Household Plants Toxic to Cats
Many beloved houseplants are dangerous to cats. Know which ones to keep out of your home.
Highly Toxic Plants
Lilies (true lilies — Tiger, Easter, Asiatic, Day lilies) are acutely toxic to cats — even licking pollen can cause kidney failure. Other highly toxic plants: azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, oleander, and cyclamen.
Common Houseplants to Avoid
Aloe vera (toxic when ingested), dieffenbachia (dumb cane), pothos, peace lily, philodendron, and snake plant are common household plants harmful to cats. Cats are notorious for nibbling plants.
Safe Alternatives
Cat-safe plants include spider plant, Boston fern, catnip, cat grass (wheatgrass), areca palm, and air plants (Tillandsia). Consider these when decorating a cat-friendly home.
🚨 If your pet ate something dangerous
Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee may apply) or your nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.