WHAT PLANTS ARE DEADLY TO CATS?

By: Door Buddy Editors      |     Published: 21 May 2025

(+ What’s Safe, What to Avoid, and How to Keep Kitty Happy)

If you’re both a plant lover and a cat parent, you’ve probably Googled something like “what plants are deadly to cats” at some point, and for good reason. While plants and pets can co-exist, many popular plants are poisonous to cats, causing anything from mild tummy trouble to life-threatening emergencies.

This guide goes beyond basic lists to give you the full scoop: the toxic plants, the cat-safe alternatives, the signs of poisoning, and how to build a pet-friendly home full of enrichment and greenery.

WHAT PLANTS ARE MODERATELY TOXIC TO CATS?

These plants aren’t usually deadly, but they can definitely make your kitty feel pretty awful. Here's a closer look at which parts are toxic and the symptoms they can cause.

WHAT PLANTS ARE DEADLY TO CATS

We all love a home filled with greenery; it's calming, beautiful, and brings nature indoors. But if you’re a cat parent, some plants can turn your cozy jungle into a dangerous playground.

Here’s a handy (and possibly life-saving) guide to common plants that are toxic to cats, plus what can happen if your curious kitty takes a nibble.

Lilies (Lilium & Hemerocallis species)

Examples: Easter Lily, Tiger Lily, Daylily, Asiatic Lily Toxicity: EXTREMELY toxic, even a tiny bit of pollen, leaf, or water from a vase can cause acute kidney failure.

Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, lethargy, loss of appetite, and kidney failure within 1-3 days.

Verdict: If you have a cat, avoid lilies at all costs

Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

Toxicity: All parts are toxic, but the seeds (or “nuts”) are the deadliest.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, seizures, liver failure, often fatal if not treated quickly.

Verdict: A small bite can be a big problem.

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Toxicity: Extremely poisonous, every part of the plant contains cardiac glycosides.

Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, slowed heart rate, tremors, potentially fatal heart arrhythmias. Verdict: Looks lovely, but it can stop a cat’s heart.

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

Toxicity: Contains colchicine, a highly toxic compound.

Symptoms: Severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, breathing problems, liver and kidney failure, shock. Verdict: Dangerous from root to flower.

Yew (Taxus species)

Toxicity: All parts (especially seeds) contain toxic alkaloids.

Symptoms: Tremors, difficulty breathing, heart failure, and sudden death.

Verdict: A beautiful evergreen and a hidden killer.

What to Do in an Emergency

If you suspect your cat has chewed or swallowed any of these, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 right away. Early treatment can save lives!

WANT TO KNOW WHAT PLANTS ARE TOXIC TO PETS IN GENERAL?

While our focus is on felines, many cat-toxic plants are also harmful to dogs and other pets. If you’re looking for “what plants are toxic to pets”, check labels for ASPCA safety certifications or consult your vet.

COMMON CAT BEHAVIOUR CHALLENGES (AND HOW TO FIX THEM)

Feline Enrichment + Safe Greenery = Happy Home

Now that your indoor jungle is safe, it’s time to focus on enrichment. Bored cats often chew plants or scratch furniture out of frustration.

Positive Reinforcement Works Wonders:

• Reward your cat with treats when they ignore plants or use scratching posts

• Avoid scolding, it weakens trust

  
  

Enrichment Tips:

• Add cat trees for vertical exploration

• Rotate toys to keep playtime fresh

• Use catnip plants and puzzle feeders for mental stimulation

Scratching the couch?

Redirect with a scratching post and reward them for using it.

Litter box drama?

Try different textures, some cats are picky. Keep it clean and in a quiet space.

Biting during play?

Use toys instead of hands. Boundaries matter.

Curious how to train your kitty? Check out this blog!

CONCLUSION: WHAT PLANTS ARE DEADLY TO CATS

The truth is: you can love both your houseplants and your pets. But it’s crucial to know what plants are deadly to cats, like lilies, sago palms, and oleander - so you can keep those far out of reach (or better yet, out of your home entirely). With a little knowledge (and maybe a non-toxic plants-for-cats list stuck to your fridge), your space can be both lush and feline-friendly.

Learn to spot the symptoms of plant poisoning such as vomiting, drooling, or sudden lethargy, and don’t hesitate to contact your vet or a pet poison control hotline if something seems off.

Want to dive deeper into keeping your pets safe? Check out our blogs on common household poisons for cats and dogs and human foods that are toxic to pets.

Here’s to happy tails and healthy plants!