March 14, 2024
      1 Comment
      Alicia Walton

Bringing the beauty of nature into our homes is a common practice, but it’s essential to be mindful of the plants and flowers we choose, especially when living with cats. Some seemingly harmless flora can pose serious risks to our feline companions. In this guide, we’ll explore an extensive list of both dangerous and safe plants to help you create a secure environment for your beloved pets.

Dangerous Plants for Cats:

  1. Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis):
    • All parts of lilies can cause severe kidney damage when ingested by cats.
  2. Azaleas and Rhododendrons:
    • Contains toxins leading to vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and potential heart failure.
  3. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane):
    • Oxalate crystals cause intense burning and swelling of the mouth.
  4. Philodendron:
    • Contains calcium oxalate crystals, leading to mouth and throat irritation.
  5. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy):
    • Causes vomiting, swelling, and breathing difficulties due to calcium oxalate.
  6. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta):
    • All parts are toxic, potentially causing liver failure and death.
  7. Oleander:
    • Highly toxic, leading to severe gastrointestinal issues, heart abnormalities, and death.
  8. Autumn Crocus:
    • Contains colchicine, causing severe gastrointestinal and kidney problems.
  9. Cyclamen:
    • Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, heart irregularities, and even death.
  10. English Ivy (Hedera helix):
    • Causes vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, and diarrhea.
  11. Amaryllis:
    • Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tremors.
  12. Chrysanthemum:
    • Contains pyrethrins, causing drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  13. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum):
    • Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
  14. Snake Plant (Sansevieria):
    • Contains saponins, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  15. Tulip and Narcissus bulbs:
    • Ingestion can cause intense gastrointestinal discomfort, drooling, and convulsions

Safe Plants for Cats:

  1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum):
    • Non-toxic and safe for cats.
  2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens):
    • Also known as the Butterfly Palm, non-toxic to cats.
  3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata):
    • Safe and helps improve indoor air quality.
  4. African Violet (Saintpaulia):
    • Non-toxic and adds colorful blooms without harm.
  5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii):
    • Safe for cats and thrives indoors.
  6. Catnip (Nepeta cataria):
    • Completely safe and enjoyable for cats.
  7. Blue Echeveria (Echeveria glauca):
    • Non-toxic succulent option.
  8. Calathea (Prayer Plant):
    • Safe and visually appealing.
  9. Dill (Anethum graveolens):
    • Herb safe for cats and humans alike.
  10. Marigold (Tagetes):
    • Non-toxic with vibrant blooms.

Creating a cat-friendly home involves choosing plants wisely. Be vigilant, and if you suspect your cat has ingested any toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prevention is key, so opt for safe plant alternatives to ensure a harmonious and secure environment for your feline companions.

In case of emergencies, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.
Go to https://www.aspca.org/ to learn more about the ASPCA Poison control center for animals.

Keep your home green, safe, and purr-fect for your furry friends!