Which Houseplants Are Toxic and Dangerous to Cats?

Wayne Taylor
Written By Wayne Taylor

Having pets in the house is a wonderful thing, but it’s important to be aware of what kinds of plants you can and can’t have around them. Cats are particularly sensitive to some houseplants, so if you’re the proud owner of a feline, it’s essential to know which plants may be toxic to your fur baby. Ivy, and philodendron are just a few of the common plants that can be dangerous to cats, so make sure to do your research before bringing any new greenery into your home.

Overview of Houseplants

Houseplants can be a great addition to your home, providing visual beauty and even aiding in air purification. Many people are unaware, however, that there are some houseplants that can be toxic to cats. It is important to be aware of which plants can be dangerous to make sure that your furry friend stays safe and healthy. Ivy, and philodendron are some of the most common houseplants that are toxic to cats, so it is important to do your research before bringing a new houseplant into your home.

Which Houseplants Are Toxic and Dangerous to Cats?

It is important to be aware of the potential harm certain houseplants can cause to cats if ingested. Some of the most common houseplants are toxic to cats.

For instance, can cause severe kidney failure in cats; ivy can lead to difficulty breathing; and philodendron can cause irritation and burning to the mouth, lips, and tongue. If you live with a fur baby, you really need to be careful with the type of houseplant you bring into the house.

There are also many houseplants that are safe for cats. Examples of non-toxic houseplants include spider plants, aloe vera, and peace lilies. These plants are great because they look beautiful, they cleanse the air, and they are safe for cats, so they are a win-win!

If you are unsure whether or not a plant is toxic to cats, a quick search online should be able to tell you if it is safe. Before you add any green decor to your home, be sure to do your research first!

Lilies

Lilies are one of the most popular houseplants, but they can be dangerous if ingested by cats. All parts of the lily plant, including the petals, stem, leaves, and stamens, contain compounds that can cause severe kidney damage and even death in cats if ingested.

Cats can become ill just from being exposed to the lily pollen, which can be dangerous if it sticks to their fur and is ingested when grooming. To prevent any accidental poisoning, make sure to keep lilies away from cats and other pets. Ivy is another popular houseplant that can be toxic to cats.

All parts of the ivy plant, including the leaves, flowers, and berries, contain compounds that can be deadly if ingested.

These compounds can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. It’s important to keep ivy away from cats and to make sure cats can’t access any parts of an ivy plant.

Philodendron can be dangerous to cats if ingested. The philodendron plant contains compounds that cause vomiting, drooling, and difficulty breathing. They can also cause skin irritation and mouth pain if the cat has been in contact with the plant. If you have a philodendron in your home, make sure to keep it away from cats and keep an eye on your cat when they are near the plant.

Ivy

Ivy is a popular houseplant, but it is toxic to cats. Eating ivy can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. It can also damage the cat’s mouth, throat, and stomach.

If you have cats in your home, it’s best to avoid having ivy in the house.

But even if you don’t want to get rid of it, you should make sure that the cat can’t get to it. Keep the ivy out of reach or in a room that the cat can’t access. If the cat does manage to get to it, take it to a vet right away. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Philodendron

Philodendron is a popular houseplant, but it’s one you’ll want to avoid if you have cats. These plants contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty breathing if ingested. Symptoms can appear as soon as a few minutes after ingestion, so it is important to keep cats away from them.

If you do have philodendron in your home, make sure it’s out of reach of cats, such as stored in an area that is well off the ground.

If you think your cat may have ingested a philodendron, contact your veterinarian right away. It can be difficult to keep your cat away from houseplants, even if they are toxic.

To ensure your cat’s safety, it’s a good idea to do your research and be aware of which plants are toxic and which ones are safe. While some plants, like philodendron, are highly toxic to cats, there are other plants that are non-toxic and safe for cats.

Choosing non-toxic plants will ensure that your cat is safe and can enjoy being around your houseplants without worry. Keep in mind that even non-toxic plants can be a hazard if ingested in large quantities.

It’s important to keep your plants in a safe area where your cat can’t get to them and keep an eye on your cat for any signs of illness. If you’re ever concerned about your cat’s health, contact your veterinarian right away. With a bit of extra caution, your cat can enjoy the beauty of houseplants without risk of harm.

Conclusion

It’s important to be aware of which houseplants may be dangerous to your cats. Many common houseplants, such as lilies, ivy, and philodendron are toxic to cats, and can cause a range of health problems. It’s essential to keep your cats away from these plants, and monitor them closely in case they were to ingest any part of the plant.

If you’ve got cats, be sure to research plants before bringing them into your home. Even if you think a plant may be safe, always do your due diligence and double check for safety.

Keep your cats away from any plants that you don’t recognize, as these could be toxic to them. Taking the time to research and monitor your cats around houseplants can make all the difference in your cat’s health and safety.