Safety note: PawPlants is for general plant safety education only. If your pet ate a plant or is acting sick, contact your veterinarian, ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
High-concern plants for cats
- True lilies and daylilies — extreme kidney toxicity risk; any exposure is a veterinary emergency Critical
- Sago palm — all parts toxic; seeds can be fatal Critical
- Azalea and rhododendron — cardiac effects; small amounts dangerous Critical
- Oleander — cardiac glycosides; potentially fatal in very small amounts Critical
- Cyclamen — tubers most dangerous; cardiac and neurological signs Critical
- Yew, foxglove, autumn crocus, castor bean — all require emergency care Critical
Common houseplants that irritate cats
- Pothos — oral burning, drooling, vomiting Moderate
- Monstera — oral irritation, drooling Moderate
- Philodendron — oral pain and swelling Moderate
- Peace lily — oral burning; often underestimated Moderate
- Snake plant — vomiting, diarrhea, nausea Moderate
- ZZ plant — oral and GI irritation Moderate
- Dracaena — neurological signs in cats Moderate
- Aloe vera — GI upset, tremors Moderate
Emergency signs to watch for
Do not wait for multiple symptoms to appear. A single sign — especially in a cat with known lily or sago palm exposure — is reason to call a veterinarian immediately.
Repeated vomiting or drooling
Weakness or collapse
Tremors or seizures
Trouble breathing
Pawing at the mouth
Not eating or unusual lethargy
Changes in thirst or urination (especially for suspected lily exposure)
What to do if your cat ate a plant
Remove the plant from reach, identify it if possible, estimate what part was eaten and how much, then call your vet or a poison hotline. See our full guide: What to do if your cat ate a toxic plant.
Browse individual plant guides
Each guide includes toxicity level, symptoms, what to do, and safer plant alternatives.