As gardener with years of experience, I’ve cultivated a deep appreciation for plants and their beautya g. Unfortunately, I’ve also learned that some indoor plants can be highly toxic, particularly to our cat friends. Today, I have gathered 12 toxic indoor plants cats owners should avoid.
We all know cats are curious creatures that tend to lick at things, including plants. As a cat mama, it is essential that you know which plants might be dangerous for your beloved fur baby. To spare yourself and your cat a potential disaster, keep these 12 toxic indoor plants out of your home. Let’s start.
Summary: The Harmful Elements That Make These 12 Indoor Plants Poisonous For Cats
Here’s a summary of the plant’s name and the elements present in it that make it poisonous for cats.
| Plant | Harmful Elements |
| Lilies | Unknown specific compound |
| Aloe Vera | Saponins and anthraquinones |
| Philodendron | Calcium oxalate crystals |
| Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) | Insoluble calcium oxalates |
| English Ivy | Triterpenoid saponins |
| Snake Plant | Saponins |
| Peace Lily | Calcium oxalate crystals |
| Oleander | Cardiac glycosides |
| Cyclamen | Terpenoid saponins |
| Sago Palm | Cycasin |
| Daffodils | Lycorine |
| Autumn Crocus | Colchicine and other alkaloids |
12 Toxic Indoor Plants Cats Owners Should Avoid
Here are the 12 toxic indoor plants that are bad for your cat!
1. Lilies
Although lilies are beautiful and fragrant, they can be deadly for cats. Just a little lily pollen, leaves, or flowers can result in kidney failure in cats. Signs of potential poisoning include vomiting, depression or lethargy, and a loss of appetite.
I recall my neighbor’s cat that came in contact with a lily and had to be treated at the vet. It’s a lovely plant, but certainly not worth the danger.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a commonly known plant that can be used in many different medicinal uses for humans. However, the scenario is different when it comes to cats.
The saponins and anthraquinones in Aloe cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in cats.
3. Philodendron
Although highly appealing due to their large, vibrant green leaves, philodendrons unfortunately have calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves. When eaten by cats, these crystals irritate and inflame the mouth and throat.
To be honest, I had a Philodendron hanging in my living room. However, after discovering it was toxic, I replaced it with a cat-safe alternative.
4. Pothos
If you don’t recognize Pothos, you certainly know the plant Devil’s Ivy. Well, it’s the same plant. Nevertheless, it has insoluble calcium oxalates that can cause drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Once, my cat chewed a Pothos leaf by accident, and I had to rush to the vet immediately. Since then, I have been cautious about the plants I choose.
5. English Ivy
This indoor stunner with trailing vines is super attractive to witness with your eyes. However, it does contain triterpenoid saponins, which can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats who ingest them.
I bet you don’t want your cat to suffer from these. Well, then replace those English Ivy in your home right away!
6. Snake Plant
Popularly considered for its air-cleaning abilities, the Snake Plant also can be dangerous to cats. Nevertheless, the seeds of this plant contain saponins, which are toxic if ingested, and consumption has led to deaths.
Indeed, I think Snake Plants have a beautiful shape, but my cat’s health is more important than how my plants look. So, I gave mine away.
7. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is anything but peaceful for cats. Well, why is that? It has calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic. Furthermore, it can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing.
8. Oleander
Oleander is an attractive flowering plant with highly poisonous foliage. Even a tiny amount can induce severe toxicosis in cats. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, and heart abnormalities.
I have no experience with Oleander, but a fellow gardener who does. She shared a story of her cat and its near-death experience with this plant. Well, after hearing the story, I have to say Oleander isn’t one of those plants that you can keep in your home near your cat.
9. Cyclamen
This vibrant flower is a beauty to behold but proves fatal to our feline friends! Ingestion of large amounts can cause severe vomiting and may even be fatal due to terpenoid saponins, particularly in the tubers.
Well, I wanted one every single time I saw its blooms at the nursery. However, knowing that I would have to toss the plant after it was done blooming, let’s just say that never happened.
10. Sago Palm
Every bit of the Sago Palm plant is toxic to cats, especially the seeds. It may cause vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure, or even death if swallowed and absorbed in the body.
The plant carries a chemical known as cycasin, which is a type of poison for cats. So, I strongly recommend you do not keep this plant and your pet cat in the same house.
11. Daffodils
Daffodils are well known for their bright and beautiful flowers but are extremely poisonous to cats. Lycorine found in the bulbs causes severe gastric disturbances. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and, in the worst-case scenario, convulsions.
I knew a friend whose cat went out, dug up daffodil bulbs and was rushed to the vet because it had chewed them.
12. Autumn Crocus
All parts of this plant are highly toxic to cats due to colchicine and other alkaloids. Symptoms can include violent vomiting and diarrhea rather than a simple stomachache. However, over time, the toxic quality of the herb can cause severe issues in the kidney and liver as well.
Wrap-Up
To conclude, that was all for the 12 toxic indoor plants cats owners should avoid. I appreciate the beauty in these flowers as I have been a gardener for many years. But again, safety and quality of life are the most important things for a pet keeper.
With some knowledge and some caution, we can keep our feline friends from being poisoned by these indoor plants. So make sure you research any plant before bringing it indoors and look for pet-safe options so your new greenery can coexist beautifully with the rest of your family.
