, but if you have cats, you need to be extra cautious. Many common houseplants and flowers are highly toxic to cats and can lead to severe health complications—even death.
Here’s a firsthand experience that serves as a cautionary tale for all cat parents.
A Close Call: R2’s Story
A friend stopped by my new house with a beautiful bouquet as a housewarming gift. I knew some flowers were toxic to cats, but I didn’t want to seem ungrateful. So, I placed the bouquet high on a bookshelf, convinced my 10-month-old kitten, R2, wouldn’t be able to reach it.
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of R2 vomiting. Initially, I didn’t think much of it—cats throw up sometimes. But later that day, I discovered that the bouquet had been disturbed, with petals and leaves scattered all over the floor.
Emergency Vet Visit: A Shocking Revelation
Panicked, I called SAGE Veterinary Centers, who advised me to bring R2 in immediately. When I arrived, they asked if I had called ASPCA Poison Control. I hadn’t—I didn’t realize how serious the situation was.
After showing the veterinary team a picture of the bouquet, we identified that R2 had nibbled on chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, and goldenrod. These plants might cause an upset stomach, but they aren’t usually fatal. However, there was a far more dangerous culprit in the bouquet—lilies. Even a small amount of lily pollen, a petal, or water from the vase could cause acute kidney failure in cats.
Know Which Plants Are Toxic to Pets
Many common houseplants and flowers are poisonous to dogs and cats. Before bringing new plants into your home, always check if they are pet-safe. Some of the most toxic plants include:
Lilies (Lilium & Hemerocallis species) – Extremely toxic to cats; even small ingestions can cause kidney failure.
Chrysanthemums – Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation in pets.
Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) – While less toxic, ingestion can still cause stomach upset.
Tulips and Daffodils – Can lead to drooling, stomach pain, and increased heart rate in pets.
Aloe Vera – While great for human skincare, it’s toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
For a full list of pet-toxic and pet-safe plants, refer to the ASPCA’s Toxic Plant List.
Treatment and Recovery
Dr. Dane at SAGE Veterinary Centers outlined the treatment options:
Aggressive Treatment: Hospitalization for three days with IV fluids to flush the kidneys.
Moderate Treatment: Administering subcutaneous fluids at home and daily kidney function tests.
Minimal Treatment: Monitoring R2 at home and hoping for the best.
Given the high risk, I opted for the most aggressive treatment. Thankfully, we had pet insurance, which eased the financial burden.
After an agonizing 72 hours, R2 was cleared to go home. Thanks to the quick intervention of SAGE Veterinary Centers, he made a full recovery.
How to Keep Your Cat Safe from Toxic Plants
Remove all toxic plants from your home or place them in an area completely inaccessible to your cat.
If your cat goes outdoors, ensure your garden does not contain toxic plants.
Create a safe alternative by offering cat-friendly plants like:
Oat grass
Catnip
Alfalfa
Wheatgrass
Monitor your cat for symptoms of poisoning, including:
Vomiting (especially with leaves or plant material)
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Muscle weakness
Abdominal pain
Difficulty breathing
Tremors or convulsions
What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Toxic Plant
Identify the plant and estimate how much was consumed.
Call your veterinarian immediately.
Contact ASPCA Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435.
Follow your vet’s instructions and bring your cat, along with plant samples, to the clinic.
Act fast—early treatment can save your cat’s life.
Final Thoughts
R2’s story has a happy ending, but not all cats are as lucky. Being informed and acting quickly can mean the difference between life and death. If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant, don’t wait—seek veterinary help immediately.
For more pet safety tips, visit SAGE Compassion for Animals.
Written By: Katrina Warburton
