What plants are bad for cats to eat
Robert Miller
Published Apr 12, 2026
Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp.)Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)Azaleas and Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.)Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)Chrysanthemum, Daisy, Mum (Chrysanthemum spp.)Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.)Daffodils, Narcissus (Narcissus spp.)
Are any plants poisonous to cats?
Flowering Plants:AmaryllisClimbing Lily*HyacinthLily of the Valley*Asian Lily*CyclamenHydrangeaNarcissus
Is Lavender toxic to cats?
Fresh lavender is not toxic to felines, only the essential oils derived from the plants are.
What house plants are bad for cats to eat?
- 01 of 09. Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum) …
- 02 of 09. Aloe Vera. …
- 03 of 09. Monstera Deliciosa. …
- 04 of 09. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) …
- 05 of 09. Jade Plants (Crassula) …
- 06 of 09. Snake Plants (Sansevieria trifasciata) …
- 07 of 09. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) …
- 08 of 09. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Are roses toxic to cats?
Roses are red, violets are blue, but biting a thorn can do damage to you… and your pets. Threat to pets: Although roses do not often cause serious poisoning beyond gastrointestinal upset, there is risk for trauma to the mouth and paws from the thorns. If a large amount is ingested, a bowel obstruction may result.
Are Succulents safe for cats?
Fortunately, most succulents are completely harmless to animals. Additionally, most animals instinctively avoid eating succulents. They just don’t smell or taste very appetizing. … Jade is slightly toxic and there are more than 2.6 million cats and dogs in the city, but it is incredibly rare for a pet to try eating it.
Is aloe plant toxic to cats?
Aloe vera is a common household plant, not because of its attraction but because of its health benefits. Aloe juice and pulp can be used to treat a variety of conditions in people, but it is highly toxic to cats.
Is Mint toxic to cats?
Both catnip and catmint are types of mint that are safe to cats. Garden mint may cause gastrointestinal upset if too much is eaten. The essential oils specific to garden mint have also been known to relax the esophageal valve, making vomiting more likely in a cat who may already be ill.How do I stop my cat from eating my plants?
Make The Plants Unappealing Because cats don’t like the taste or smell of citrus, mix together water with lemon, lime or orange juice, and then spritz this on your plants. Often, the smell of the citrus is enough to keep your cat away. If she does nibble, one taste of citrus should prevent further plant snacking.
Is Rosemary bad for cats?As far as we know, most herbs—your rosemary, thyme, basil and dill—are safe for cats and dogs, but there is one that frequently colors a person’s garden that can cause a sometimes severe—and definitely strange— illness.
Article first time published onIs Rudbeckia poisonous to cats?
While some plants are poisonous to pets, some woody shrubs such as Arborvitae are great choices because of their durability. It’s advisable to avoid large perennial or annual areas containing plants such as Rudbeckia (commonly known as Black-Eyed Susan), Cone Flowers, Pansies, etc.
Are hydrangea poisonous to cats?
The most common symptoms associated with hydrangea poisoning are related to the gastrointestinal tract. Dogs or cats that consume enough hydrangea leaves, flowers and/or buds can suffer from vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, hydrangea poisoning can cause lethargy, depression and confusion.
Are mums safe for cats?
Our sources conclude yes, mums are toxic to pets, particularly dogs, cats and horses. Symptoms of ingesting the flower include vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, incoordination and skin inflammation. Typically, the mums are not deadly, but pet parents should call their veterinarians right away.
Are tulips poisonous to cats?
Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats: Tulips. Tulips are beautiful, popular flowers that many of us have in our gardens. But it’s important to note that the Tulipa genus of flowers is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses and can be fatal if ingested.
Is Lemongrass safe for cats?
Lemongrass isn’t harmful to cats, as long as they nibble in moderation. When made into an essential oil, lemongrass is potentially deadly for your cat. All cats lack glucuronyl transferase, a liver enzyme, that helps to break down most essential oils, including lemongrass.
Is eucalyptus bad for cats?
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the case of a spill.
Can cats eat spider plant?
In fact, the spider plant is listed as non toxic to cats and other pets on the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website along with many other educational sites. … While considered non toxic, these compounds can still result in an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Are Philodendrons safe for cats?
The philodendron family, which includes Swiss cheese plant, heartleaf and fiddle-leaf philodendron, have a toxicity level of mild to moderate for cats and dogs. Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
Why do cats eat cactus?
Craving for different textures. The cat mostly eats meat, and the texture of your cactus may appear appealing. Your cat may want to bite on the plant to experience how it feels.
Are cactus toxic to cats?
The ASPCA lists Christmas cacti as non-toxic for both dogs and cats―neither the cactus nor the flowers are poisonous to pets.
Why is my cat obsessed with eating plants?
Why Do Some Cats Eat Plants? Although cats are primarily carnivores, in the wild they also nibble on plants, for added nutrients or fiber, or perhaps just because they like the taste. … In the home, cats sometimes eat houseplants out of boredom, or because they’re attracted to the leaves fluttering in the air currents.
What plant do cats hate?
Cats dislike the smell of rue, lavender and pennyroyal, Coleus canina and lemon thyme. Plant a few of these throughout the garden. (Interplanting can attract pollinators and other beneficial insects too.) Cats steer clear of strong citrus scents.
Is it OK for cats to eat houseplants?
The majority of plants may cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea when ingested by cats but not death. [Editor’s note: Of course, it’s always a good idea to call your veterinarian if you notice that your cat’s ingested anything abnormal.
What happens if cats eat chives?
Chives are mildly toxic to cats, and to some dogs as well. The herb belongs to the same family as garlic and onions. High doses of any of these can cause something known as hemolytic anemia in which the red blood cells rupture and the animal becomes weak or worse.
Is oregano poisonous to cats?
Which Oils Are Toxic? Oils that contain phenol and monoterpene hydrocarbons have been found to be particularly toxic to cats. You should avoid using oils such as cinnamon, clove, thyme, oregano, citrus oils, pine oils, lavender, bergamot, tea tree, eucalyptus, and others.
Can cats eat basil plant?
—Basil. Basil is one of the most widely grown herbs safe for cats. As any cat owner knows, they love to chew on whatever they can get their teeth on, and basil is a chewy leaf that is good for them.
Is garlic OK for cats?
Garlic and onions, as well as other plants of the Allium species (leeks, chives) in either fresh, dried, or powdered forms are toxic to both dogs and cats. Garlic is more toxic than onions – with raw garlic, toxic ingestion is around 1 gram per 5 pounds, and with onions it is 1 gram per pound.
Is cilantro toxic to cats?
Cilantro. The cilantro plant can cause gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac arrhythmia in your pet.
Is Cedarwood safe for cats?
YES, cedar oil is safe for pets and people, including cats, newborns, and nursing moms.
Are marigolds poisonous to cats?
Their pungent aroma helps keeps insects at bay and they are commonly planted near roses to deter aphids. If your cat eats marigold leaves or stems, they may suffer from mild mouth irritation, possible drooling, tummy pain, and diarrhea. Contact from the plant’s sap may also cause skin irritation.
Are hollyhocks poisonous to cats?
Hollyhocks are a classic cottage garden flower and are safe for cats, too.
