Most Common Toxic Plants for Cats

Houseplants can highly enhance the visual decor in hour home while also purifying the air, among other several benefits. Some common houseplants, unfortunately, may be toxic to your cats and can cause serious health complications or even death. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to learn which are the most common toxic plants for cats, so read this article to find out more.

Why do cats enjoy eating plants?

Cats love eating plants for one main reason: because they resemble and smell like grass. This is due to the natural instinct of the cats that causes them to eat these plants in order to get rid of ingested hair or other dangerous substances that cause a discomfort to their stomach. Clinical signs of may range from excessive salivation to severe gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, nerve disorders or kidney failure.

You will be surprised to find out that the most common toxic plants for cats are the ones found indoors and many of them can be toxic even if swallowed in small quantities. That’s why it’s better to always try to limit the access of cats or dogs to indoor plants, or even avoid adding these plants in the rooms that pets have access to.

How do I know if my cat ate a toxic plant?

cat eating plant

The first symptoms of poisoning in cats are: excessive salivation, pupil dilatation, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperexcitability, etc. Often, the poisoning can affect the internal organs, especially the kidneys. Currently, there are over 700 different species of plants that are considered to be toxic.

Other signs to look for are lack of appetite, lack of energy (apathy, lethargy), pupil dilation, or seizures. If you notice any of these signs or a change in your cat’s behaviour you need to seek advice from a veterinary immediately. Call and tell your doctor about what happened and try to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

The treatment is complex, consisting of special medication that will help get rid of ingested toxins, activated charcoal for the absorption of toxins in the body, and vitamins to support vital body functions.

What are the most common toxic plants for cats?

cat indoor plant
  • Aloe vera: dangerous for cats and dogs, if it is eaten, the cat can have the following symptoms – vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, depression.
  • Azalea: dangerous for cats, but also for dogs. Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, cardiac arrest. You have to pay attention to this plant because it can cause death in some cases.
  • Begonia: A dangerous plant for cats and dogs. Signs of poisoning are: vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty in swallowing.
  • Cactus: produces irritation in the mouth and stomach, vomiting. Dangerous for dogs and cats.
  • Lily: Any type of lily is toxic, even deadly for cats. If the cat has eaten a lily leaf, the following symptoms will be visible: vomiting, lack of appetite, depression, renal failure.
lily houseplant
  • Chrysanthemum: Symptoms are: vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, dermatitis.
  • Ficus: Toxic for cats and dogs. Symptoms are: irritations in the mouth and skin, vomiting, salivation.
  • Vine : It can present the following symptoms will be observed: vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, diarrhea. The most toxic are the leaves.
  • Tulips: Signs of tulip poisoning are vomiting, depression, diarrhea and hypersalivation. Bulbs are the most dangerous.
  • Parsley: signs of poisoning are characterized by sensitivity to light and eye irritation.

Now that you have found out more about the most common toxic plants for cats, it will be easier when buying the next houseplant. Remember, home decor is not always important, especially if you have an adventurous cat that has a thing for plants.


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