Plant Safety Checker

Type a plant name to instantly check its toxicity level for cats. Our data is based on ASPCA guidelines.

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Photo of Easter Lily

Easter Lily

SEVERE — Avoid

lilium longiflorum

EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO CATS. All parts of true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) are highly toxic. Even small amounts of pollen groomed from fur or water from the vase can cause fatal kidney failure. Keep far away from cats.

View symptoms (6)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Kidney failure
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Increased thirst
  • Death if untreated

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

flowers moderate care
Photo of Tiger Lily

Tiger Lily

SEVERE — Avoid

lilium tigrinum

All parts of tiger lilies are severely toxic to cats. Like all true lilies, even pollen exposure can cause acute kidney failure. Never bring these into a home with cats.

View symptoms (5)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Acute kidney failure
  • Vomiting
  • Depression
  • Anorexia
  • Tremors

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

flowers easy care
Photo of Sago Palm

Sago Palm

SEVERE — Avoid

cycas revoluta

ONE OF THE MOST TOXIC PLANTS TO CATS. All parts are poisonous, especially the seeds. Contains cycasin which causes severe liver failure. Even small ingestions have a high mortality rate.

View symptoms (7)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Liver failure
  • Vomiting
  • Black tarry stools
  • Jaundice
  • Increased thirst
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Death

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

tropical moderate care
Photo of Oleander

Oleander

SEVERE — Avoid

nerium oleander

All parts of this plant are extremely toxic to cats, humans, and most animals. Contains cardiac glycosides that affect the heart. Even smoke from burning oleander is dangerous.

View symptoms (6)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Cardiac arrest
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Tremors
  • Death

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

flowers easy care
Photo of Yew

Yew

SEVERE — Avoid

taxus spp.

All parts except the fleshy fruit are extremely toxic. Contains taxine alkaloids that cause sudden cardiac failure. Very dangerous to cats — even small amounts can be fatal.

View symptoms (5)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Sudden death
  • Tremors
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Heart failure
  • Seizures

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

trees moderate care
Photo of Autumn Crocus

Autumn Crocus

SEVERE — Avoid

colchicum autumnale

Contains colchicine, which is extremely toxic. All parts of the plant are dangerous. Can cause multi-organ failure in cats. Seek emergency vet care immediately if ingested.

View symptoms (6)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Multi-organ failure
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Seizures
  • Liver and kidney damage
  • Death

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

flowers moderate care
Photo of Foxglove

Foxglove

SEVERE — Avoid

digitalis purpurea

Contains digitalis glycosides used in heart medication. All parts are extremely toxic to cats. Even water from a vase containing foxglove can be dangerous.

View symptoms (6)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Cardiac arrest
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Death

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

flowers moderate care
Photo of Lily Of The Valley

Lily Of The Valley

SEVERE — Avoid

convallaria majalis

All parts are highly toxic. Contains cardiac glycosides similar to digitalis. Can cause severe heart problems and death in cats. Even the water from the vase is toxic.

View symptoms (6)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness
  • Seizures
  • Death

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

flowers easy care
Photo of Castor Bean

Castor Bean

SEVERE — Avoid

ricinus communis

Seeds contain ricin, one of the most toxic natural substances known. Extremely dangerous to cats — even a single chewed seed can be fatal. Do not grow in homes with pets.

View symptoms (5)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Organ failure
  • Death

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

tropical moderate care
Photo of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

Toxic

aloe barbadensis

While great for human skin, aloe vera contains saponins and anthraquinones that are toxic to cats. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

View symptoms (5)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Tremors
  • Changes in urine color

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

succulents easy care
Photo of English Ivy

English Ivy

Toxic

hedera helix

Common climbing vine that contains triterpenoid saponins. Toxic to cats if ingested, causing gastrointestinal and respiratory issues.

View symptoms (4)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Drooling
  • Diarrhea

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

vines easy care
Photo of Daffodil

Daffodil

Toxic

narcissus pseudonarcissus

Beautiful spring bulbs, but all parts contain lycorine. The bulbs are the most toxic part. Can cause significant gastrointestinal distress in cats.

View symptoms (5)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Drooling
  • Low blood pressure

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

flowers easy care
Photo of Tulip

Tulip

Toxic

tulipa gesneriana

Popular spring flowers containing tulipalin A and B. The bulb is the most toxic part. Can cause gastrointestinal irritation and more severe symptoms in cats.

View symptoms (5)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling
  • Depression
  • Tremors

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

flowers easy care
Photo of Azalea

Azalea

Toxic

rhododendron spp.

Contains grayanotoxins which affect sodium channels. All parts are toxic to cats. Ingestion of even a few leaves can cause serious symptoms.

View symptoms (6)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness
  • Drooling
  • Low blood pressure
  • Heart arrhythmia

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

flowers moderate care
Photo of Cyclamen

Cyclamen

Toxic

cyclamen spp.

Popular flowering houseplant containing saponins. The tubers (roots) are the most toxic part. Can cause significant gastrointestinal and cardiac issues in cats.

View symptoms (5)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abnormal heart rate
  • Seizures

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

flowers moderate care
Photo of Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe

Toxic

kalanchoe blossfeldiana

A popular flowering succulent containing bufadienolides. Toxic to cats and can affect the heart and gastrointestinal system. Keep away from curious felines.

View symptoms (5)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Heart arrhythmia
  • Weakness
  • Collapse

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

succulents easy care
Photo of Poinsettia

Poinsettia

Toxic

euphorbia pulcherrima

Often overhyped in toxicity but still a concern. The milky sap contains diterpenoid esters that irritate the mouth and stomach. Usually causes mild symptoms in cats.

View symptoms (4)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Oral irritation
  • Vomiting
  • Drooling
  • Skin irritation from sap

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

flowers moderate care
Photo of Jade Plant

Jade Plant

Toxic

crassula ovata

A popular succulent that is toxic to cats. Contains unknown toxins that can cause gastrointestinal issues and, in rare cases, depression and incoordination.

View symptoms (5)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Vomiting
  • Depression
  • Incoordination
  • Lethargy
  • Slow heart rate

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

succulents easy care
Photo of Dracaena

Dracaena

Toxic

dracaena marginata

Popular corn plant and dragon tree varieties contain saponins. Toxic to cats and can cause vomiting with blood, drooling, and dilated pupils.

View symptoms (5)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
  • Drooling
  • Dilated pupils
  • Weakness
  • Loss of appetite

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

tropical easy care
Photo of Pothos

Pothos

Moderate Risk

epipremnum aureum

Extremely popular trailing plant, but contains insoluble calcium oxalates. If chewed by cats, it can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Keep out of reach.

View symptoms (4)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Oral irritation
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

vines easy care
Photo of Philodendron

Philodendron

Moderate Risk

philodendron spp.

Popular for their lush foliage, but all parts contain calcium oxalate crystals. Can cause significant oral pain and swelling if a cat chews the leaves.

View symptoms (4)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Oral pain
  • Swelling of lips and tongue
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

tropical easy care
Photo of Peace Lily

Peace Lily

Moderate Risk

spathiphyllum spp.

Known for air-purifying qualities and white spathe flowers. Contains calcium oxalates that can cause oral irritation and digestive upset in cats.

View symptoms (4)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Oral irritation
  • Burning sensation
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

flowers easy care
Photo of Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia

Moderate Risk

dieffenbachia seguine

Also called Dumb Cane because the oxalate crystals can temporarily prevent speech if chewed. Toxic to cats — causes severe oral irritation and swelling.

View symptoms (4)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Intense oral burning
  • Swelling
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty swallowing

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

tropical easy care
Photo of Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen

Moderate Risk

aglaonema commutatum

A tough, low-light plant with patterned leaves. Contains calcium oxalates that cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation in cats.

View symptoms (4)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Oral irritation
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

tropical easy care
Photo of Rubber Plant

Rubber Plant

Moderate Risk

ficus elastica

A popular statement plant with glossy leaves. The sap contains ficin and can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset in cats if chewed.

View symptoms (4)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Oral irritation
  • Vomiting
  • Drooling
  • Skin irritation from sap

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

trees easy care
Photo of Snake Plant

Snake Plant

Moderate Risk

dracaena trifasciata

Nearly indestructible architectural plant. Contains saponins that can cause nausea and gastrointestinal upset in cats. Usually not life-threatening but unpleasant.

View symptoms (4)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

succulents easy care
Photo of Monstera

Monstera

Moderate Risk

monstera deliciosa

The popular Swiss Cheese Plant contains calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes intense oral burning and swelling in cats. Keep this trending plant out of reach.

View symptoms (5)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Intense oral pain
  • Swelling
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

tropical easy care
Photo of Bird Of Paradise

Bird Of Paradise

Moderate Risk

strelitzia reginae

Striking tropical flowers, but the seeds and pods contain tannins and hydrocyanic acid. Mild to moderate toxicity for cats — usually causes gastrointestinal distress.

View symptoms (4)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Mild gastrointestinal distress

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

tropical moderate care
Photo of Wandering Jew

Wandering Jew

Moderate Risk

tradescantia zebrina

Can cause contact dermatitis in cats. While not usually fatal, the sap can irritate skin and cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Some cats develop allergic skin reactions.

View symptoms (3)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Skin irritation
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Mild gastrointestinal upset

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

vines easy care
Photo of Jasmine

Jasmine

Moderate Risk

jasminum spp.

True jasmine (Jasminum) can cause gastrointestinal issues in cats. Be especially careful with Carolina Jasmine (Gelsemium) which is much more toxic and sometimes confused with true jasmine.

View symptoms (4)

Symptoms in cats:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

vines moderate care
Photo of Spider Plant

Spider Plant

Cat Safe

chlorophytum comosum

One of the most popular and forgiving cat-safe houseplants. Produces long arching leaves and small plantlets that dangle from the mother plant. Completely non-toxic to cats and dogs.

tropical easy care
Photo of Boston Fern

Boston Fern

Cat Safe

nephrolepis exaltata

Lush, feathery fern that thrives in humid environments. Safe for cats and one of the best air-purifying plants according to NASA. Loves bathroom humidity.

ferns moderate care
Photo of Areca Palm

Areca Palm

Cat Safe

dypsis lutescens

A graceful, air-purifying palm that is completely safe for cats. Adds a tropical feel to any room. Prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.

tropical moderate care
Photo of Parlor Palm

Parlor Palm

Cat Safe

chamaedorea elegans

A compact, slow-growing palm perfect for low-light spaces. Completely cat-safe and one of the easiest palms to grow indoors. Victorian-era houseplant favorite.

tropical easy care
Photo of Bamboo Palm

Bamboo Palm

Cat Safe

chamaedorea seifrizii

An excellent cat-safe palm that also purifies indoor air. Named for its bamboo-like stems. Grows well in medium to bright indirect light.

tropical moderate care
Photo of Prayer Plant

Prayer Plant

Cat Safe

maranta leuconeura

Known for its stunning leaf patterns and nyctinastic movement — leaves fold up at night like praying hands. Completely non-toxic to cats. Loves humidity.

tropical moderate care
Photo of Calathea

Calathea

Cat Safe

calathea spp.

Prized for their incredible leaf patterns and colors. All Calathea species are safe for cats. They prefer filtered water, high humidity, and indirect light.

tropical moderate care
Photo of Peperomia

Peperomia

Cat Safe

peperomia spp.

A diverse genus of compact, cat-safe plants with thick, often succulent-like leaves. Comes in many shapes and colors. Easy to grow and perfect for desks.

tropical easy care
Photo of Cast Iron Plant

Cast Iron Plant

Cat Safe

aspidistra elatior

Nearly indestructible houseplant that tolerates neglect, low light, and irregular watering. Completely safe for cats. Dark green, arching leaves.

tropical easy care
Photo of Swedish Ivy

Swedish Ivy

Cat Safe

plectranthus verticillatus

A fast-growing, trailing plant safe for cats. Great for hanging baskets. Produces small white or pale purple flowers. Very forgiving of beginner care.

vines easy care
Photo of Ponytail Palm

Ponytail Palm

Cat Safe

beaucarnea recurvata

Not actually a palm but a succulent! Its swollen trunk stores water, making it drought-tolerant. Safe for cats and a striking architectural specimen.

succulents easy care
Photo of Haworthia

Haworthia

Cat Safe

haworthia spp.

Small, rosette-forming succulents that are completely cat-safe. Often confused with Aloe (which IS toxic). Haworthia has white bumpy spots on leaves.

succulents easy care
Photo of Echeveria

Echeveria

Cat Safe

echeveria spp.

Beautiful rosette-forming succulents in shades of green, blue, pink, and purple. All Echeveria are safe for cats. Need bright light and well-draining soil.

succulents easy care
Photo of Burro's Tail

Burro's Tail

Cat Safe

sedum morganianum

A trailing succulent with plump, overlapping blue-green leaves. Non-toxic to cats. Perfect for hanging baskets where curious paws can't easily reach.

succulents easy care
Photo of Hen And Chick

Hen And Chick

Cat Safe

sempervivum spp.

Hardy rosette succulents that produce offsets ('chicks') around the mother plant ('hen'). Completely safe for cats. Great for sunny windowsills.

succulents easy care
Photo of Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Cat Safe

phalaenopsis spp.

Moth orchids are among the most popular flowering houseplants and are completely non-toxic to cats. Long-lasting blooms can persist for months.

flowers moderate care
Photo of Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus

Cat Safe

schlumbergera bridgesii

A beloved holiday plant that is safe for cats. Produces beautiful tubular flowers in pink, red, white, or purple. Not a true desert cactus — prefers more humidity.

succulents easy care
Photo of Friendship Plant

Friendship Plant

Cat Safe

pilea involucrata

Named for how easily it can be shared with friends from cuttings. Safe for cats with deeply textured, quilted leaves in bronze and green tones.

tropical easy care
Photo of Baby Tears

Baby Tears

Cat Safe

soleirolia soleirolii

A tiny-leaved creeping plant that forms dense mats of green. Non-toxic to cats and great for terrariums. Loves humidity and consistent moisture.

ferns moderate care
Photo of Sweet Potato Vine

Sweet Potato Vine

Cat Safe

ipomoea batatas

Ornamental sweet potato vine has heart-shaped leaves in chartreuse, purple, or tricolor. The vine is safe for cats. Note: the actual tubers can cause mild stomach upset.

vines easy care