Common Plants and Flowers That Are Poisonous to Cats

You might be wondering to get plants for your home and you also own a pet cat. There are a few things you might need to consider before that because some plants are very toxic to cats. You might say how can it affect the cat if I am not feeding it to them. Although cats are carnivores and feed on meat, they are curious animals. They love to explore new things and nibble on them. So, if the cat nibbles on toxic plants then it can kill your cats. You do not want that right. Here we, have listed both toxic plants and non-toxic plants. So, you can choose the right plants without warning your cat.

Toxic Plants for Cat

Here is the list of famous toxic plants for your cat. – Ago Palms – Aloe – Amaryllis – Autumn crocus – Azalea – Caladium – Calla lily – Cape jasmine – Carnation – Chamomile – Chrysanthemum – Cyclamen – Daffodil – Daisy – Daylilies – Devil’s ivy – Dieffenbachia – Easter lily – English Ivy – Eucalyptus – Foxglove – Hosta – Wandering Jew – Hyacinth – Hydrangea – Kalanchoe – Lavender – Lily – Lily of the valley – Marijuana – Mint – Mum – Narcissus – Oleander – Peace lily – Poinsettia – Pothos – Rhododendron – Rhubarb – Sago palm – Spanish thyme – Stargazer lily – Tulip – Yew

Non-Toxic Plants for Cat

Here is the list of non-toxic plants for cats. – African Daisy – American Rubber Plant – Babys Breathe – Basil – Beets – Wild Hyacinth – Burros Tail – Camellia – Cinnamon – Jasmine – German Violet – Haworthia – Hibiscus – Honey plant – Peperomia – Poison  Ivy – Rosemary – Strawberry – Thyme – Venus Fly Trap – Zucchini Squash – Orchids

Symptoms of Plant Being Toxic For Your Cat

Sometimes we might not be aware of the plants that we have. It is best to research the plants. You can also look for different symptoms that arise when your cat is near such plants. Here are the symptoms to look out for. – Vomiting – Diarrhea – Decreased interaction and hiding from humans. – Low Energy Level – Loss of appetite – Coma – Irritation in mouth, lips, and tongue. – Difficulty in swallowing – Change in color and quantity of the urine.

Why Do Cats Consume Plants?

Although cats are carnivores, they do feed on the plants then and now. They can digest the plant materials in little amounts but cannot digest them if eaten in large amounts. They also obtain different nutrients from the plants as well. This is also a sign that your cat is sick. So, if your cat shows such behavior frequently then you should think about taking it to the vet to be checked up.

How to keep cats away from your plants?

You cannot stop your cat from nibbling on your favorite plants but you can take different measures to prevent it from happening. When trying to prevent your cat from eating your plants, you need to take a prolonged approach. Here, are some tips and tricks you can try to keep your cat away from your plants.

Making a Plant Room

You can dedicate a room for your plants only. A room should be bright enough for your plants to thrive. There should be a door that you can shut and prevent your feline friend from entering and feeding on your plants.

DIY Cat Repellant

Cat hates the smell of vinegar. So, make a natural mixture of water and vinegar. Spray it all over your plants and this will prevent your cat from nibbling on the plants. This mixture also won’t harm your cat. You can also use cinnamon powder or cayenne pepper. Dust them on the plants and the smell will drive the cats away from plants.

Place Plants Out of Reach

Hang your plants in widows or wall-mounted vases for flower arrangements where the plants are off-limit from cats. Use a sturdy hook to hang your plants. It will keep the cat away from your plants and will also look more attractive.

Grow Cat Grass

Although this method won’t fully prevent the cat from your plants, it is a good method to give it a try. Growing cat grass will offer an alternative to chewing on your plants.

Incase Cat Consumes Toxic Plants

If you find your cat consuming plants and you are not sure whether the plant is poisonous or not then you can do the following few things.

• Remove any plant material from your cat’s mouth, fur, and skin
• Wash your cat with warm water and mild dish soap to clean plants from the cat’s body
• If you are sure that the plant is poisonous then call the vet immediately
• If your cat starts developing symptoms then it is crucial for you to do keep the following things in mind
• Identify the plant that your cat has eaten as it is important for the vet to give the correct treatment
• If you are unable to identify the plant then bring a piece of plant to the vet
• If your cat has vomited then collect the sample for the vet

FAQ’s

Can I have both plants and cats?

Yes, you can have both. You might need to research plants that won’t harm your cat. make sure you verify the toxicity of houseplants. There are different plants that are safe for a cat. The plants should also be placed safely from the cat.  Use plant pots with good weight so that the cat won’t be able to tip them over easily.

Is lavender safe for cats?

No, lavender is not safe for cats. Lavender contains two compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate which are toxic to cats. It can make your cat sick.

Are succulents safe for cats?

Succulents are available in varieties. Some are totally harmless whereas some are very toxic for cats. Succulents like jade, snake plant, aloe vera are very toxic to cats. Succulents like haworthia, stonecrops, prickly pears are safe for cats.