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20 Houseplants That Are Toxic to Cats

By
Cori Sears
Cori sitting on a green chair against a white wall.
Cori Sears

Cori Sears is a writer with over a decade of experience, specializing in houseplants, gardening, and home decor. She writes about trending news, interior design, houseplants, and gardening for The Spruce. Her expertise in these areas has led her to contribute to other major publications including Better Homes and Gardens and Apartment Therapy.

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Updated on 01/26/25
Reviewed by
Mary Marlowe Leverette
mary marlowe leverette spruce gardening board
Reviewed by Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary has been a Master Gardener for 30+ years and a commercial and residential gardener for 50+ years. She is a former Clemson University Extension Agent.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Brown striped cat sitting in front of a houseplant and cushion

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

If you have cats, there are certain houseplants you should not bring into your home due to their toxic properties and a feline's inclination to chew on greenery. Read on to find out what houseplants are toxic to cats.

Toxin vs. Poison

When referring to plants, "toxin" is used instead of "poison." A toxin is a naturally occurring poisonous substance that may not necessarily injure or kill an organism because it varies from mild to severe. Meanwhile, a poison will likely cause harm to an organism.

20 Houseplants Safe for Cats and Dogs

Signs of Toxic Plant Poisoning in Cats

Toxic plant ingestion can lead to kidney failure or cardiac arrest in cats, depending on the plant. If you see any of these signs, your cat may have eaten a toxic plant, and you should immediately contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency pet hospital.

  • Continuous vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Drooling/salivation
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Tremors
  • Poor coordination when walking
  • Elevated or irregular heart rate
  • Lethargy
  • Weak pulse
  • Skin irritation
  • Conjunctivitis

Houseplants Toxic to Cats

  • 01 of 20

    Lilies

    stargazer lily

    The Spruce / Autumn Wood

    Lilies (Lilium or Hemerocallis spp.), which are in the "true lily" or Lilium genus, and "daylilies," which are in the Hemerocallis genus, are dangerous for cats. The entire plant—stems, leaves, flowers, pollen, and the water in the vase—is toxic to cats and known to cause kidney failure within three days. It's best to avoid plants with the word "lily" in their name; most are deadly in a home with cats.

    • Toxic Properties: Unknown what the toxin is in the plant
    • Safe Alternative: Orchids
  • 02 of 20

    Peace Lily

    closeup of a peace lily

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack 

    Despite their name, peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are not true lilies but are one of the most common flowering houseplants. Their dark leaves, white flowers, and low maintenance requirements make them popular. Peace lilies contain calcium oxalates, which are toxic to cats. They are only dangerous when ingested and are safe to touch.

    • Toxic Properties: Insoluble calcium oxalates
    • Safe Alternative: Cast iron plants
  • 03 of 20

    Aloe Vera

    An aloe vera plant in a pot

    The Spruce / Michael Marquand

    Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) plants are a staple in many homes thanks to how easy they are to care for. Aloe vera is characterized by thick, succulent-like leaves with jagged edges that grow upwards from a rosette-like base. It is toxic to cats if ingested.

    • Toxic Properties: Saponins, anthraquinone
    • Safe Alternative: Haworthia
  • 04 of 20

    Split-Leaf Philodendron

    A Monstera Deliciosa sits in a white pot in front of a white wall.

     Mykeyruna / Getty Images

    Monstera deliciosa is one of the most trendy tropical houseplants. Its stunning tropical foliage has been extensively featured on social media and in home decor. Also known as "Swiss cheese plants," split-leaf philodendrons are relatively low-maintenance, making them an attractive addition to any home. Unfortunately, they contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which make them highly toxic to cats.

    • Toxic Properties: Insoluble calcium oxalates
    • Safe Alternative: Prayer plant
    Continue to 5 of 20 below
  • 05 of 20

    Pothos

    hanging pothos plant

    The Spruce / Candace Madonna

    Due to its low maintenance, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is an attractive houseplant for amateur and experienced plant owners. The beautiful drape and ease of care make it a lovely addition to your home, particularly when sprucing up your home decor on a budget. Though pothos is entirely safe to touch, it is toxic to cats.

    • Toxic Properties: Insoluble calcium oxalates
    • Safe Alternative: Spider plant
  • 06 of 20

    Jade Plants

    closeup of a jade plant

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    Jade plants (Crassula), also known as "money plants" or "dollar plants," are succulents that are easy to grow and thought to bring good luck and fortune to their owners. They are characterized by dark green fleshy leaves and thick, wood-like stems. There are several varieties of jade plants, all belonging to the Crassula family. Unfortunately, jade plants are highly toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

    • Toxic Properties: Unknown cause of toxicity, but all parts of the plant can cause reactions in cats
    • Safe Alternative: Peperomia
  • 07 of 20

    Snake Plant

    closeup of a snake plant

    The Spruce / Alonda Baird

    Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is well-known as one of the best plants for low-light conditions and improving air quality—making it an extremely common houseplant. While snake plants are non-toxic for humans but toxic for cats and dogs if ingested.

  • 08 of 20

    Sago Palm

    A sago palm sits on a wooden shelf in front of a framed photo.

     belchonok / Getty Images

    Sago palms (Cycas revoluta) add a touch of the tropics to your home. Their unique structure makes them a great talking point and a lovely accent piece. However, these plants have an ancient defense mechanism: they are highly toxic to our furry friends. If you have cats at home, avoid them at all costs.

    • Toxic Properties: Cycasin
    • Safe Alternative: Areca palm
    Continue to 9 of 20 below
  • 09 of 20

    English Ivy

    English Ivy in a paper pot sits on a wooden console table.

    Image Source / Getty Images

    English ivy (Hedera helix) has small, pointed leaves that make for a delicate display. Thanks to its gorgeous drapery, it is popular as a houseplant grown in hanging planters. This same feature can make it appear like an attractive snack to curious felines, which can be extremely dangerous when ingested.

    • Toxic Properties: Triterpenoid saponins
    • Safe Alternative: Swedish ivy
  • 10 of 20

    Dieffenbachia

    dumb cane plant in a white pot

    The Spruce / Krystal Slagle 

    Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia amoena) is a popular houseplant thanks to its stunning tropical foliage and low-maintenance needs. These plants vary from 3 feet high to over 10 feet tall when grown in the right conditions. Unfortunately, dieffenbachia is highly toxic to cats when ingested.

    • Toxic Properties: Insoluble calcium oxalates, proteolytic enzyme
    • Safe Alternative: Staghorn fern
  • 11 of 20

    Kalanchoe

    a kalanchoe plant with white flowers in a white pot.

    The Spruce / Alonda Baird

    Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) can cause intestinal issues in cats and affect their heart rate. This native plant to southern Africa, Madagascar, and Australia is also called mother-of-millions and is a succulent closely related to jade plants (also toxic to cats). The toxic active ingredient is bufadienolides, which are similar to digitalis compounds. They can cause disorganized cardiac electrical activity and an elevated heart rate, leading to cardiac arrest. 

    • Toxic Properties: Bufodienolides
    • Safe Alternative: Sedum
  • 12 of 20

    Lily of the Valley

    Lily of the valley petite white flowers on single stems surrounded my medium green leaves

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is not a true lily plant but is still toxic. They contain cardenolides, which are cardiotoxic. All plant parts are toxic and can lead to vomiting, irregular heartbeats, weak pulse, and more. This abnormal heart rhythm can be life-threatening.

    • Toxic Properties: Cardenolides
    • Safe Alternative: Spiderwort
    Continue to 13 of 20 below
  • 13 of 20

    Hyacinth

    closeup of pink hyacinth

    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida 

    Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) flowers are toxic bulbs in the asparagus family. Close relatives include water hyacinths and tulips. These beautiful plants contain alkaloids that can be dangerous if ingested by cats. The bulbs and plants may cause vomiting, bloody diarrhea, depression, and tremors.

    • Toxic Properties: Possibly narcissus-like alkaloids like lycorine and calcium oxalate raphides
    • Safe Alternative: Common lilac
  • 14 of 20

    Oleander

    Pink oleander flowers and buds closeup

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Commonly called Jericho rose or rose laurel, Nerium oleander is native to southern Asia and the Mediterranean. All parts of this beautiful plant are toxic to cats and their people. Oleander has cardiac glycosides that can cause gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia, or death.

  • 15 of 20

    Yew

    Japanese yew tree branches with short evergreen needles and red bell-shaped berries.

    The Spruce / K. Dave

    Yew (Taxus) bark, needles, and fruit are toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. The plant contains a toxic component known as taxine, which can cause trembling, coordination problems, difficulty breathing, severe gastrointestinal issues, cardiac failure, or death. A small bite can spell disaster for a cat. Horses have collapsed 15 minutes after ingestion.

  • 16 of 20

    Tulip

    Yellow and pink cut tulips placed in glass vase next to coffee mug

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

    Tulips (Tulipa spp.) are in the lily family and are toxic to cats. The entire plant contains alkaloid and glycoside compounds, but the bulb has the highest concentration of toxins. Reactions include vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and drooling. Severe toxicity can lead to convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

    • Toxic properties: Tulipalin A and B
    • Safe Alternative: Roses
    Continue to 17 of 20 below
  • 17 of 20

    Daffodils

    Tazetta daffodil with white flowers and yellow cluster

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) are popular harbingers of spring, but the flowers, leaves, and bulbs are toxic to cats. Daffodils contain toxic compounds that are fatal if ingested in large quantities. The bulbs are the most toxic part. In small amounts, daffodils can cause gastrointestinal upset, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. 

    • Toxic properties: Lycorine, other phenanthridine alkaloids, and calcium oxalate crystals
    • Safe Alternative: Nasturtium
  • 18 of 20

    Bird of Paradise

    Bird of Paradise

    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

    There are two distinctly different bird of paradise plants, Strelitzia Regniae and Caesalpinia gilliesii. Both are toxic to cats. The latter, Caesalpinia gilliesii, is more toxic and can cause more problems, such as intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty swallowing. The Strelitzia variety may cause mild nausea and drowsiness.

    • Toxic properties: Possibly hydrocyanic acid
    • Safe Alternative: Bromeliads
  • 19 of 20

    Chrysanthemum

    Hardy mum plant with bright red flowers and leaves

    The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

    Late-season blooming mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) are the darling flower of fall but are toxic to cats. They contain several substances that, when ingested by felines, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or skin irritation. Pyrethrin naturally occurs in mums and is commonly used in pesticides, dog flea and tick medication, shampoos, and collars; however, it is toxic when used on cats.

    • Toxic properties: Sesquiterpene, lactones, pyrethrins, and other potential irritants
    • Safe Alternative: Marigold
  • 20 of 20

    Poinsettia

    poinsettias

    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

    Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a perennial shrub native to Mexico that is mildly toxic to cats and not nearly as lethal as once thought. The milky sap from the plant can cause mouth and stomach irritation, vomiting, drooling, and skin irritation.

    • Toxic properties: Diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents
    • Safe Alternative: Polka dot plant
FAQ
  • Do cats have a natural instinct not to eat toxic plants?

    Cats do not necessarily avoid toxic plants, though they may not go near something that smells unusual. Research has found that cats feeling sick may ingest a plant to purposefully induce vomiting.

  • How do you prevent a cat from eating your plants?

    It's difficult to prevent a cat from chewing on plants. Try surrounding the planter with aluminum foil or hanging your plants from the ceiling, which may deter your cat. Though you can put a toxic plant out of reach from your cat or dowse it with citrus rinds or chili pepper flakes, it is better to find plants that are safe for your pet to help ensure the good health of your feline friend.

  • How long does it take for a toxic plant to affect a cat?

    Depending on the plant, a toxic plant can affect a cat immediately or in a few hours.

  • Which houseplants do cats dislike?

    Cats usually steer clear of prickly or strongly-smelling plants, like cactus, lavender, rosemary, and marigolds.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. UC Davis Toxic Plant Garden. University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

  2. Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.

  3. Lovely Lilies and Curious Cats: A Dangerous Combination. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

  4. Peace Lily. ASPCA.

  5. Aloe. ASPCA.

  6. Cutleaf Philodendron. ASPCA.

  7. Golden Pothos. ASPCA.

  8. Jade Plant. ASPCA.

  9. Reduce Indoor Air Pollution with Houseplants Part 2: Golden Pothos and Snake Plant. Santa Fe Extension Master Gardeners.

  10. Snake Plant. ASPCA.

  11. The Dangers of Sago Palm. ASPCA.

  12. English Ivy. ASPCA.

  13. Magill, Alan J. et al. Poisonous Plants and Aquatic Animals, Hunter's Tropical Medicine and Emerging Infectious Disease (Ninth Edition), pp. 923-937, W.B. Saunders, 2013. doi:10.1016/B978-1-4160-4390-4.00211-3

  14. Kalanchoe species poisoning in pets. ASPCA.

  15. How to Spot Which Lilies Are Dangerous to Cats & Plan Treatment. ASPCA.

  16. Hyacinth. ASPCA.

  17. Oleander: Beautiful but Deadly to Pets. ASPCA.

  18. The dangers of yew ingestion. ASPCA.

  19. April showers may bring spring bulbs. What does that mean for your pet? ASPCA.

  20. Bird of Paradise. ASPCA.

  21. Mum. ASPCA.

  22. Poinsetta. ASPCA.

  23. Hart BL, Hart LA, Thigpen AP, Willits NH. Characteristics of Plant Eating in Domestic Cats. Animals (Basel). 2021 Jun 22;11(7):1853. doi:10.3390/ani11071853