
If you’re a cat lover with a green thumb, you’ve probably wondered: can you really have stunning houseplants without putting your curious kitty in danger? It’s a tricky balance because many popular houseplants can be harmful to cats—and even a tiny nibble might spell trouble. Knowing which plants are risky and how to keep your feline friend safe is super important for creating a happy, healthy home.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 10 common houseplants that are toxic to cats, how to spot the signs of poisoning, and what steps to take if your cat gets into something they shouldn’t.
How to Choose Plants If You Have a Cat
Picking the right plants when you have a cat takes some extra thought. While there are plenty of houseplants that are perfectly safe for your furry friend, others can be surprisingly dangerous. Before you bring any new greenery into your home, it’s super important to double-check that it’s cat-friendly. A little research now can save a lot of worry later!
Here’s how to choose plants that won’t harm your cat:
- Do Your Research: Look up whether a plant is safe for cats before buying it. Trusted resources like the ASPCA’s toxic plant list are a great place to start.
- Opt for Pet-Friendly Plants: Go for greenery that’s known to be safe for cats, like spider plants, bamboo, or cat grass—stylish and worry-free!
- Place Plants Out of Reach: Even if you love a plant that’s not safe, consider putting it on a high shelf or in a hanging planter where your cat can’t get to it.
- When in Doubt, Skip It: Not sure if a plant is safe? Play it safe and avoid bringing it home. There are tons of non-toxic options that look just as good!
Choosing the right plants means you can enjoy a beautiful, green home while keeping your cat safe and sound. But before we dive into the safer options, let’s take a closer look at some popular houseplants that can be harmful to your feline friend.
Popular House Plants Toxic to Cats
A lot of favorite houseplants can actually be dangerous for cats if they decide to take a bite. Some, like lilies or pothos, can cause severe symptoms—and in extreme cases, even be fatal. Let’s break down 10 popular plants that are toxic to cats and why they’re so risky.

Lilies
Lilies are incredibly dangerous for cats and rank as one of the most toxic plants for our feline friends. Even a tiny amount—like pollen licked off their fur—can lead to kidney failure. Signs of lily poisoning include vomiting, extreme tiredness, and a sudden loss of appetite. If you think your cat has come into contact with a lily, don’t wait—get them to a vet right away!

Aloe Vera
Aloe vera might be a go-to for soothing skin, but it’s a no-go for cats. This plant contains saponins and anthraquinones, which can make your furry friend seriously sick. If your cat nibbles on aloe leaves, they could experience vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy within hours. Keep this plant far out of paw’s reach to avoid any mishaps!

Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a favorite for its low-maintenance charm, but it’s not cat-friendly. If your cat chews on its leaves, they could experience painful oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing. To keep your curious kitty safe, place pothos well out of reach—or skip it altogether.

Jade Plants
Jade plants are popular for their striking succulent leaves, but they can still be harmful to cats. If your cat munches on a jade plant, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. While not as toxic as some other plants, it’s best to keep jade plants out of your cat’s reach to avoid any discomfort or health problems.

Snake Plant
Snake plants are loved for their bold look and air-purifying qualities, but they contain saponins, which can be toxic to cats. If your cat munches on one, they might suffer from nausea, vomiting, and feel extra tired. Keep these plants out of their reach to avoid any unwanted health issues.

English Ivy
English Ivy is a popular plant for decorating, but it’s toxic to cats. If your cat chews on it, they may experience stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. In more serious cases, it can lead to even worse health problems. It’s best to avoid keeping English Ivy in your home if you have a curious cat.

Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe, also known as the “chandelier plant,” is a common houseplant, but it’s dangerous for cats. If ingested, it can cause heart arrhythmias and other serious issues. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures or irregular heartbeats. Keep this plant out of reach to protect your cat from harm.

Oleander
Oleander is a stunning plant, but it’s incredibly toxic to both humans and animals. If your cat ingests any part of it, they could experience severe symptoms like vomiting, drooling, and even death. Because of its high toxicity, oleander should never be kept in a home with cats.

Elephant Ears
Elephant ears are famous for their bold, dramatic leaves, but they’re not safe for cats. These plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause painful irritation to your cat’s mouth and digestive system. If your cat chews on an elephant ear, they may experience burning, swelling, and excessive drooling. Keep this plant out of your cat’s reach to prevent any discomfort.

Philodendron
Philodendrons are a popular choice for indoor spaces, but they’re toxic to cats. Like elephant ears, they contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause painful oral irritation, trouble swallowing, and excessive drooling if your cat decides to chew on them. To keep your feline safe, keep philodendrons out of their reach.
How to Recognize Plant Poisoning in Cats
Even the most careful pet owners can’t always stop a curious cat from nibbling on a toxic plant. If you think your cat might have eaten something harmful, it’s crucial to spot the signs of poisoning right away.
Common symptoms of plant poisoning in cats include:
- Vomiting: One of the most common signs that your cat may have ingested something toxic.
- Lethargy: If your cat is unusually tired, weak, or disoriented, it could be a sign of poisoning.
- Drooling: Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth is a red flag that something’s wrong.
- Loss of appetite: If your cat refuses to eat, it may be due to an upset stomach caused by toxins.
- Diarrhea: An upset digestive system is a common result of ingesting toxic plants.
- Tremors or Seizures: In more severe cases, poisoning can cause muscle tremors or even seizures.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to act quickly and contact a veterinarian. The sooner you get help, the better the chances of a full recovery for your cat.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Toxic Plant
If you think your cat has eaten a toxic plant, here’s what you should do:
- Get Rid of The Plant: Immediately take away any remaining parts of the plant from your cat’s reach.
- Don’t Experiment with Home Remedies: It might be tempting to make your cat vomit, but don’t try this unless your vet tells you to. Some substances can cause more harm if brought back up.
- Call Your Vet: Call your vet or an emergency animal poison control helpline right away. They’ll guide you on the next steps. Be ready to share information about the plant your cat ate, how much, and any symptoms you’ve noticed.
- Follow the Vet’s Advice: Your vet may induce vomiting, use activated charcoal, or give your cat IV fluids to help flush out toxins. Just do as the vet says!
How to Prevent Plant Poisoning in Cats

- Choose Pet-Safe Plants: Stick to non-toxic plants like spider plants, cat grass, and Boston ferns to minimize the risk of poisoning.
- Keep Toxic Plants Out of Reach: Place toxic plants on high shelves or in hanging planters where your cat can’t get to them.
- Train Your Cat: While it’s not foolproof, training your cat to avoid certain plants can help. You can also use bitter sprays on plants to discourage chewing.
- Know the Symptoms: Learn as much as you can about the symptoms, so you’ll know when there is something wrong with your furry friend.
Having houseplants while owning a cat doesn’t have to be risky— as long as you’re aware of the plants that could harm your feline friend. By knowing which plants are toxic, spotting the signs of poisoning, and understanding what to do in an emergency, you can keep both your home and your cat safe.
Choose non-toxic plants, keep dangerous ones out of reach, and always act quickly if you think your cat has eaten something harmful. With a little care, you can enjoy your greenery without worry!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are snake plants toxic to cats?
Snake plants are toxic to cats. They contain saponins, which can make your cat feel nauseous, vomit, or become lethargic if they chew on them.
Are spider plants toxic to cats?
Spider plants are safe for cats. While they might cause mild stomach upset if your cat eats too much, they aren’t toxic or harmful.
Are aloe plants toxic to cats?
Aloe plants are toxic to cats. They contain compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if ingested by your cat.
Are there any plants that are safe for cats?
There are plenty of cat-friendly plants, like spider plants, cat grass, and Boston ferns, that are safe and non-toxic for your feline friend.