Certain plants can harm our feline friends, especially curious cats and kittens drawn to anything green.
Recognizing toxic plants—and keeping them away—is essential for your cat's health.
Compiled by cat behavior specialist Hugues Martinat of Equilicat, here's a list of 30 poisonous plants for cats:
Contents
Infographic source: Equilicat by Hugues Martinat - Cat behavior specialist in Paris (15th arrondissement). Contact: 07.63.06.05.99 for consultations on cat issues.
Signs of plant poisoning in cats include vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, tremors, convulsions, or heart rhythm issues like slowing or racing.
Always consult a veterinarian immediately—never try home treatments.
1. Aloe vera: Prized for human benefits, it triggers diarrhea, even hemorrhagic, in cats.
2. Amaryllis: This Christmas favorite with large blooms causes neurological issues if ingested.
3. Arum: Its white flowers lead to digestive upset, swelling, or coma.
4. Caladium (angel's wings): Red leaves irritate mouth, skin, and mucous membranes.
5. Chlorophytum: Striped leaves harm the kidneys.
6. Dieffenbachia and croton: Colorful foliage causes digestive issues, kidney damage, or blindness in large amounts.
7. Ficus: Leaves provoke vomiting and digestive problems.
8. Philodendron: Large leaves result in digestive and kidney disorders.
9. Dracaena: This palm-like plant with variegated leaves induces vomiting and gut issues.
10. Yucca: Ingestion leads to extreme salivation and potential paralysis.
Pro Tip: White or red leaves often signal poison for cats.
11. Azalea: Causes heavy salivation and weakness.
12. Boxwood: Triggers digestive and neurological problems.
13. Celandine: Yellow flowers lead to neurological disorders.
14. Hemlock: Notorious for respiratory distress and severe fatigue.
15. Colchic: Known as "dog killer," it brings vomiting, pain, diarrhea, weakness, or convulsions.
16. Datura: White trumpet flowers cause digestive and neurological harm.
17. Foxglove: Leads to cardiac issues in cats.
18. Eucalyptus: Leaves provoke stomach pain and digestive upset.
19. Fern: Can cause severe, even hemorrhagic, diarrhea.
20. Ginkgo biloba: Fruits are allergenic.
21. Hellebore: (Christmas rose) Toxic roots cause heart paralysis or digestive woes.
22. Hydrangea: Suffocates via ingestion.
23. Yew: Seeds are highly toxic, causing digestive disorders.
24. Iris: Requires large amounts but leads to digestive and neurological issues.
25. Daffodil: Bulbs cause digestive problems.
26. Laurel: Oleander variant harms the heart.
27. Lily: Entire plant devastates kidneys.
28. Lily of the valley: Provokes digestive and cardiac disorders.
29. Cedar: Targets liver and kidneys.
30. Euphorbia: In quantity, burns mouth/throat, causes pain and vomiting.
Pro Tip: Persistent plant-chewers? Offer catnip to redirect safely.
