Popular Plants That Are Toxic To Cats

Have you ever bought a new plant home, only to find your feline friend immediately started gnawing on its leaves? Kitties are carnivores, but they do enjoy some greens and fiber now and then. Unfortunately, Fluffy doesn’t know what is and isn’t safe for her. Quite a few popular houseplants are actually toxic to cats. A local veterinarian lists some plants for cat owners to avoid in this article.

Lily

This one is particularly concerning around Easter, as many people like to include lilies in their spring bouquets. Peace lilies are extremely toxic to our feline friends, to the point where even drinking a little of the water could make Fluffy very sick. Other lilies that are poisonous for Fluffy include the Asiatic lily, Japanese Show lily, Day lily, Rubrum lily, Tiger lily, and Wood lily, along with many hybrids. Lily of the Valley is also unsafe, though it’s not actually a lily.

Devil’s Ivy

Often called pothos, golden pothos, or devil vine, devil’s ivy contains things called insoluble calcium oxades. These can seriously irritate Fluffy’s mouth, and can cause drooling, irritation, and trouble swallowing.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is often used in aromatherapy, and is a very popular scent for things like candles and scented oils. Keep eucalyptus and eucalyptus products away from your feline friend! Otherwise, your kitty could develop signs like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Tulips

Another popular Easter flower, tulips are also very dangerous to our feline buddies. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Daffodils and hyacinths are also unsafe. In fact, anything with a bulb is toxic to your cute pet. That includes garlic, onions, chives, and scallions.

Philodendron

Philodendrons also contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate your kitty’s mouth, throat, and stomach, and can cause respiratory issues. Other plants that belong to the Araceae group, such as oleanders, are also unsafe for this reason.

Tips

If you don’t know whether your plants are safe for your cat or not, check the ASPCA site here. This is also a handy site to check when you’re shopping at a greenhouse or plant sale. Just keep in mind that many plants go by several names. We also recommend keeping the number for the Pet Poison Helpline on hand. That number is 800-213-6680. (Note: Charges may apply.)

Please contact us, your local veterinary clinic in San Jose, Jacksonville, FL, anytime. We’re here to help!