Cats are known for their curiosity and playful nature, and this often includes an interest in flowers and plants.
While many plants can add beauty and tranquility to your home, it’s essential to be aware of which ones can be harmful to your feline friends.
In this helpful guide, we will explore some common plants and flowers poisonous to cats, recognize the signs of plant toxicity in cats, discover flowers safe for cats, discuss treatment options, and learn how to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.
While you may love having flowers and cats in your home, they don’t always go together well. Cats may nibble on plants for various reasons, including curiosity or simply as a form of entertainment. Unfortunately, many common household plants and flowers poisonous to cats. Here is a list of some of the most toxic plants for cats:
Although it is a beautiful flowering plant, it contains compounds that can be highly toxic to cats. You can take this one off your list of flowers safe for cats.
Of the flowers poisonous to cats, these ones are near the top. Ingesting any part of this plant can lead to severe toxicity.
Neither of these are flowers safe for cats. These vibrant plants contain toxins that can harm our feline friends.
All parts of this plant are toxic, especially the seeds.
These popular blooms can cause a range of toxic reactions and are not flowers safe for cats.
Ingesting the tubers of this plant can lead to severe health issues.
Although there are some flowers safe for cats, these certainly don’t make the list. All parts of these flowers can be toxic, with the bulbs being the most dangerous.
This common houseplant contains substances that can irritate the mouth and throat of cats.
If you’re wondering what flowers are toxic for cats, the English Ivy is up there. While it’s a beautiful trailing vine, English Ivy is highly toxic to cats.
These are not flowers safe for cats. All parts of this plant, especially the bulbs, can be toxic to cats.
This succulent plant contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress in cats.
Wondering if these are flowers safe for cats? Not at all! Be Chewy says that Lilies are among the worst of the flowers that are toxic to cats, with ingestion leading to severe kidney damage and potentially fatal outcomes.
This delicate-looking plant contains cardiac glycosides that can be dangerous for cats. Keep your pet away because these are not flowers safe for cats.
Cats can experience adverse effects from marijuana, so be cautious if you’re a cannabis user.
All parts of this plant are highly toxic, and ingestion can lead to severe health issues.
Ingestion can result in mouth and throat irritation, as well as digestive issues.
This common houseplant contains compounds that can irritate the mouth and throat.
All parts of this palm can be extremely toxic to cats.
Ingesting this herb can cause gastrointestinal problems in cats.
Although these springtime flowers bring us joy, they are not flowers safe for cats. It’s important t avoid the bulbs, as those are especially harmful to cats.
All parts of the yew plant can be lethal to cats if ingested.
Recognizing the signs of plant toxicity in cats is crucial for timely intervention. If your pet has interacted with flowers toxic to cats, the symptoms may vary depending on the plant and the amount ingested. Common signs of plant toxicity in cats include:
Your pet may exhibit irritation, particularly around the mouth, if they have come into contact with flowers toxic to cats.
Some plants and bad flowers for cats can cause respiratory distress, leading to difficulty in breathing.
If your pet has been around poisonous flowers to cats, excessive drooling can be an initial sign of plant toxicity..
Cats may become sluggish and show reduced activity levels.
Poisonous flowers to cats can commonly cause gastrointestinal upset.
Poisonous flowers for cats may cause your pet to vomit as their body tries to expel the toxic substances.
In severe cases, some toxic plants can lead to irregular heart rhythms.
Increased thirst may be a sign of plant toxicity.
If the throat is swollen due to ingestion of a toxic plant, cats may struggle to swallow.
The treatment for plant toxicity in cats depends on the severity of the poisoning. It’s vital to seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant. Treatment options may include:
To absorb any remaining toxins in the gut.
To protect and soothe the damaged areas of the stomach.
Administered to keep the cat hydrated and flush toxins from the body.
In cases of severe gastrointestinal effects.
Some cats may need to stay at the vet for critical care.
Remember that different plants and flowers bad for cats can cause different reactions, and the severity of toxicity can vary widely. Early intervention is crucial for the best outcome.
After you’ve figured out what flowers are poisonous to cats, you can start preventing accidents in your home. Preventing plant toxicity in cats involves taking proactive steps to safeguard your home and your feline friends:
Opt for plants that are safe for cats, such as cat grass, catnip, and spider plants.
Even if a plant is considered unsafe, cats may still attempt to nibble on it. Place toxic plants in areas inaccessible to your pets.
If your cat enjoys spending time outdoors, keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t come into contact with poisonous plants in the neighbourhood. Consider using a leash or harness.
If you suspect your cat has consumed a toxic plant, take the following steps:
If possible, determine which plant your cat ingested. There are many poisonous flowers for cats and this information is vital for effective treatment.
Bring a part of the plant with you to the vet, as it can help in identifying the toxin.
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic for guidance. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
In the case of unknown plants, your vet may need to conduct tests to determine the type of poison involved. Timely action can make a significant difference in your cat’s recovery.
It’s not just the plants within your home that pose a threat to your cat’s safety. Outdoor plants, such as those in your neighbour’s gardens, can also be dangerous. While keeping your cat indoors is the safest option, if you choose to let them explore the outdoors, take precautions like supervising their activities and ensuring they stay away from potentially harmful plants.
While some plants and flowers are toxic to cats, some can cause allergies. Wag says that flowering plants releasing airborne pollen are often weeds (like ragweed) and are responsible for many feline seasonal allergies.
If your cat has an allergy to flower pollen, they may experience coughing and other respiratory issues, as well as skin problems, which are often termed atopic dermatitis
Yes! If you’re wondering what flowers are safe for cats, there are actually many! Here are some plants and flowers that are safe for cats that we suggest bringing into your space!
Of the plants and flowers not toxic to cats, spider plants are a great option. They’re excellent air purifiers and require minimal care, making them an easygoing plant for busy pet owners. While perfectly safe for both cats and dogs to eat, keep an eye on your feline as spider plants have the same effect as catnip.
Boston ferns are another air-purifying and can be added to the list of plants and flowers not toxic to cats. They require regular watering, but they can thrive in low-light conditions.
The quintessential houseplant! The parlour palm thrives in cramped, low-light spaces and can withstand an occasional curious nibble from your furry friends.
Another member of the palm family, bamboo palms are a pet friendly plantand an alternative to the popular fiddle leaf fig. They grow tall and can add a tropical touch to your home.
African violets are colourful and non toxic flowers for cats. This is a great option for those looking for a blooming indoor plant. They require bright, indirect light and should be kept away from cold drafts.
The ponytail palm is unique, hardy and best of all, a pet friendly plant. They require minimal watering and can add a playful touch to any room, making them fun, safe plants for pets.
The money tree is a very popular houseplant believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Although they lack the ability to actually grow money, they make good plants safe for pets and an excellent addition to any home.
Areca palms are plants safe for pets and can grow up to six feet tall. They require bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Christmas cacti are festive safe flowers for cats that bloom in the winter months. They require bright, indirect light and minimal watering, making them one of the easier-to-care-for indoor plants safe for pets.
Aside from non toxic flowers for cats, herbs like cat grass and catnip are excellent. The best part? You and your cat can enjoy them both together!
Some cats and flowers don’t go together well, but cats and a great diet do. We suggest trying Bold by Nature raw food diet for pets. We consider this to be the best raw food for cats, as each recipe is low-glycemic and single-protein and consists of the most basic and essential ingredients. This is especially great for pets with allergies as narrowing down the culprit allergin becomes a lot easier.
If your pet has eaten a plant or flower that has caused some sort of stomach upset, raw food is a great solution for digestive problems in cats. Since they don’t contain any unnecessary ingredients or fillers, their body won’t have any problem processing the food they are eating.
On top of Bold by Nature’s amazing tastes, they’re also packed with benefits. Each raw food diet for cats is loaded with nutrients that are integral to the promotion of healthy skin, a beautiful coat, stronger bones and joints, better digestion, and dental health. Just make sure to follow a raw feeding guide for cats to make sure your pet is eating appropriately!
Now that you’ve learned a bit more about cats and flowers, it could be time to consider a raw diet. If you’re wondering where to buy raw food, you’ve got two choices! You can either shop online or at a local retailer that carries Bold by Nature products. If you’re unsure of which stores carry our products, you can use our location finder to explore a retailer near you. If you’d like to learn more about raw food or have any further pet-related questions, like why cats vomit after eating, please feel free to visit our blog!
Although there are flowers that are safe for cats, the effects of toxic plants can happen quickly. Even if you have safe flowers for cats, keep your local poison control number accessible and handy at all times. You can also contact the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426–4435.
