[P] Plants toxic to cats

Cats are curious creatures, and this investigative nature extends to almost everything they find in the house and garden, including plants.

Whether you have an elegant British Shorthair, an energetic Siamese, or any other cat breed, their instinct to explore is universal. Whether it's a curious British cat or an adventurous mutt, the risks of toxic plants are the same. Unfortunately for both you and your little feline detective, there are a number of poisonous plants for cats that you should avoid having on hand or, if you have a particularly nimble climber, even in your home. Read on to find out which plants are dangerous to cats, both garden and indoor.

Do cats eat poisonous plants?

It depends. For most cats, regardless of breed, instinct will tell them to sniff first, and if the smell is strange, avoid it altogether. So, fortunately, cases of poisoning by ingesting plants are quite rare.

However, there are cats who like to nibble on leaves and might try a small snack, or even accidentally ingest a small piece of fur while grooming. Depending on the plant, this could be enough to cause them problems. Some plants can also cause contact irritation, meaning your cat could have a reaction just by touching or stepping on them with their paws.

Houseplants toxic to cats

If you bring a new plant into your home, it's always best to double check that it's dangerous to your feline. Cats are more likely to nibble on houseplants, and you might be surprised how many of them are potentially toxic, causing everything from mild skin irritation to serious gastrointestinal issues.

Here is a list of the most common houseplants toxic to cats:

• Aloe Vera
• Assign
• Ant Plant
• Anthurium
• Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium)
• Asparagus Fern
• Bird of Paradise
• Caryota Mitis (Fishtail Palm)
• Castanospermum (Chestnut)
• Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa)
• Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
• Cluse
• Cyclamen
• Dracaena
• Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
• English Ivy
• Ficus Benjamina
• Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
• Homalomena
• Iron Cross Begonia (Begonia Crucea de Fier)
• Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
• Kalanchoe
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
• Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia Tirucalli)
• Philodendron
• Poinsettia (Christmas)
• Polyscias Fabian
• Pothos (Devil's Ivy)
• Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
• Sago Palm: extremely toxic
• Sanseviera (Mother-in-law's Tongue)
• Schefflera (Umbrella Tree)
• Tradescantia
• Yucca
• Zamioculcas (ZZ Plant)

The sago palm is one of the most dangerous toxic plants for cats because it contains cycasin, a natural chemical toxic to the nervous system. Even a small amount can lead to a wide range of health complications, including acute and severe liver failure. The above list is not exhaustive, and other plants can be dangerous for cats.

Outdoor plants dangerous for cats

If your feline has access to the garden, it's best to avoid planting the following outdoor plants that are dangerous to cats. However, if you already have any of the plants on this list, always make sure to remove any foliage after cutting, and remember to keep the bulbs and seeds handy, as these can also be toxic.

Some of the outdoor plants that are toxic to cats include:

• Azalea
• Autumn Crocus
• Chrysanthemum
• Daffodils
• Delphinium
• Foxglove
• Fritillaria
• Gloriosa Superb (Lily of Glory)
• Hyacinth
• Juniper
• Lilies – all varieties. Asiatic, Easter, Japanese, Rubrum, Stargazer, Red, Tiger, Western Forest and Daylilies are among the most toxic types.
• Teardrops
• Nerium Oleander
• Nicotine
• Ornithogalum Umbellatum (Golden Balloon)
• rhododendrons
• Rhubarb
• The tomato plant
• Tulips
• Vinca Minor (Saschiu)
• Yew

The above lists of plants toxic to cats are not exhaustive and you should always check before bringing any plant into your home or garden if you have a four-legged friend.

It is important to note that, of all the plants mentioned above, the lily is among the most dangerous. All parts of the lily are toxic if ingested, and even the smallest amount can cause severe problems. Although your cat is very unlikely to eat it, she can rub against it, get the pollen on her fur and then ingest it while grooming.

If you have cats, it's always best to avoid having lilies in your home (this includes flower bouquets) and in your garden, as it's better to be safe than sorry.