A complete listing of all the plants that are toxic to cats, as well as information on safe plants for the home & garden and a number to the Animal Poison Control Center.
Being an avid gardener, it was difficult for me to move my beautiful plants outdoors or just give them away, but the moment I brought cats into my home, I knew I was going to have to make some adjustments. Cats taste test everything, and I haven’t met one yet that didn’t want to sample houseplants!
A cat that has eaten a poisonous plant may show little to no signs. Some may simply have cramps, while others may drool, have difficulty breathing, swell around the mouth, or may have vomiting and diarrhea.
The CFA (Cat Fancier's Association) has a complete listing of plants that are toxic to cats. You probably have these around your house: Aloe Vera, Black-eyed Susan, Burning Bush, Cactus, Chrysanthemum, Easter Lily, Elephant Ears, Geranium, Hydrangea, Ivy, Iris, Marigold, Morning Glor, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Rhododendron, Rubber Plant, Tomato, and Tulip. The list is more extensive than you might think!
Some of the plants that are safe for cats would include African violets, bamboo, a few different orchids and a small scattering of lilies, a variety of ferns including the rabbit’s foot fern, and of course catnip.
There is also an Animal Poison Control Center hotline that is always open and charges a $50 consultation fee. 1-888-426-4435 If your cat is unconscious or having convulsions, get him to your veterinarian immediately!
