High-risk toxic
Lily
Lilium and Hemerocallis species
True lilies and daylilies are high-risk plants for cats. Even small exposures should be treated as urgent.
Name confusion
Plant common names that confuse pet safety checks
Pet safety mistakes often start with a familiar name that points to more than one plant.
Lily is the biggest cat-safety trap
True lilies and daylilies are high-risk for cats. Peace lily, calla lily, and Peruvian lily are different plants, but the shared name makes it easy to search the wrong thing.
High-risk toxic
Easter Lily
Lilium longiflorum
Easter lily is a true lily and should be treated as a high-risk plant for cats. Do not wait for symptoms after a known cat exposure.
Reported toxic
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum species
Peace lily is not a true lily, but it is still commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs due to irritating crystals.
Reported toxic
Calla Lily
Zantedeschia species
Calla lily is not a true lily, but it is still commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs because chewing can irritate the mouth and stomach.
Reported non-toxic
Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria species
ASPCA lists Peruvian lily, also called alstroemeria, as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. It is not a true lily, but any chewed plant material can still cause stomach upset.
Reported non-toxic
Peruvian Lily
Alstroemeria species
Peruvian lily is another common name for alstroemeria. ASPCA lists this entity as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; it is not the same as a true lily.
Palm, fern, and daisy can be too broad
Bamboo palm and sago palm do not carry the same risk. Fern is also broad enough that the exact plant matters. Daisy can refer to several plants in casual use.
How to avoid the mistake
Use the scientific name from the pot label, florist invoice, nursery listing, or a professional plant ID before deciding a plant is safe around pets.