*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
If your cat is anything like our Delilah, then yours LOVES to eat flowers. Every now and then Bobby and I will get a bouquet of flowers from the grocery story to spruce up the kitchen or living room, and every time we do, Delilah enjoys snacking on them. This prompted me to do some research on which flowers and plants are toxic to cats.
Thankfully, I found that the Peruvian Lilies that Delilah so loves snacking on are NOT toxic to cats, so Delilah was okay. However, I did discover that other popular types of lilies, such as Asiatic, Day, Easter, and Tiger Lilies are extremely toxic and can even cause death!
In my research, I unfortunately learned that many of the bouquets and flowers sold in grocery and home improvement stores are toxic to cats. It’s so easy to just pick out a bouquet, plant, or flower because it “looks pretty,” not even considering the effects they might have on your pets.
I have compiled a list of toxic flowers and plants below, as well as a list of flowers and plants that are safe for cats. I hope it will be a helpful resource for you as you shop for flowers or plan your outdoor gardens.
Toxic Flowers and Plants that Cause Upset Stomach and/or Oral Irritation
Carnations, Daffodils, Daisies, Hydrangeas – all commonly found in the home and in outdoor gardens. All are also toxic to cats. Succulents are also growing in popularity because they are so easy to care for. However, succulents like aloe and jade are toxic to cats as well. If you’ve found your cat snacking on any of the plants or flowers on the list below, be sure to keep an eye on her and see a veterinarian if symptoms occur. These plants are known to cause a range of symptoms such as upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, excess salivation, and/or oral irritation.
- Aloe
- Begonia
- Bird of Paradise
- Boxwood
- Caladium
- Calla Lily
- Carnation
- Chrysanthemum
- Coleus
- Daffodil (ingestion of large amounts can cause convulsions, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmia)
- Dahlia
- Daisy
- Dumbcane
- English Ivy
- Euphorbia
- Ficus
- Gladiola
- Holly
- Hosta
- Hydrangea
- Jade Plant
- Morning Glory
- Peony
- Philodendrun
- Poinsettia
- Primrose
- Tulip
Toxic Flowers and Plants that Cause Organ Damage and/or Death
As mentioned before, many types of lilies are extremely toxic to cats. Other popular plants and flowers such as azaleas, oleander, and hyacinth are also highly toxic to cats. The plants and flowers on this list cause extreme and dangerous symptoms ranging from bloody vomit or diarrhea, seizures, organ failure, and death. If you suspect your cat has snacked on any of these plants, please see a veterinarian immediately.
- Agapanthus
- Amaryllis
- Azalea
- Castor Bean
- Crocus
- Cyclamen
- Delphinium
- Foxglove
- Hyacinth
- Lantana
- Larkspur
- Lily (Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show)
- Mistletoe
- Oleander
- Peace Lily
- Rhododendrun
- Sago Palm
- Yew
Non-Toxic Flowers and Plants that are Safe for Cats
Thankfully, not all plants and flowers are harmful to your feline friends. Impatiens, Boston Ferns, Geraniums, and Sunflowers are just a few favorites that are all safe for cats. When picking out plants for your home or outdoor gardens, be sure to choose from this list:
- African Violet
- Baby’s Breath
- Bamboo
- Boston Fern
- Burro’s Tail (succulent)
- Camellia
- Chamaedorea (Palms)
- China Aster
- Common Snapdragon
- Crepe Myrtle
- Freesia
- Geranium
- Gerber Daisy
- Hardy Sedum
- Haworthia (succulent)
- Hens and Chickens (succulent)
- Honeysuckle
- Impatiens
- Lamb’s Tail
- Marigold
- New Guinea Impatiens
- Orchid
- Peruvian Lily
- Petunia
- Pony Tail Palm
- Rose
- Spider Plant
- Sunflower
- Tender Sedum (succulent)
- Zinnia
Please be advised – this list is not inclusive of every toxic or non-toxic flower or plant. You can visit the ASPCA’s database for a complete listing. Also, though I was specifically checking on flowers and plants that are toxic to cats, I did notice that the majority of the flowers and plants listed above are also toxic to dogs. The same can be said for the non-toxic flowers and plants.
As you can see, many of the flowers and plants found at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or your local florist or garden store are toxic to your cat. It is way too easy to unknowingly bring a dangerous plant into your house. Because of that fact, it is important that you educate yourself and/or check to see if a plant is toxic before bringing it home.
Especially if your cat likes to eat flowers like Delilah does…
**The flowers she is eating in the video are non-toxic.
thanks for sharing the plants always have to watch frankie around plants ironically he doesn’t eat on my jade plant he thinks its his buddy visiting from pet parade I’m lorraine at http://lorrainesresources.blogspot.com
Thank you for the reminder to think about what plants we are bringing in. Very important for us with fur babies. Wonderful to see you on the Pet Parade! Happy Valentine’s!
Great info! Thanks for sharing!
Happy V day to you!
♥♥husky love n hugz♥♥
Frum our pack at love is being owned by a husky
Great list! It is hard to cross-reference each flower via the ASPCA page so your list really comes in handy. My mom, my MIL, and I all have cats so I always try and find bouquets as cat-friendly as possible before purchase.
FYI, daisies should be in the “upset stomach” column, not the “safe” column, although gerbera daisies (not real daisies) are safe. Letting you know since lots of bouquets use daisies as a secondary or filler flower.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/daisy