top of page

30 Houseplants Which are Toxic to Cats

Understanding the Potential Dangers of Houseplants for Cats

A comprehensive guide to understanding the dangers of houseplants for cats. The post covers 30 toxic houseplants, including Monstera, Golden Pothos, Peace Lily, and more, with alternatives for a cat-friendly home. Information on plant toxicity, symptoms, prevention, and emergency actions if ingestion occurs. The post empowers cat owners to make informed choices for a safe and harmonious environment.

If you're into houseplants and care about the safety of your cats, you've come to the right place!

Indoor plants make wonderful additions to any home, providing beauty, a sense of responsibility and benefits such as air purification. 

While many houseplants are considered safe for pets, there are many which can pose a threat to your furry friends. 

In this article, we will cover 30 different houseplants which have been listed as toxic (or caution advised) by Cats Protection and/or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). 

All of these houseplants could cause adverse reactions if ingested by felines, therefore, it's critical to keep these plants away from your cats and opt for cat-safe plant varieties instead.

Plant toxicity varies greatly, and while some of the plants listed in this post may only cause mild reactions if nibbled on by your cats, some are so toxic they can induce serious complications, including breathing difficulties, heart problems, and, in severe cases, fatalities. 

By learning which common houseplants can threaten your cat's safety, you can effectively protect them from the effects of toxic houseplants. 

Can You Keep Toxic Houseplants in a Home with Cats

Cats Protection advises avoiding toxic houseplants in areas accessible to cats altogether to prevent plant poisoning.

If your cat has never shown interest in biting or playing with your houseplants, you might not be concerned about bringing home a potentially poisonous plant. 

However, cats are curious creatures, and they may one day decide to investigate and play with the plants or bite the leaves, which could lead to ingestion and poisoning. 

Therefore, it is always better to err on the side of caution and avoid bringing toxic plants into your home if you have a cat.

When it comes to cautionary advised houseplants (meaning they are not necessarily listed as toxic, but still have the potential to harm your cat if ingested), it's vital to keep these plants out of reach of cats to prevent nibbling or to avoid them entirely and opt for non-toxic plants instead.

Are Cat-Safe/Non-Toxic Houseplants Safe for Cats to Chew?

So, let's say you've opted to make your home a cat-safe-plant-only zone. Does that automatically mean it's safe for your cat to nibble on the leaves of these cat-friendly plants? Unfortunately, the answer is not necessarily.

Even non-toxic plants can cause adverse reactions if your cat consumes too much of the plant material. 

Therefore, if your cat is prone to chewing on the leaves of your plants, it's best to move them into an unreachable area, even if they are non-toxic.

Here are some tips to keep your cats safe around non-toxic houseplants:

  • Strategic Placement: Place plants out of reach or use hanging planters to make it challenging for curious cats to access them.

  • Stimulate Alternatives: Provide alternative sources of stimulation like scratching posts and interactive toys to divert their attention from houseplants.

  • Vigilance is Key: Even with non-toxic plants, monitor your cat's behaviour around them. If they show interest or start to nibble the foliage, put the plant in an unreachable spot.

  • Consult a Vet: If you observe any unusual symptoms in your cat or suspect ingestion of a non-toxic plant, consult with your veterinarian promptly.

How to Identify Toxic and Non-Toxic Houseplants and Keep Your Cat Safe

The only way to ensure the safety of your cat is to choose your houseplants wisely and opt for cat-friendly houseplants that are non-toxic to cats and ensure you conduct thorough research into the safety of the plant. 

Both Cats Protection and the ASPCA provide lists of toxic and non-toxic houseplants. Use these lists to determine whether your indoor plants are safe for your kitty. If the plant is not listed as toxic OR non-toxic, it's best to, again, err on the side of caution and assume it could harm your cat.

When purchasing new houseplants, ensure to check their labels and research their names before introducing them to a home with resident cats. This step is crucial because houseplants may share similar appearances but belong to completely different species. While one plant might be non-toxic to cats, another that looks very similar could be toxic.

Furthermore, remember that not all plants in the same family are safe for pets. Even if one plant variety is deemed safe, it doesn't necessarily mean that every plant in that family is safe too. 

Take the Boston Fern for example - it's a non-toxic plant for cats. However, assuming that all Ferns are safe for cats would be a mistake. Certain Fern varieties like the Asparagus Fern can actually be toxic to our feline friends.

30 Houseplants Which are Toxic to Cats

1: Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

Vibrant Monstera plant with unique, fenestrated leaves. Caution advised for cat owners due to potential toxicity.
  • Also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant

The Monstera plant is a popular houseplant due to its unique and attractive leaves. Its tropical appearance makes it a wonderful choice for those trying to create an indoor jungle.

However, it is important to note that Monstera plants can be toxic to cats.

The leaves of the Monstera contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and discomfort if ingested by cats. Symptoms of toxicity may include drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and oral irritation. 

  • Cat-Friendly Alternative to Monstera: Calathea Orbifolia (Calathea spp.)

2: Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

 Variegated Golden Pothos plant, popular for its trailing vines. Toxic to cats; consider cat-safe alternatives.