The most dangerous plant is the lily - all parts are toxic. However, there are other plants and flowers, both indoors and outdoors, that can be harmful to cats.
Will cats eat poisonous plants?
Most cats are very wary of eating anything unusual, which means plant poisoning cases taken to the vets are rare. When a cat does become unwell, it is usually because something has brushed on their fur or paws, which they have then ingested while grooming.
If you're unsure whether a plant or flower is poisonous to your cat, if you're keen to find plants and flowers safe for cats, or if you suspect your cat may have been poisoned, we have guidance and vet-approved lists to help you.
To keep your cat safe, we recommend avoiding toxic plants and flowers altogether. Any plants or flowers marked as caution-advised should be kept out of reach, particularly if your cat is a nibbler.
There is greater risk within the home as it is a confined area and a bored or curious cat might investigate an indoor plant or a cut flower display by nibbling.
To keep your cat safe indoors:
Aloe vera
Care should be taken when purchasing house plants, as varieties such as cycads, cheese plants and aloe vera are not cat-friendly. Seasonal plants like mistletoe and poinsettia are also dangerous.
If you're not sure where to start in finding houseplants safe for cats, there are lots of online retailers offering feline-friendly options, meaning you can still enjoy gorgeous greenery without your cat coming to any harm.
Not sure if an indoor plant is toxic to cats, caution-advised, or safe to keep at home? Check for specific varieties in our vet-approved guidance.
Various flower varieties are hazardous to your cat. Common blooms like peonies, daffodils and tulips can be harmful if they eat them, and lilies should always be avoided.
If you're looking to put together a bunch of flowers for your home, or for someone you love, you might be wondering which flowers are cat-safe. Thankfully, there are lots beautiful, pet-friendly petals you can use, including freesias, roses and snapdragons.
Generally, flower food contain things like sugar and citric acid, along with (very) little bleach to reduce bacterial growth. They are not terribly toxic to cats but might cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
If you’re concerned about your cat drinking the water out of a vase (and you can’t keep your vase out of reach), it is best to avoid it altogether.
Thankfully, if the container/vase that cut flowers are put in is clean, and the water is clean and refreshed regularly, the vase life of the flowers will be just as good.
Lilies are particularly toxic to cats. Although you might find that your cat is disinterested in eating them, there is always a risk that they may come into contact with the flower's pollen by rubbing up against it and absent-mindedly licking their fur.
Unfortunately there are several types of lilies that are poisonous to cats, including Easter Lily, Tiger Lily and other members of the lily family.
All parts of the lily plant are toxic to cats if ingested, and consuming small amounts can result in severe poisoning. The best way to prevent your cat from being poisoned is simply to not have lilies in your home or garden.
If you suspect your cat may have ingested any part of the lily plant, please seek advice from your vet immediately.
While daffodils are a beautiful sign of spring, they are unfortunately dangerous for our feline friends. Daffodil bulbs contain crystals that are extremely toxic to cats if eaten.
The heads and leaves can also make your cat unwell if consumed. Daffodils contain a poisonous substance called lycorine. If digested, this can cause stomach upset, vomiting or wider serious illness.
If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a daffodil, please seek advice from your vet immediately.
It's harder to protect your cats outdoors as they will have a greater territory than just your garden. However, thankfully, as cats are discriminate eaters, they are unlikely to try eating anything unfamiliar and will most likely spend their time nibbling on safe grass or watching everything else going on out there.
To help keep your cat safe outdoors:
Looking for plants that are safe for cats? We've compiled a list of non-toxic flowers and plants. Some can even help enhance your outdoor environment, encouraging your cat to stay in your garden. Check our full guidance on outdoor plants for here.
If you think your cat has been poisoned, contact your vet immediately. Don't wait for signs of illness to develop.
Signs of poisoning can include (but are not limited to)
As well as hazardous plants and flowers, there are items around the house that can cause poisoning in cats. If you can see the poisonous substance, take your cat away from it and call your vet for advice. They may want to see your cat immediately. Making your cat sick may not be helpful.
If you have evidence of what your cat has eaten, take a sample to the vet. Even a sample of vomit may help diagnosis, particularly if it is an unusual colour or contains plant matter.
Most importantly, don't panic. Seek advice from your vet immediately and they'll be able to help.
