Several Common Plants that are Poisonous to Cats

A List of Indoor House and Outdoor Plants That are Toxic to Felines

© Sarah Smith

Aug 12, 2009

There is an innumerable number of species of plants that are commonly bought and sold as garden and house plants to be used for decoration or to improve air quality. Surprisingly, over 350 of these seemingly harmless plants are actually toxic and poisonous to cats. These plants can cause severe gastrointestinal problems for cats and ingestion may result in death.

Toxic and Poisonous House Plants:

1. The Asian Lily is characterized by its large and elegant blossoms that shine bright orange or look like a white-petal canvas water colored with bright pink pigment. Symptoms of ingestion include: vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure, in appetence and even death.
2. The Easter Lily is a popular flower that blooms around Easter and is often given as a holiday gift. This plant is beautiful and fragrant but it is also extremely poisonous to felines. Death may occur if even the smallest amount of the plant is consumed.
3. The Azalea bush is a miniature version of the common Rhododendron and is often grown as a bonsai tree indoors. However, Azaleas are commonly identified growing wildly outdoors. The poison contained in the Azalea bush is called grayantoxin and it saturates the entire bush; ingestion of any part of the plant creates adverse affects. Ingestion of Azalea results in vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, weakness, stupor and death.

Toxic and Poisonous Outdoor Plants:

1. The Water Hemlock grows wildly throughout the United States; it is characterized by its umbrella-like burst of small white flowers which sit atop a thick green stem. Ingestion results in extreme stomach pain, fever, dilated pupils, respiratory depression, seizures and death.
2. Buttercups are easily recognizable by their reflective deep and brilliantly yellow tiny blossoms which sit atop a dainty stem. They grow wild in meadows and back yards in numerous climates throughout the world. Despite their quaint beauty, they contain a toxic compound called protoanemonin which is harmful to felines. Ingestion of buttercups results in vomiting, diarrhea, hyper salvation, depression and wobbly gait.
3. The fruit and skin of the Avocado is extremely poisonous to cats as well as dogs and horses. The entire Avocado tree is toxic to cats and a concerned owner should not expose their animal to any part of it. Even rubbing up against, or being in the presence of an avocado tree may cause the animal to react.
4. Every part of the tomato plant, especially the tomato itself, is extremely toxic to felines because it contains Solanine. Tomato plants must be placed in an area where cats will not be tempted to taste the plant. Ingestion results in an array of symptoms including severe gastrointestinal upset, behavioral change, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, slow heart rate and dilated pupils.
5. The Autumn Crocus, also known as Meadow Saffron, is a perennial flower that grows from bulbs. It is one of the first signs of spring because it emerges from the soil at the beginning of spring. Ingestion of the Autumn Crocus results in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.
6. The Hyacinth is a desirable perennial flower which produces a lovely sweet scent from its brightly colored flowers. It is uncommon for cats to ingest this plant however; symptoms include intense vomiting, diarrhea, depression and tremors.

Learn about ten common plants that are poisonous to dogs.

For a longer list of toxic house and outdoor plants, visit this ASPCA website.

Don't Let Your Kitty eat a Toxic Plant

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