Use caution
Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
Money tree is often chosen as a pet-friendlier houseplant. Confirm the exact plant because common names can be reused.
toxic plants for cats
Toxic Plants for Cats
This page groups plants that need caution around cats. If your cat has eaten a plant and shows symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison-control service now.
Plant safety checker
Search a plant before your pet gets near it
This site is a pet-safety reference, not veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten a plant or is showing symptoms, contact your veterinarian or a poison-control service immediately.
Which plant names should cat owners verify first?
Lily, palm, fern, ivy, and daisy are common names that can refer to different plants. True lilies and daylilies require special urgency for cats, while other lily-named plants have different toxic mechanisms. Use the scientific name whenever a risk decision depends on identity.
What should I record after a possible plant exposure?
Keep the plant label, take a clear photo, note the part chewed and the approximate time, and contact a veterinarian or poison-control service. Do not wait for a directory page to diagnose the exposure, and do not use a home remedy based on a similar-looking plant.
Plants in this group
Open a plant page for the direct answer, scientific name, safety notes, sources, and alternatives.
Use caution
Calathea
Calathea species
Calathea and prayer-plant relatives are commonly used as pet-friendlier houseplants. Check the exact name when buying.
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.
Reported toxic
Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Snake plant is commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it away from pets that chew plants.
Reported toxic
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Pothos is commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs because chewing can irritate the mouth and stomach.
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
Hydrangea
Hydrangea species
Hydrangea is commonly reported as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Keep bouquets and yard clippings away from pets.
Use caution
Daisy
Bellis perennis and related common names
Daisy is a common name used for several plants. Treat unidentified daisies as caution until the exact plant is confirmed.
Reported toxic
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum species
Chrysanthemums are commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs. Do not use them as a cat-safe bouquet substitute.
Reported toxic
Peony
Paeonia officinalis
Peony is commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep cut stems and petals away from pets.
Reported toxic
Aloe
Aloe vera
Aloe is commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs. Do not assume a plant is safe because it is common in homes.
Reported toxic
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera is commonly reported as toxic to cats and dogs because chewing can irritate the mouth and digestive tract.
Use caution
Fern
Varies by species
Fern is too broad to treat as one safety result. Boston fern is commonly used as pet-friendlier, while some fern-like plants are not.
Use caution
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
ZZ plant is best treated as caution unless you have a source for the exact plant. Many pet owners avoid it because chewing can irritate pets.
High-risk toxic
Sago Palm
Cycas revoluta
Sago palm is a high-risk plant for cats and dogs. Seeds and other parts can be dangerous; exposure needs urgent help.
Reported toxic
Tulip
Tulipa species
Tulip is commonly reported as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Bulbs are a particular concern.
Reported toxic
Azalea
Rhododendron species
Azalea and rhododendron are commonly reported as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Keep pets away from cuttings and yard plants.
Reported toxic
Hosta
Hosta species
Hosta is commonly reported as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. It is not a pet-safe shade plant choice for yards or patios.
Use caution
Hibiscus
Hibiscus species
Hibiscus is a broad common name, so check the exact species before treating it as safe. Some pet owners search this because hibiscus appears in yards, teas, and bouquets.
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.
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.