30 Common Houseplants That Are Toxic to Cats
22 June 2026
8 min read
Houseplants brighten a home — but many popular varieties are toxic to cats. Cats chew leaves out of curiosity, boredom, or instinct. Before your next trip to the garden centre, check this list of 30 common plants that can harm your cat.
Lilies are the most dangerous
True lilies can cause fatal kidney failure from a single exposure. Read why lilies are so dangerous and remove them from cat-accessible areas immediately.
High-risk houseplants for cats
- Lilies (all true lilies) — kidney failure. Full lily guide
- Sago palm — liver failure; extremely toxic seeds and leaves
- Aloe vera — vomiting and lethargy. Aloe toxicity guide
- Pothos and philodendron — mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting
- Peace lily — oral irritation (not a true lily, but still toxic)
- Snake plant — nausea and diarrhoea
- Monstera — calcium oxalate crystals; mouth pain
- Jade plant — vomiting and depression
- English ivy — drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Tulip and daffodil bulbs — especially dangerous if dug up indoors
More plants to avoid or keep out of reach
- Azalea and rhododendron
- Oleander
- Cyclamen
- Kalanchoe
- Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
- Caladium
- Hyacinth
- Amaryllis
- Autumn crocus
- Yew
What to do if your cat chews a plant
Identify the plant, take a photo, and call your vet. For lilies, go to emergency care immediately — do not wait. Scan unknown plants with the Toxic Kitty plant scanner before bringing them home.
Safer alternatives
Choose cat-safe plants like spider plants, calatheas, and Boston ferns. See our safe indoor plants guide.