About Paws & Leaves

Your trusted resource for keeping cats safe around houseplants.

Our Story

How it all started

It started on a Tuesday morning. I walked into my apartment and found my cat, Mochi, sitting next to a chewed-up peace lily leaf. Something didn't look right. She was drooling — which she'd never done before — and her mouth looked swollen.

A panicked Google search later, I learned that peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe oral burning and vomiting in cats. I rushed her to the vet, where they told me she was lucky — another hour and the swelling could have blocked her airway.

The worst part? I had no idea that a plant I'd bought at the grocery store could hurt her. And when I tried to find a reliable resource, all I found were scattered blog posts and conflicting information. That night, while Mochi slept on my lap (back to her normal self, thank goodness), I started building what would become Paws & Leaves.

Mochi made a full recovery. But I realized that thousands of cat parents were in the same position I was — loving both their plants and their cats, but not knowing which plants could be dangerous. That's the gap Paws & Leaves exists to fill.

Every plant in our database is cross-referenced with ASPCA guidelines and veterinary sources. We built this so you never have to experience that Tuesday-morning panic.

Our Mission

Paws & Leaves was created to solve a simple but important problem: cat owners love houseplants, but many popular plants are toxic to felines. We wanted to build a single, trustworthy resource where pet parents can quickly check plant safety and discover beautiful, cat-friendly alternatives.

Our plant toxicity data is based on ASPCA Animal Poison Control guidelines and veterinary sources. We aim to provide clear, actionable information — not fear-mongering, but honest safety guidance so you can make informed decisions about the plants in your home.

Whether you're a new plant parent, a long-time cat owner, or both, we're here to help you create a home where both your leafy and furry companions can thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is your plant toxicity data?
Our database is based on ASPCA Animal Poison Control guidelines, veterinary textbooks, and peer-reviewed research. We strive for accuracy but always recommend consulting your vet for definitive advice. We update our data regularly as new veterinary research becomes available.
My cat ate part of a plant. What should I do?
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Try to identify the plant and bring a sample or photo if possible. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — many toxic plants cause delayed symptoms that worsen rapidly. Do not attempt to induce vomiting without veterinary guidance.
Are your product recommendations unbiased?
We only recommend products we genuinely believe in. While we do earn affiliate commissions, this never influences our recommendations. We prioritize safety, quality, and value for cat and plant owners. Every product on our shop page is reviewed for safety first.
Can I suggest a plant to add to the database?
Absolutely! We're always expanding our database. If you'd like to suggest a plant, please reach out through our contact page. We research each suggestion before adding it to ensure accuracy. We typically process new plant additions within one week.
What's the difference between "toxic" and "severe" toxicity?
Toxic means the plant causes uncomfortable but generally non-life-threatening symptoms (vomiting, drooling, oral irritation). These plants should still be kept away from cats. Severe means the plant can cause organ failure, seizures, or death — even in small amounts. Lilies, sago palms, and oleander fall into this category. Treat all toxic plants seriously, but prioritize removing severe ones immediately.
Is this website free to use?
Yes, 100% free. Our plant database, safety checker, and all informational content are completely free. We sustain the site through affiliate links on our shop page and newsletter sponsorships. We will never put plant safety information behind a paywall.
My cat only nibbles plants occasionally. Is that still dangerous?
For some plants, even a single bite can be dangerous. Lilies can cause fatal kidney failure from ingesting just a small amount of pollen. For "mild" or "toxic" plants, occasional nibbling is less likely to cause serious harm, but it's still not ideal. We recommend providing cat-safe alternatives (like cat grass) to redirect their chewing instincts.
How do I stop my cat from eating my houseplants?
Several strategies work well: grow cat grass so they have their own safe plant to chew; use a bitter-tasting deterrent spray on plants; hang toxic plants out of reach; place citrus peels near plants (cats dislike the smell); and provide plenty of enrichment toys to reduce boredom chewing. See our Shop page for our recommended products.

Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 2026

Who we are. Paws & Leaves ("we", "us", or "our") operates the website pawsandleaves.com. This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information when you use our Service.

Information we collect. We do not collect personal information beyond what is necessary to operate the website. We may collect: (a) your email address if you subscribe to our newsletter; (b) anonymous usage data through analytics to understand how visitors interact with our site; (c) standard web server logs (IP address, browser type, pages visited). We do not track individual users across sessions.

How we use your information. If you subscribe to our newsletter, your email address is stored securely and used only to send plant safety updates, new additions to our database, and seasonal care guides. We will never sell, rent, or share your email address with third parties for marketing purposes.

Cookies. We use minimal cookies for analytics (to understand page views and traffic sources). We do not use tracking cookies, advertising pixels, or third-party data collection scripts beyond standard analytics.

Third-party links. Our site may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., Amazon affiliate links). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

Your rights. You can unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email. You may also request deletion of your email address by contacting us. We will comply within 30 days.

Children's privacy. Our Service is not directed to anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to this policy. We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

Terms of Service

Last updated: June 2026

Acceptance of terms. By accessing and using Paws & Leaves (pawsandleaves.com), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our website.

Use of content. The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes only. You may use the information for personal, non-commercial purposes. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without written permission.

Accuracy of information. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our plant toxicity data, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete, current, or error-free. Plant toxicity can vary by species, growing conditions, and individual animal sensitivity.

Not medical advice. Our plant toxicity data is for informational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical decisions regarding your pet. In emergencies, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your nearest emergency veterinary clinic.

Affiliate links. Some links on our site are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This does not influence our recommendations or reviews. See our Shop page for full disclosure.

Limitation of liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Paws & Leaves shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of this website or reliance on any information provided herein.

Changes to terms. We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

Disclaimer

Veterinary/Medical Disclaimer. The information provided on Paws & Leaves is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be construed as, professional veterinary or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your pet's health.

No veterinarian-client relationship. Use of this website does not create a veterinarian-client relationship between you and Paws & Leaves. The information provided should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary examination, diagnosis, or treatment.

Emergency situations. If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant or is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not rely on website information in emergency situations — minutes can save lives.

Plant identification. We make reasonable efforts to accurately identify and describe plants and their toxicity. However, plant identification can be difficult, and misidentification is possible. Always verify plant identity independently before making decisions about your pet's safety.

"As is" provision. The information on this website is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Paws & Leaves does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Images. Plant images used on this website are royalty-free stock photos (from Picsum Photos / Unsplash) and do not necessarily depict the actual plants described in our database. They are used for illustrative purposes only.