What plants are poisonous to cats?

There are a lot of indoor and outdoor plants harmful to cats. “Many common spring plants can be life-threatening to cats if ingested, so it’s vital to be aware of the dangers and recognise the signs,” explains Dr Brian Faulkner.

“Lilies are a prime example. Every part of the flower – leaves, stems and even the pollen – can cause fatal kidney failure. And their frequent appearance at Easter and in Mother's Day bouquets make them a significant, and often overlooked, seasonal hazard for cats. Without immediate veterinary treatment, lily poisoning in cats is often irreversible and deadly.”

If a plant you’re concerned about isn’t on this list, ask your vet for advice. If you have cat insurance with Petplan, you can also use the Pet Expert Chat feature to speak with vet professionals from the comfort of your own home. Simply log in to your My Petplan account and visit the My Support area.

While not a definitive list, we've identified some of the most common toxic plants for cats below.

“Other dangerous spring blooms cat owners need to avoid include tulips, hyacinths and daffodils,” adds Dr Brian. “These vibrant plants can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhoea.

“The simplest way to keep your cat safe is by always knowing what you grow and choosing pet-safe alternatives wherever possible. If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately."

Most cats will sniff plants, but tend to avoid eating them – except the occasional bit of grass. However, others may decide to play with foliage and take an exploratory bite. If the plant is poisonous, this can cause problems for your cat which can range in severity depending on how much of the plant is eaten.

The pollen and leaves of some plants can also cause contact irritation or allergies, so your cat may have a reaction if they’ve brushed against the plant or got pollen on their fur – which can also cause them to accidentally ingest poisonous substances while grooming.

If you’re concerned your cat has ingested or come into contact with a poisonous plant, these are the symptoms to watch out for:

• Itching
• Swelling
• Red or watery eyes 
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Breathing difficulties 
• Drooling
• Diarrhoea
• Lack of appetite
• Excessive drinking
• Frequent urination 
• Seizures 
• Tremors 
• Pale gums
• Collapse

“It’s important to note that your cat might only show one or two symptoms of poisoning, and early intervention is key,” Dr Brian explains. “Knowing which plant your cat has eaten or come into contact with will also help your vet decide on what treatment they need.”

If you think your cat has eaten a poisonous plant, look for signs that a leaf has been chewed off, or for pollen on their coat.

“There are many beautiful floral varieties that cat owners can embrace in spring,” Dr Brian says. “Options such as African Daisies, lilacs, alyssum and magnolias are generally considered safe. Despite not being quintessentially seasonal, orchids are also a great alternative to lilies for those looking to gift flowers to pet owners over spring and Easter.

“Though these plants are considered non-toxic, it’s important to always supervise cats as excessive ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset. And remember, any pesticides or fertilisers used can also be harmful, so always ensure a chemical-free home for your cats."

Lilies are extremely poisonous to cats, and all parts of the leaves, flowers, and pollen can be dangerous if ingested or even just licked by your cat. The water that lilies have been standing in can also be toxic. 

Cats aren’t often interested in eating lilies, but may get pollen on their fur which they then lick off when grooming. Coming into contact with any part of a lily can cause kidney failure, so urgent vet care is needed.

Roses aren’t poisonous to cats, so they’re safe to keep in your home or garden. If roses have been treated with chemicals like pesticides, care should be taken to keep your cat away. The thorns on rose leaves and stems may scratch your cat if they get too close, but most cats learn to avoid roses for this reason.