A HOME FULL of greenery and fragrant flowers may look warm and cozy, but if you have a cat, it’s important to know that some plants can pose a serious health risk to their health. Cats are curious and prone to exploring, and in doing so, they often nibble on the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants, often those that are toxic or even deadly to them.
Veterinarians warn that plant poisoning is one of the most common reasons for emergency visits to veterinary clinics. Some species cause mild digestive upset, but others can lead to organ failure, seizures, and even death. Below is a list of the most dangerous types of flowers that you should not keep in a home with a cat.
Lilies
Lilies are one of the most dangerous plants for cats. Ingesting any part of a lily, such as the petals, leaves, stems, or even just the pollen, can have terrible health consequences for a cat. Consuming lilies can cause acute kidney failure within 24 to 72 hours. Sometimes a cat doesn’t even have to nibble on the plant, it’s enough to lick the pollen off their fur.
Daffodils
Like lilies, daffodils can be extremely toxic to cats. These beloved flowers contain the compound lycorine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, and heart rhythm disturbances. It’s important to remember that the most toxic part of the plant is the bulb itself, but the flower and stem are also dangerous to cats.
Azaleas and rhododendrons (foam tree)
Although beautiful in color and fragrance, if you have cats, you should skip buying azaleas and rhododendrons. These plants are very poisonous due to the presence of heathenotoxins. If a cat has come near these plants and ingested them, the most common symptoms of poisoning are drooling, weakness, difficulty breathing, and in extremely severe cases, coma.
Dieffenbachia (also known as “dumb reed”)
Dieffenbachia is a popular houseplant that contains calcium oxalates, compounds that cause swollen tongues, mouth pain, drooling, and difficulty swallowing in cats.
Hyacinths
Hyacinths are a spring plant that can cause serious gastrointestinal distress in cats, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, especially if the bulb is ingested.
What to do if you suspect poisoning?
If you notice that your cat has nibbled or eaten any part of the plant, or is showing symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, weakness, or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not attempt to induce vomiting at home, and if possible, bring a piece of the plant or a photo to help your veterinarian make a diagnosis.
Safe plants for a home with cats: If you love greenery but want to be safe, there are plants that are non-toxic to cats:
- Catnip (specially grown for nibbling)
- Bamboo
- Areca palm
- Calathea
- Spider plant
Even with safe plants, the rule of moderation applies; some cats can still develop sensitivity if they overdo it.
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