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What houseplants are toxic to cats? Avoid these Now!

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Cats are living creatures that need to be taken good care of by their owners. The pet owner’s responsibility is to ensure a cat lives in a safe and healthy environment. However, we keep house plants that pose significant health challenges to cats due to their toxicity.

What houseplants are toxic to cats? The following list is just some that might shock you. Read on for 46 plants that may be poisoning your cats!

  • Aloe Vera
  • Elephant Ear
  • Jade Plant
  • Lilies
  • Spider Plants
  • Christmas Rose

Table of Contents

  1. Aloe Plant (Aloe barbadensis miller)
  2. Asparagus Ferns (Asparagus aethiopicus)
  3. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
  4. Dumb Maye (Dieffenbachia seguine)
  5. Elephant Ear (Colocasia)
  6. Fiddle Leaf (Ficus lyrata)
  7. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
  8. Lilies (Lilium)
  9. Silk Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
  10. Sowbread (Cyclamen purpurascens)
  11. Cycas revoluta (Japanese sago palm)
  12. Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
  13. Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger)
  14. Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius)
  15. Kiss me quick (Portulaca pilosa)
  16. Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum)
  17. Mistletoe (Viscum album)
  18. Nephthytis (Syngonium podophyllum)
  19. Flamingo Flower (Anthurium)
  20. Desert Azalea (Adenium obesum)
  21. Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata)
  22. Daffodil (Narcissus)
  23. Florida Beauty (Dracaena surculose)
  24. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
  25. Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila)
  26. Branching Ivy (Hedera helix)
  27. Bird of Paradise Flower (Strelitzia)
  28. Ceriman (Monstera deliciosa)
  29. Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
  30. Cardboard Palm (Zamia furfuracea)
  31. Clivia Lily (Clivia miniata)
  32. Yucca (Yucca brevifolia)
  33. Tulip (Tulipa)
  34. Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
  35. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
  36. Foxglove (Digitalis)
  37. Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum)
  38. Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
  39. Oleander (Nerium oleander)
  40. Hosta (plantain lilies)
  41. Garden Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
  42. Chinese Jade (Crassula ovata)
  43. Gladiola (sword lily)
  44. Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)
  45. Begonia (Begoniaceae)
  46. Dracaena (Terminalis)
  47. Plants are safe to keep when you have cats.
    1. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
    2. Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
    3. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
    4. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
    5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
    6. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)
    7. Haworthia zebra (Haworthia attenuata)
    8. Peperomia green (Piperaceae Giseke)
    9. Bamboo palm (Dypsis lutescens)
    10. Baby Tears (Soleirolia Soleirolii)
  48. How to keep your cats safe from these plants?
    1. Keep plants cats will not chew on
    2. Use a pebble mulch
    3. Consider sacrificial plants
    4. Move plants to a safer location.
    5. Hanging plants to keep cats away
    6. Spray plants with a cat deterrent
    7. Ensure your cat has toys to occupy itself
  49. Conclusion

When your cat gets ill, you may wonder why it got sick in the first place; you may not even consider it is your plants causing the issue, so proper supervision should be considered at all times. When some plants are safe for humans, it is not always evident that they are safe for cats when consumed.

Keeping a cat in your house will see you sacrifice some things for its safety and well-being, and that may include some houseplants. Below is a list of houseplants that should be kept from your cat.

In this article, I have included plants that may be grown in the garden but used as cut flowers in the house. I wanted to provide you with a resource that would give you information on plants harmful to your cats in the house. So let’s get on and see what 46 plants you should consider carefully if you have cats. Plus, I provide you with ten safe alternatives for your cats.

Aloe Plant (Aloe barbadensis miller)

The plant is widespread in many homes. It is succulent, and its leaves are used to soothe numerous ailments, one sunburn. In addition, this plant is also known as Aloe Vera, Barbados Aloe, and Medicine plant.

Although the plant is considered medicinal for humans, when consumed by a cat, it may cause severe vomiting and pass reddish-colored urine, and as well one may notice mild stomach upset.

Asparagus Ferns (Asparagus aethiopicus)

This is a popular indoor plant liked by many since it is easy to take care of and needs little water and sunlight to grow. However, Asparagus Ferns contain a toxic steroidal agent, which makes the plant highly poisonous when eaten by cats.

Its berries are equally toxic as the plant poses the same dangers as the plant when consumed by a cat. If your cat eats this plant, it is always advisable to contact the veterinarian to ensure instant treatment. Consider taking the plant also for faster medication to avoid further illness.

Asparagus Ferns is also known as Sprengeri Fern. If a cat consumes this plant or its berries, it may suffer diarrhea, vomiting, skin inflammation, and abdominal pain.

Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)

They are well known to people. This plant is green, and its leaves are variant. Other names like Dragon Tree, Cornstalk Plant Dracaena, and Ribbon Plant know the corn plant. Corn Plant has a chemical called saponin that threatens cats when consumed. Cats eating this plant may experience a loss of appetite, dilated pupils, severe vomiting, and depression.

Dumb Maye (Dieffenbachia seguine)

Dumb Maye has green broad multi-hued leaves. It carries a poisonous chemical that is toxic to cats once it chews or bites. A cat who ingests this plant may have difficulty swallowing, increased salivation, vomiting, and oral irritation.

Elephant Ear (Colocasia)

As the name of this plant suggests, it resembles the ears of an elephant, and its leaves are broad and very green. Elephant Ear bears other names like Taro, Pai, Caladium, Ape, Via Sori, and Malanga. Consequently, if a cat consumes this plant, it may suffer oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and increased salivation.

Fiddle Leaf (Ficus lyrata)

This plant is easy to grow, so it is ideal for a house plant, although it contains a toxic chemical that is harmful to cats. It is also commonly referred to as Panda Plant, Red Princess, Split-Leaf Philodendron, Saddle Leaf, Heartleaf Philodendron, and Cordatum, among many other names.

A cat that feeds on this plant may experience mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Once your cat has chewed this plant, it is advisable to contact the veterinarian for immediate treatment.

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

The Jade plant has beautiful eye-catching petals but is poisonous to cats when consumed. Jade plant is also known as the Chinese Rubber Plant, Japanese Rubber Plant, Friendship Tree, Baby Jade, Dwarf Rubber Plant, and Jade Tree.

You should take the cat instantly to the vet if you suspect the cat has ingested it because its poisoning is fatal if no treatment is given. To test if a cat has consumed the plant, vets consider using urine or blood before treatment and later give schedules to monitor the healing process.

Lilies (Lilium)

Lilies are of many types, but almost all are poisonous to cats.

A cat that ingests a lily may suffer loss in appetite, lethargy, and even severe vomiting. If your cat eats this plant, it is always advisable to contact the veterinarian to ensure instant treatment. With lilies, medicine can be sped up if you take the plant to the vet, and this will allow them to know which variety of lilies you have.

In addition, failure to have the cat treated may lead to kidney failure and, eventually, the death of your cat.

Silk Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)

This house plant usually is hung high because of its beautiful drooping vine-like stalks. Silk Pothos are easy to take care of and naturally very appealing. But the dangling stalks and leaves of this plant are attractive to cats to play with. However, cats may suffer from difficulty swallowing and vomiting when ingested.

Sowbread (Cyclamen purpurascens)

Sowbread is known by another name which is Cyclamen. This plant produces beautiful flowers and is commonly housed indoors, even though every part of it poisonous to cats.

If a cat eats its petals or leaves, it will result in diarrhea, vomiting, and increased saliva production. Moreover, consuming its tubers results in seizures, heart rhythm problems, and even death in cats.

Cycas revoluta (Japanese sago palm)

This plant is also referred to as Sago Palm. It is a house plant that is popularly known for the tropical feel that it brings into a home. The whole plant poses a danger to a cat; if it consumes it, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver failure are likely to result in death.

Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)

Some people believe spider plants are nonpoisonous to cats but can make them a little ill. A cat that ingests spider plant leaves may suffer from vomiting, diarrhea and stomach upset. This plant contains natural compounds that give the cat harmless mild hallucinations when consumed.

Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger)

Although some roses are edible, the Christmas Rose is dangerous to your cat at home. It is commonly known for its white flowers that are beautiful to look at, although it poses dangers to a cat when consumed, such as drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, and depression.

Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius)

This plant is commonly known and loved because of its showy flowers. Its flowers take the shape of a pearl, and its tendrils help it to attach to surfaces. It spreads vegetatively and sometimes by reseeding itself. It bears several names, like Sweet Pea and Perennial Pea. Consumption of this plant by the cat leads to pacing, head pressing, tremors, seizures, lethargy, weakness, and sometimes death.

Kiss me quick (Portulaca pilosa)

Kiss-me-quick is a succulent plant with linear leaves and pink flowers. This plant, also known as Pink Purslane, Lady-of-the-night, Today, Tomorrow, and Yesterday, has a lot of minerals and vitamins that make it helpful to humans despite being toxic to cats.

Ingestion of this plant by cats causes tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, hypersalivation, lethargy, coughing, and incoordination.

Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum)

They are also referred to as Marijuana and Hashish. Indian Hemp is characterized by small leaves that are green and white flowers. When it is beautiful to plant in the house, Indian Hemp threatens the health of cats in a home if eaten.

Cats show signs of low blood pressure, low body temperature, seizure, dilated pupils, depression, incoordination, sleepiness, hypersalivation, and excitation upon consumption of this plant.

Mistletoe (Viscum album)

The common name for this plant is American Mistletoe. This is a parasitic plant whose death is determined by the host only. The only way to control this plant is by removing its host. This plant can usually be seen attacking apple trees in the wild.

In addition to this plant being a parasite, it deforms the branches of the host and reduces its ability to produce. Moreover, it is toxic to cats and makes them hallucinate, vomit, have diarrhea, and experience gastrointestinal abnormalities when ingested.

Nephthytis (Syngonium podophyllum)

This plant is also known as Arrow-Head Vine. This plant loves a humid environment, and its leaves are broad and green too. A cat will show signs of excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing after ingestion of this plant.

Flamingo Flower (Anthurium)

This plant bears other names, such as the painter’s pallet. The Flamingo flower plant has orange flowers and grows to an acceptable height making it suitable for a house plant.

However, these plants need a lot of care and may not suit somebody without experience caring for them. When the cat’s skin comes into contact with this plant, it experiences irritation.

Desert Azalea (Adenium obesum)

This plant is also known as Desert Rose. The plant does not thrive in cold temperatures and therefore suits being kept in the house in a pot. It is advisable to prune it before it blooms to maximize on flowers produced.

It is colorful and eye-catching. Ordinarily, this plant can be grown from seeds or stems cuttings of dried stems. However, a cat that consumes this plant may vomit, contract diarrhea, suffer from depression, irregular heartbeat, anorexia, or even die.

Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata)

Dahlia is grown from tubers that do well in well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. This plant produces gorgeous and very bright-colored flowers, and many people grow them for cut flowers to place in the home.

The tubers of these plants are the ones used to grow new plants, obviously in a favorable environment. Unfortunately, this plant can cause mild dermatitis and gastrointestinal problems when consumed by a cat.

Daffodil (Narcissus)

Other names people use to refer to Daffodil are Narcissus, Jonquil, and Paper White. The flowers of this plant are mostly white or yellow and sometimes orange or pink, which is in rare cases.

The petals and corona of Daffodils are either contrasting to the flowers or similar. Although Narcissus are beautiful to look at when cats feed them, they may cause vomiting, salivation, and diarrhea.

Florida Beauty (Dracaena surculose)

This plant is also called Gold Dust Dracaena and Spotted Dracaena. It is a hard slow-growing plant with shiny leaves, which have yellow spots and later develop white dots as the plant matures.

Also, the Florida beauty plant has stems resembling the bamboo tree. However, a cat that ingests this plant may suffer from difficulty in breathing, vomiting, depression, incoordination, and also, it feels weak.

Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)

In other names, Coleus is also known as Country Borage, among many more. This plant is evergreen all year round, and its foliage is broad and brightly colored.

Coleus thrives well in bright indirect light from the sun, and when exposed to direct sunlight, its leave becomes less colored. Coleus is poisonous when consumed by cats, and they may show symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and anorexia.

Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila)

Baby’s Breath is also referred to as Maidens Breath. This plant is a soupy flowering border and a bedding plant covered by loosely attached tiny white flowers.

There are two varieties of Maidens Breath; Annual and perennial. The perennial type will bloom year after year; nevertheless, the annual type is seasonal and dies after mid-summer. A cat that consumes this plant may experience diarrhea and vomiting.

Branching Ivy (Hedera helix)

Other names people use to refer to this plant are English Ivy, Glacier Ivy, and California Ivy. This plant is popularly known for its ability to climb on surfaces with the help of small roots that grow across the stems. Once your cat has chewed this plant, it is always advisable to contact the veterinarian so that immediate treatment takes place.

Since the care of this plant is easy, you can grow it at a further distance without stressing much about how to take care of it. However, watering regularly when the plants are younger is wise since they do well in moist soil. If the English Ivy is eaten by the cat, symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhea may be observed.

Bird of Paradise Flower (Strelitzia)

This plant is commonly known as Crane Flower or Bird’s Tongue flower. Its vegetation looks similar to small banana leaves, and its leaves are evergreen, shiny, thick, and waxy, which makes this plant very appealing to humans. The Bird’s Tongue Flower is known for its beautiful far-flung flowers.

In addition to this, its flowers also resemble a colorful soaring bird. Due to its flower’s outstanding beauty, it is one of the flowers favored by designers. This plant is also a symbol of paradise. If cats ingest fruits or seeds of this plant, they may show symptoms like drowsiness, vomiting, and nausea.

Ceriman (Monstera deliciosa)

People know this plant by other names like Mexican Breadfruit. This is an evergreen plant with thick waxy leaves, and it grows vast with its beautiful white flowers. This plant is toxic to cats, and when consumed, they show symptoms of mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Once your cat has chewed this plant, it is always advisable to contact the veterinarian so that immediate treatment takes place.

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

It is popularly known as Pinks, Wild Carnation, and Sweet William. The petals of the Carnation plant vary in color from purple to pink to white, and they are bisexual flowers that bloom in a branched manner. The leaves of the Carnation plant change from grey-blue to green to purple. Sweet William is exotic to Eurasia and blooms even after a long time of being cut.

Its flowers symbolize a mother’s love and mother’s day as well. Despite Carnations being beautiful and used as a symbol of a mother’s love, if consumed by cats, they may cause mild dermatitis and mild gastrointestinal signs.

Cardboard Palm (Zamia furfuracea)

Its common names include Cycads and Zamias. Like a palm tree, Zamias also have pinnate leaves, but they are rounded. Zamias grow low on the ground and have thick bulky stems. Also, its leaves are evergreen, with its leaflets growing in pairs of twelve per stem.

This plant needs enough moisture to keep it healthy and grow well. Zamia does well in a pot with good drainage in moderate to bright light. Zamia is toxic to cats, and when consumed, it may cause increased thirst, vomiting, melena, icterus, bruising, coagulopathy, liver failure, and eventually death.

Clivia Lily (Clivia miniata)

Commonly known as Cape Clivia, Caffre Lily, and Kaffir Lily. This plant has beautiful orange flowers and has become very popular with gardeners worldwide. This South African plant does well in a frozen-free environment.

When growing it in the house, you must water your pot regularly and wait for it to blossom. The warm coastal climate also favors the growth of Clivia. Cats that feed on this plant may experience convulsions, low blood pressure, diarrhea, and even tremors. The most toxic part of this plant is the bulbs.

Yucca (Yucca brevifolia)

Growing this plant indoors adds to the beauty of your house and provides a focal point in a room. When developing this plant indoors, it is advised to place it under the shade and protect it from direct sunlight for fantastic leaf color.

Yucca plants in a pot can also grow outside in the sun but will end up with browning or white tips on the leaves. The Yucca plant does not need a lot of water for its maintenance. Cats feeding on this plant may show symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

Tulip (Tulipa)

Tulips make at the top of the list of the most popular flowers in the world. In petals of six, this plant blossoms to show beautiful flowers. Tulips are believed to have first been cultivated in the Ottoman Empire in Europe.

The majority of Tulips are cultivated and exported in Holland. Tulips are a symbol of dreaminess, imagination, and love. However, the bulbs of Tulips are poisonous, and if eaten by cats, they may vomit, get depressed, suffer hypersalivation, and even have diarrhea.

Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

Most of these plants are grown for the benefit of their flowers. Primrose is low is a perennial herb that is low-growing in nature. However, some Primroses are biennials, but a few. Its leaves are closer together and may be narrow or roundish. Some types of this plant, like the Evening Primrose, are grown for their seeds that contain omega-6. If a cat feeds on this plant, it may experience mild vomiting.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Among the many known holiday flower, Poinsettia is one of them. For this plant to grow, it needs sufficient sunlight, warmth, and water. Over the years, Poinsettia has been said to be poisonous to both human beings and cats.

If cats come across this plant, they may develop symptoms like mouth irritation and sometimes vomiting. Nevertheless, the toxins in this plant are over-rated, and it is not as poisonous as people perceive it to be, according to recent research.

Foxglove (Digitalis)

This plant is grown for its beauty. Its flowers are bell-shaped and usually purple but can also be found in pink, cream yellow, white, or rose. In addition, it is good to note that every part of this plant is toxic.

If consumed by a cat, it may lead to shock, hypotension, collapsing, or even going into a coma. Due to the high toxicity of this plant, it is advisable to seek veterinary treatment for your cat in case of ingestion.

Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum)

The beauty of this plant is undisputed. Its leaves are shiny and dark green. Peace Lily does well when given consistent moisture and indirect sunlight. It adapts to any environment quickly, making it ideal for a houseplant because it is generally a low-maintenance plant.

If Peace Lilies are ingested by cats, the risk of vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, and convulsions may occur.

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)

This plant is elegant and has leaves that are slender and arch beautifully from its light grey trunk. Its shiny dark leaves, which are dense, tend to shed if the plant is stressed. It grows in tropical and subtropical climates and indoors to add beauty and life to a room.

Consequently, weeping fig is kept in the house to purify the room’s air. It does well in soil that is rich and fast-draining but rarely does it flower indoors. However, if a cat ingests a weeping tree, it can cause oral irritation, lack of appetite, vomiting, excessive drooling, and pawing at the mouth may be seen.

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Oleander is also commonly known as Rose Bay. It does well in a cold, humid kind of temperature. For many years it has been used as a decorative plant, mostly in places of warm climates.

Every part of the Oleander plant is poisonous if consumed by the cat. A cat that has eaten Oleander may show symptoms like a failure of the heart muscles to function correctly, cardiac arrhythmias, and rhythm disturbances.

Hosta (plantain lilies)

It is commonly known as Plantain Lily and Funkia. The foliage of this plant is easy to care for, making it more common to gardeners. Hosta thrives in soil that has good drainage.

This plant fits well in many places; some grow them in pots to give the house a tropical theme. Taking care of this plant is easy as well. This plant is toxic to cats and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression if ingested.

Garden Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Garden Hyacinth is grown all over regions with temperate climates because of its fragrant flowers that bloom early in the season. The leaves of this plant are strapped in shape and very wide, and they are produced in a basal whorl.

In addition, this plant is pollinated by insects of many kinds, honey bees being one of them. Cats consuming Garden Hyacinth may suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and even allergic reactions. Moreover, bulbs in this plant have the most toxins there, being the most poisonous.

Chinese Jade (Crassula ovata)

In other names, this plant is known as Silver Jade Plant and Silver Dollar. Many people believe the Silver Dollar plant to be a symbol of good luck. It is widely grown by gardeners because its care and maintenance are minimal.

Essential things to consider when growing Chinese Jade in your house are water, light, temperature, and fertilizer. However, if you notice your Chinese Jade is losing leaves or has spots on its leaves, it is time to properly water it since that is a sign of a lack of moisture. A cat that has consumed this plant may show symptoms like nausea and retching.

Gladiola (sword lily)

The Gladiola plant does well in sunny places with light soil. Usually cut for flowers in the house, but these are not the most poisonous part of the plant. The most contaminated parts of this plant are the bulbs. This plant is toxic to cats, and if consumed, it may cause salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea.

Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)

Although the Pencil cactus looks attractive, it is worth noting that it is toxic to cats and dogs at home. The plant contains irritant sap, and if one decides to plant it at home should be careful unless they do not have cats. In addition, the liquid is also irritating to people, so it is not recommended for the average grower to use it at home.

Begonia (Begoniaceae)

The Begonia is a commonly found houseplant in most households, and this is because the begonia can tolerate the particular low-light conditions in your home. A variety from the family name Begoniaceae comes in various leaf colors and shapes, and begonias do well without direct light.

The Begonia plants, however, contain soluble calcium oxalates, which are very toxic to housecats. It may lead to vomiting, salivation, and, in extreme cases, kidney failure.

Dracaena (Terminalis)

Dracaena does not refer to one particular houseplant species; it is a genus that includes beautiful houseplants, popular in several houses. Names such as Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Dragon Tree, and ribbon plant are commonly used for plants under this genus.

The varying species of this genus contain unknown steroidal saponins, which may be dangerous to housecats. These saponins may cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, a lack of coordination, and dilated pupils when ingested.

Plants are safe to keep when you have cats.

While you may want to have some of the plants listed above, you should also try to make your cats safe. It’s best to consider other plants that may beautify your home and make you and your cat happy. Some of them include the following:

African Violet (Saintpaulia)

Native to East Africa, these are grown better indoors. They have leaves that are inedible as well as non-toxic.

Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Hearing the word  “palm” might make you think of a sunny, calm climate, but the parlor palm has been prized for a long time for its resilience to indoor conditions.

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

This Brazilian rainforest plant thrives in high humidity and bright, indirect sunlight.

Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) 

Though the rubber plant (Ficus elastic) might be poisonous, the baby rubber plants are non-toxic and can serve as adequate substitutes in a home.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Some fern varieties produce harmful toxins, especially for felines. Boston ferns are safer varieties of ferns for a home that has cats.

Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) 

A perfect plant for hanging baskets, its preference includes moisture and indirect light.

Haworthia zebra (Haworthia attenuata)

If you’re an individual who can never remember to water plants, then this Lil’ zebra is a perfect option. This is because it’s used to desert conditions.

Peperomia green (Piperaceae Giseke)

An immortal plant, peperomia, can be easily propagated by cutting off its leaves and completely regenerates after it is entirely dead.

Bamboo palm (Dypsis lutescens)

A bamboo palm adds tropical vibes to your home if that is what you love, and all this without that much effort. All that is needed is to water it a few times a week.

Baby Tears (Soleirolia Soleirolii)

This plant is both child-safe and pet-safe. The baby tears are the plant for you, especially with its beautiful white flowers and the fact that it is the perfect non-toxic plant for a home.

You may check the RSPCA or the ASPCA websites for more examples of plants that may or may not be toxic.

How to keep your cats safe from these plants?

With the huge list above, you would be forgiven for thinking you want to rid your house of all plants to keep your cats safe. However, there are ways to keep your cats safe and still have plants. Some of those include:

  • Keep plants cats will not chew on
  • Use a pebble mulch
  • Consider sacrificial plants
  • Move plants to a safer location
  • Hanging plants to keep cats away
  • Spray plants with a cat deterrent
  • Ensure your cat has toys to occupy itself

Keep plants cats will not chew on

There are many plants cats do not like to eat; these include heavily scented plants like rosemary and spiky plants like cactus; these plants are ideal for keeping around cats.

Use a pebble mulch

Cats play with plant pots and soil when looking for new litter trays. The ground is natural to them and is perfect for covering up any mess the cat makes. Adding large pebbles as mulch to the tops of your pots will help to distract the cats from the soil below.

Consider sacrificial plants

Why not consider using sacrificial plants? These are plants that cats like to eat, and you could place these in a more accessible place for the cats to chew on. Consider plants like catnip and lemon balm for these.

Move plants to a safer location.

Although cats climb around the house, you could place your plants in safer locations around the house. High shelving may be out of the cat jumping distance or even in high windowsills that are blocked for cat access.

Hanging plants to keep cats away

Even better than just moving your plants, consider hanging them from the ceiling or having a dedicated stand to hang them from. This will keep the cats away from your plants thoroughly.

Spray plants with a cat deterrent

There are many cat deterrents on the market; these work by making the plants smell unfavorable to the cats, and therefore, they are left alone. Products such as the following can be used, all with great effects.

Ensure your cat has toys to occupy itself

With such an array of cat toys on the market, your cat shouldn’t want to chew your plants. It’s the owner’s responsibility to provide adequate attention-style toys for your cats to play with. Consider hanging toys and toys that smell like things cats love

Conclusion

In summary, toxicity may vary depending on the amount of plant ingested or the type of plants, as discussed above. If you want to buy plants for the home, you should first research whether they are toxic to cats to avoid wasting your money on poisonous plants.

As discussed, many plants are toxic to cats, and we should also engage with vets just in case we see some symptoms like swelling, redness, and itchiness of the eyes, mouth, or skin. Other symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, and difficulty breathing.

If treatment is delayed, ingestion may be deadly, while some plants may require a special diet for the cats. To avoid all these, we should remove such toxic plants away from home and keep the cat indoors with special supervision.

However, I do not want to prevent you from growing these plants home. Maybe get rid of your cat instead. ONLY JOKING! But in all seriousness, consider the plants you are growing and the location they are within the home.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about what houseplants are toxic to cats. I trust it answers your question fully. If this interests you, why not consider checking out some of my other blog posts and subscribing to the blog, so you don’t miss future content?

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Remember, folks, You Reap What You Sow!