If you have a green thumb and are a proud cat parent, chances are, you may have some indoor plants poisonous to cats. But you can still have a safe and aesthetically pleasing living space by switching to plants your pets can be safe around.
Top Indoor Plants Poisonous to Cats
These plants poisonous to cats indoor should not be in a cat parent’s home:
1. Lilies
Lilies look gorgeous in a clear vase in the middle of your hallway, but each part of this beautiful plant is poisonous to cats. This includes the petals, pollen, and even the water you use to water it. If your kitty even nibbles or licks any part of the flower, it can suffer kidney failure, which is almost always fatal.
Symptoms of Poisoning
● Appetite loss
● Decreased activity level
● Vomiting
● Dehydration
● Drooling
2. Philodendron
These plants are favorites for plant lovers due to their beautiful heart-shaped leaves and the fact they don't require much care. However, these contain toxic calcium crystals, which can be dangerous for cats. Keep this plant out of your home and yard to keep your pet safe.
Symptoms of Poisoning
● Diarrhea
● Swelling
● Discomfort
● Respiratory distress
● Vomiting
3. Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia, or as it is lovingly called, ‘dumb cane,’ is an ornamental plant that is beloved by homeowners because of its stunning foliage. But its leaves secrete a poisonous sap that can be fatal to felines. The sap contains sharp needles of calcium oxalate that can do some serious damage when ingested.
Symptoms of Poisoning
● Difficulty swallowing
● Swelling
● Respiratory distress
● Drooling
● Irritation in the mouth and throat
4. Sago Palm
If you love the tropics, you may have this mini palm tree in your home. But if you have cats, best get rid of it as soon as possible. The Sago Palm contains cycasin, which can be hazardous for felines if ingested.
Symptoms of Poisoning
● Liver failure
● Seizures
● Lack of appetite
● Vomiting
● Diarrhea
● Coma (in extreme cases)
5. Pothos
The resilient Pothos looks beautiful with its trailing vines and heart-shaped foliage. But don’t let its beauty fool you. Also appropriately known as Devil’s Ivy, the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be dangerous for felines.
Symptoms of Poisoning
● Vomiting
● Swallowing issues
● Excessive drooling due to oral irritation
● Difficulty swallowing
6. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant can purify indoor air, but remove it and throw open your windows if you have a cat. The plant contains saponins that can attack your pet's gut and cause irreparable damage.
Symptoms of Poisoning
● Vomiting
● Diarrhea
● Nausea
7. Aloe Vera
The gel in these tough plants can soothe sunburn and make your skin supple, but it’s not worth it if you have a cat in the house. The gel is harmless, but the outer, tough layer of the plant contains aloin, which can be poisonous for cats.
Symptoms of Poisoning
● Severe vomiting and diarrhea
● Dehydration
● Lethargy
● Change in urine color
8. Azalea
While their vibrant and colorful flowers are a feast for the eyes, azaleas are toxic for cats. The plant contains grayanotoxins that are hazardous if ingested. Even the nectar of the flower is poisonous for cats!
Symptoms of Poisoning
● Excessive drooling
● Heart arrhythmia
● Diarrhea
● Vomiting
● Painful death
9. English Ivy
This pretty climbing vine can make a statement in your home, but it has no place in a cat lover's home. The English Ivy contains triterpenoid saponins, which can be dangerous if ingested as it is categorized under plants poisonous to cats indoor.
Symptoms of Poisoning
● Paralysis
● Vomiting
● Respiratory distress
● Stomach cramps
10. Poinsettia
These festive plants may be a joy to look at, but they can be risky for cats as these are plants poisonous to cats indoor. Poinsettias secrete a toxic sap that can cause gut distress or worse.
Symptoms of Poisoning
● Vomiting
● Diarrhea
● Drooling
● Irritation in the oral cavity
● Stomach issues
11. Oleander
Oleander is a pretty flowering shrub that looks great in a planter in a garden, but it has no place indoors if you have cats. The plant contains a toxic substance called cardiac glycosides, which can cause heart distress.
Symptoms of Poisoning
● Lethargy
● Diarrhea
● Vomiting
● Heart abnormalities which can lead to death
Keep these plants out of your home whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat. If your pet ingests any of these, rush to a vet immediately before it is too late.
Cat-Friendly Plants You Can Keep Indoors
A cat-friendly home is free of toxic plants. But you can place these alternatives around your living quarters without fear your pet may get sick:
Spider Plant
This plant is a favorite for anyone who loves gardening due to its graceful arching leaves and the fact that they are easy to take care of. Plus, spider plants can thrive in almost any weather.
Boston Fern
These plants can make musty indoor air pure again and are deemed safe for cats. Just place them in a humid area and under indirect sunlight. Your kitchen or bathroom will do.
Areca Palm
Also called the bamboo palm, the Areca palm is a cat-safe plant that can add a tropical touch to your home. The fact that these are also low maintenance only works in their favor.
Calathea
These patterned and colorful plants are known for their unique leaves, which can add an artistic touch to any home and will not harm your cats.
Contact PawDarling for Pet Insurance and Reduce Your Vet Bill
Creating a safe and pet-friendly environment involves carefully considering the plants we bring into our homes. By being aware of the potential dangers posed by plants poisonous to cats indoor, we can take proactive steps to safeguard our feline companions. Regularly inspecting your living space, choosing non-toxic alternatives, and consulting with your veterinarian can help ensure a harmonious coexistence between your indoor greenery and your beloved cats.
But if your cat gets into any of the toxic plants mentioned in this guide, rush them to the vet immediately. Before that happens and you are handed an exorbitant vet bill, get comprehensive Pet Insurance from PawDarling. We offer custom packages that take each breed's unique physiology and medical needs into account.
