Cats are often seen as one of the most popular pets in America. But, did you know that many houseplants can be toxic to cats? This is because cats have a digestive system that cannot break down certain compounds found in plants which stop their liver from releasing toxins and help them eliminate waste properly. So, if your cat eats any part of these plants it may end up with kidney failure or even death!

There are thousands of toxic houseplants out there, but we’re providing you with a list of toxic plants that are easy to grow indoors. Your cat is bound to try and play around with them at one point or another. We recommend putting toxic plants up high where your feline can’t reach it or keeping toxic houseplants behind closed doors.
These toxic houseplants are sold worldwide so be sure to educate your friends and family about toxic plants as well!
Plants toxic to cats are a common cause of pet poisonings, but most plants won’t kill your cat. If you keep houseplants around your home, it’s important that you know which ones are poisonous to cats and what to watch out for if your cat eats any plant material.



Here are the most common houseplants reported to be toxic to cats by ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) for 2007, based on case numbers.
The most important fact to remember is that “cat toxicity” varies from cat to cat. For example, a toxin may have little effect on one cat but cause severe signs in another.



It should also be noted that although some plants may cause vomiting, or diarrhea and urination in your cat — they might not actually contain “toxic” chemicals. Many well-known toxic plants can cause gastric distress without the presence of actual toxins.
Check out our very own moderator and admin team’s cats below:
Houseplants Toxic to Cats List:
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.)
American holly (Ilex opaca)
Apple (Malus spp.)
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) Azalea/Rhododendron *multiple species*
Begonia (many varieties) Bird of paradise/Strelitzia (Strelitzia reginae)
Bittersweet/Woody Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) Bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Black henbane or stinking nightshade (Hyoscyamus niger)
Boston fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’)
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
Boxwood (Buxus spp.) Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
Caladium/Taro Vine (Colocasia esculenta)
Castor bean (Ricinus communis) Cestrum/Poison-Ivy (Cestrum nocturnum) Clematis (Clematis spp.) Coleus/Solenostemon scutellarioides Daffodil/Narcissus (Narcissus spp.) Dieffenbachia /Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia )
Easter/Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) Epipremnum/Pothos(Epipremnum aureum, Philodendron spp., Pothos spp.) Euphorbias/Spurges (Euphorbia sp.)
Foxglove/Digitalis (Digitalis purpurea) Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) Holly Fern/Polystichum adiantiforme Hyacinths/Daffodils (Hyacinthus spp.) Hydrangeas/Hydrangas (Hydrangea spp.) Impatiens/Busy Lizzies (Impatiens wallerana, Impatiens balsamina) Kalanchoe/Flowering cabbage (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
Lilies(many varieties)
Mistletoe/Phoradendron flavescens
Oleander/Poison-oak (Nerium oleander)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Philodendrons (many varieties)
Pothos(many varieties) Dieffenbachia/Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Red-edged dracaena or red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
Sago Palm or Cycad (Cycas revoluta, Zamia pumila)
Schefflera/Umbrella Tree (Brassaia actinophylla )
Six Weeks Flowering Tobacco/Nicotiana alata Spider plant /Chlorophytum comosum
Thunbergia spp. (many varieties)
Tobacco/Nicotine plant (Nicotiana alata, Nicotiana tabacum )
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) Zinnias (Zinnia spp.)
* Note : Please see the ASPCA’s site for a list of toxic houseplants that may be toxic to your cat, but were not reported by the APCC in 2007.
Toxicity is based on reports submitted to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). Each year, the APCC receives more than 100,000 calls about dogs and cats accidentally exposed to toxic substances.
* Note : Please consult your local veterinarian if you suspect that your cat ate any toxic houseplants, for the most accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Your cat’s condition will be evaluated and you may be referred to an emergency clinic if necessary. You should consider toxic houseplants around children as well as cats! In fact, toxic houseplants are responsible for about 23,000 emergency room visits in small children per year.
As a pet owner, you want to keep your furry friends safe and healthy. If you have cats in the house, it can be difficult to do so with plants as they’re toxic for them! We have compiled a list of common houseplants that are poisonous or harmful to our feline friends. Be sure not to leave these out when decorating around pets- keeping your cat safe is always important!



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