Plants Toxic to Cats
It should be said that most cats will not eat plants outdoors, as long as grass is available. However, occasionally, out of boredom or curiosity, a cat may nibble a leaf or stem. From personal experience, I have had at one time or another over 40 cats, and I have yet to lose one from ingesting harmful plants. Still, if you're of the "safe rather than sorry" frame of mind, you need to know which plants are potentially harmful, and by what degree.
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"Are there any other cat-loving gardeners like me out there?
I've put together a "home page" called Stevie-Ray's Garden that features my cat, Stevie-Ray, giving a tour of "his" garden. It's all told from his point of view."
Susan Ward
Your About Guide to Small Business: Canada
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Since there are already several very comprehensive lists of plants toxic to cats, I will not try to reinvent the wheel here, but instead will point you to some of the better of those lists. Pictures shown here depict some of the more popular plants on the lists.
Toxic Plants Lists
- Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine List
List is broken down by degree of toxicity with links to photos and drawings of the plant along with lengthy information on what parts of the plant are toxic; signs to look for; first aid; and prevention.
- Searchable Database of Poisonous Plants
If you just want a "quick and dirty" list with the basic information, this is the place to look first, then go to the Purdue list for more information. Note: This is a large database and may take several moments to load.
- Moggies List of Poisonous Plants
Straight list with no breakdown of types nor levels of toxicity to animals.
- Toxic Plant Database
From the University of Illinois Library, lists by common and scientific names, with links to photographs. No other information given.
- Poisonous Plants Home Page
From Cornell University, extensive information about toxic plants, along with a database compiled by Dr. Dan Brown.
Photos of Commonly Seen Toxic Plants
 Azalea |
Azaleas are a member of the Rhododendron family, and all plants in this family are moderately toxic to cats, including all parts of the plants. The good news, according to The Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine is that "Pets may nibble or taste the leaves out of curiosity or boredom, and this is not advised, but seldom leads to clinical toxicosis."
 Chrysanthemum |
Chrysanthemums are popular perennials for fall color. The leaves and stem are the toxic part, according to the Searchable Database, but toxicity is limited to dermatitis. I noted that Chrysanthemums are not mentioned on either of the Veterinary College databases, so their effect may be negligible. In my opinion, the scent alone would be enough to keep cats away.
 Daffodils |
Daffodils, also known as Narcissus, are the traditional harbinger of Spring, but can cause upset tummies, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, if your Puss eats the foliage, flowers, or pods.
 Hydrangea |
Hydrangeas are making a gardening comeback due to their immense popularity as dried flowers in arrangements. Their toxicity level is low and may result in stomach pains, vomiting, and weakness if the flower heads are ingested.
 Iris |
Iris are favorite flowers in old-fashioned gardens, where they were once known as "Flags." They are fairly safe to use in gardening, once planted, as the bulbs are the suspect part for toxicity, causing typical gastrointestinal symptoms.
 Ivy |
Ivy is commonly used both as ground cover, and for shade, as in covering gazebos or trellises. Many species of ivy are considered moderately toxic, and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, along with breathing difficulty, coma, or even death, if a sufficient amount of leaves is ingested.
 Marigolds |
Marigolds are sturdy, perky little annuals, colorful and easy to grow. Their pungeant aroma helps keeps insects at bay, and they are commonly planted near roses to deter aphids. However, if Fluffy eats marigold leaves or stems, she will suffer mild mouth irritation, possible drooling, tummy pain and diarrhea.
 Tiger Lily |
Tiger Lilies are another Spring favorite, relatively easily grown from bulbs. Sad to say, they are on the "least wanted" list of poisonous plants, as ingestion of any part of the plant can ultimately lead to death. Hardly worth it, I'd say.
 Wisteria |
Wisteria is naturally a vine, but has been trained to grow as trees by some horticulturists. The seeds and pods are the toxic part, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and collapse, if ingested. This photo is from my own yard, and we are careful to "deadhead" the blooms as they fade.
The Iris and Wisteria photos are from my own personal files and © Franny Syufy licensed to About.com Inc. All other plant photos are from Art Today, used with permission.
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