Dangerous Houseplants for Cats

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Aloe vera is a popular plant known for its soothing gel and medicinal uses in humans—but it’s toxic to cats.

While the clear inner gel is generally considered less harmful, the latex (the yellowish sap just beneath the leaf skin) contains compounds called saponins and anthraquinones, which are toxic to cats. Ingestion can lead to:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors (in severe cases)

To keep your cat safe, avoid having aloe vera plants within their reach, and never apply aloe products to your cat’s skin unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.

The autumn crocus  (Colchicum autumnale), also known as meadow saffron or naked lady, is a common The autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), also called meadow saffron or naked lady, is a popular fall-blooming ornamental plant.

Although it’s toxic to dogs and horses, it’s especially dangerous for cats due to a compound called colchicine—an alkaloid that interferes with cell division. Every part of the plant is highly poisonous.

If a cat ingests autumn crocus, it may show symptoms such as:

• Drooling, vomiting, or bloody diarrhea
• Trouble breathing
• Seizures
• Damage to the liver and kidneys
• In severe cases, death

Signs of poisoning may appear soon after ingestion, but sometimes they take several days to develop.

Azaleas and rhododendrons belong to a large plant family with over 1,000 species, and their level of toxicity ranges from moderate to severe, according to the Pet Poison Helpline®.

These plants contain grayanotoxins, a type of neurotoxin that interferes with sodium channels in the body. This disruption affects muscles throughout the body—including the heart. Every part of the plant is poisonous, and even a small amount can cause serious harm to cats.

Signs of azalea or rhododendron poisoning in cats may include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
• Weakness or lethargy
• Tremors
• Temporary blindness
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

If you have these plants in your garden, keep your cat away from them. Avoid bringing cut flowers or trimmings indoors as well.

Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.), often called “mums,” are part of the Compositae plant family and include around 40 different species.

Both the leaves and flowers of chrysanthemums contain several compounds that can be harmful to cats, such as:

• Sesquiterpenes – Naturally occurring chemicals that give plants their scent but can trigger toxicity or allergic reactions in cats
• Lactones – Byproducts of sesquiterpenes that also contribute to toxicity
• Pyrethrins – Natural insect-repelling compounds sometimes used in flea and tick treatments, which are toxic to cats

Even small amounts of these substances can lead to symptoms such as:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Drooling
• Wobbly movement or unsteadiness
• Skin irritation

While mums are generally considered mildly toxic, it’s still important to contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 if your cat eats any part of the plant.

To keep your cat safe, avoid having chrysanthemums in your home or garden.

Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.), also known as Persian violet or sowbread, is a genus of over 20 species of perennial flowering plants, commonly kept as houseplants.

The entire plant contains toxic compounds known as saponins, but the highest concentration is found in the tubers and roots, making them especially dangerous.

If a cat ingests a small amount of cyclamen, symptoms may include:

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

However, consuming larger amounts can lead to more severe reactions, such as:

• Irregular or abnormal heart rhythm
• Seizures
• Death

To keep your cat safe, it’s best to avoid having cyclamen plants in your home

Plants in the Narcissus genus—including daffodils, jonquils, and paperwhites—are spring-blooming perennials that are toxic to cats.

All parts of these plants contain lycorine, a poisonous compound, but the bulbs are the most concentrated and dangerous.

Ingesting lycorine can cause:

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

In more serious cases, cats may also experience:

• Irregular heart rhythms
• Severely low blood pressure
• Breathing problems
• Convulsions

To protect your cat, avoid keeping daffodils or related plants indoors, and don’t plant them in areas your cat can access. If you garden with daffodils, store bulbs securely and out of reach.

English ivy (Hedera spp.) is a fast-growing, invasive flowering perennial also known as common ivy, European ivy, glacier ivy, or sweetheart ivy.

Both the leaves and berries are mildly toxic to cats and contain harmful compounds called pentacyclic terpenoids. These toxins can cause:

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

In most cases, symptoms are mild and pass quickly without veterinary care. However, if your cat experiences ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian.

Hyacinths belong to the same plant family as tulips (Liliaceae).

While all parts of the plant are toxic to cats, the toxins, which are allergenic lactones or alkaloids, are very concentrated in the bulb, the underground stem from which the plant grows.

Chewing on the bulb can cause irritation in your cat’s mouth and esophagus and potentially induce an allergic reaction, which can cause the following clinical signs:

• Drooling
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stumbling or uncoordinated walking
• Hives
• Facial swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid breathing
• Increased heart rate

If you think your cat has ingested hyacinth, call the Pet Poison Helpline or your local emergency veterinarian for guidance on what to do next.

The jade plant (Crassula ovata), also known as the dwarf rubber plant or friendship plant, is a hardy succulent popular for its low maintenance. However, it is mildly toxic to cats.

If a cat chews on any part of the plant, symptoms may include:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Unsteady movement

These signs are usually mild and may resolve without treatment. However, if your cat doesn’t improve, contact your veterinarian.

While some pet owners safely keep jade plants out of reach, it’s best to avoid them altogether if your cat tends to chew on greenery. Choosing a non-toxic alternative is the safest option.

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.) is a popular flowering houseplant, also known by names like mother-in-law plant, devil’s backbone, mother of millions, and chandelier plant.

All parts of the plant contain toxic compounds called bufadienolides—a type of steroid—that primarily cause gastrointestinal issues in cats, such as:

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

In rare cases, if a cat ingests a large amount, more serious symptoms may occur, including:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Collapse
• Seizures

To keep your cat safe, it’s best to avoid having kalanchoe in your home.

Lilies are extremely toxic to cats—potentially deadly, even in small amounts.

While many plants include “lily” in their name, the most dangerous types for cats include Asiatic lilies, Easter lilies, Japanese show lilies, rubrum lilies, stargazer lilies, red lilies, tiger lilies, Western lilies, wood lilies, and daylilies.

“Easter lilies are especially hazardous to cats. Ingesting any part of the plant—or even just the pollen—can lead to kidney failure,” warns Dr. Tina Wismer, Senior Director of Toxicology at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

A cat can suffer fatal poisoning from licking a small amount of pollen, drinking water from a vase that held lilies, or chewing on just one or two petals or leaves.

If you suspect your cat has had any contact with a lily, seek veterinary care or call poison control immediately. Acting quickly can save your cat’s life.

Dr. Wismer strongly advises: Never keep lilies in your home—the risk is simply too great.

Monstera, also known as the split-leaf philodendron or Swiss cheese plant, is a trendy and popular houseplant with over 50 species. However, it’s not safe for homes with cats.

All parts of the monstera contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate a cat’s mouth and digestive system. Symptoms of ingestion may include:

• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth
• Oral pain
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

In rare cases, swelling of the upper airway can lead to breathing difficulties.

Because of the risk of serious complications, seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your cat eats any part of a monstera plant.

Oleander (Nerium oleander), also known as white oleander or rosebay, is a common outdoor flowering shrub in warm climates—but it’s highly toxic to cats.

The plant contains cardiac glycosides, toxins that can severely affect the heart.

Symptoms of oleander poisoning in cats may include:

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of coordination
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Life-threatening heart irregularities

Every part of the plant is toxic, including the water from a vase containing oleander flowers. To keep your cat safe, avoid having this plant anywhere your pet could access it.

Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), also known as Madagascar periwinkle or vinca, is a flowering plant often found in gardens and as ground cover. While admired for its beauty, it is toxic to cats.

The plant contains vinca alkaloids, which can interfere with cell function and are used in chemotherapy drugs. In cats, ingestion can lead to:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Low blood pressure
• Tremors
• Seizures
• In severe cases, organ failure

All parts of the plant are toxic, so it’s best to keep periwinkle out of homes and gardens where cats roam. If your cat ingests any part of the plant, seek veterinary care immediately.

Philodendron is a common houseplant known for its attractive foliage and easy care—but it’s toxic to cats.

All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause intense irritation if chewed or ingested. Symptoms of philodendron poisoning in cats include:

• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth
• Vomiting
• Oral pain
• Difficulty swallowing

Although philodendron poisoning is rarely fatal, it can cause significant discomfort. Keep philodendrons out of reach or choose a pet-safe alternative to protect your cat.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as devil’s ivy or golden pothos, is a popular houseplant thanks to its hardiness and low maintenance. However, it’s toxic to cats.

All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate a cat’s mouth, throat, and stomach. If chewed or ingested, symptoms may include:

• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth
• Vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Oral pain

While not usually life-threatening, pothos can cause significant discomfort. It’s best to keep this plant out of homes with curious cats.

Rhododendrons, including azaleas, are beautiful flowering shrubs—but they’re highly toxic to cats.

These plants contain grayanotoxins, which disrupt normal muscle and nerve function, including in the heart. Ingesting even a small amount can cause:

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Tremors
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Seizures
• Coma or death (in severe cases)

All parts of the plant are poisonous. To protect your cat, avoid keeping rhododendrons or azaleas in your home or yard.

Tulips are popular spring flowers, but they’re toxic to cats, especially the bulbs.

Tulips contain tulipalin A and B, compounds that can irritate a cat’s mouth and digestive system. If ingested, they may cause:

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

The highest concentration of toxins is in the bulb, making planted tulips particularly risky. To keep your cat safe, avoid planting tulips where they roam and keep cut flowers out of reach.