Written by: Antonia
When decorating your house, it's important to know which plants pose a risk to your four-legged family members, as many common houseplants and cut flowers can be harmful, or even deadly, to cats and dogs. The good news? There are plenty of great alternatives that let you create a beautiful, pet-friendly space without worry.
True lilies (species like Easter lilies, Asiatic lilies, and Stargazer lilies) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are among the most dangerous plants for cats. Even small exposures, such as licking pollen off their fur or drinking water from a vase, can cause acute kidney failure within 24 to 72 hours. Cats are uniquely susceptible to lily toxicity, and without prompt treatment, exposure can be fatal.
What to watch for: Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst and decreased urination. If you suspect your cat has had any contact with lilies (even just being in the same room), seek veterinary care immediately.
Pothos/Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum), Philodendron (Philodendron species), Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum species), and Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia species) all contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Insoluble oxalates are needle-like crystals that are found in cells scattered throughout these plants.
When chewed or crushed, these oxalates cause immediate oral irritation and trauma to any tissue they come in contact with. Common signs include intense pain and irritation of the mouth and tongue, pawing at the mouth, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Anorexia and lethargy are also commonly seen. While typically not life-threatening, they can cause significant discomfort and supportive treatment for the symptoms is recommended.
Sago Palm (Cycas cirinalis) is highly toxic to both dogs and cats. While all parts of the plant are dangerous, the seeds are the most toxic part of the plant. Ingestion can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, liver failure, neurological signs such as seizures and death. Treatment consists of appropriate decontamination, as well as baseline and follow up lab work to evaluate liver parameters. The ASPCA reports a fatality rate of over 50% even with treatment.
Aloe Vera, while beneficial for humans, which is toxic to dogs, cats and horses, contains saponins and anthraquinones that can cause vomiting (except horses), diarrhea, and lethargy.
Snake Plant/Mother-in-law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata), which is toxic to both dogs and cats, can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.
Flower arrangements often contain plants that are harmful to pets. Beyond lilies, here are the most common floral toxins.
Tulips (Tulipa species), containing the toxins Tulipalin A and B, are toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Common signs include vomiting (except horses), depression, diarrhea and hypersalivation. The bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxin.
Similarly, daffodils (Narcissus species) also contain the highest concentration of toxin in the bulb andand can cause similar gastrointestinal upset as tulips in dogs, cats and horses; but in higher ingestions, can cause convulsions, tremors, low blood pressure and heart arrhythmias.
Chrysanthemums (Crysanthemum species), occasionally referred to as mums or daisies, can cause a range of signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, as well as incoordination and dermatitis.
Amaryllis (Amaryllis species) which can cause vomiting, depression, anorexia, abdominal pain and tremors.
Several common garden plants also warrant caution for dogs and cats that spend time outdoors.
Azalea/rhododendron (Rhododendron species) contain grayantoxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and even heart failure.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) can cause changes to the heart rhythm, causing disturbances and even heart failure.
Yew (Taxus species) contains taxine, which can cause sudden death due to heart failure, but can also cause muscle tremors, seizures, and breathing difficulty.
You don't have to give up houseplants to keep your pets safe! Here are some beautiful options that are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA:
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – A classic, easy-care plant with graceful arching leaves. Perfect for hanging baskets out of curious paws' reach.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis) – Lush, feathery fronds that thrive in humidity. Great for bathrooms or shaded porches.
Prayer Plant (Calathea insignis) – Beautiful patterned leaves that fold up at night.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) and Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)– Bring a tropical feel to your home without the toxicity risk.
Peperomia varieties (Peperomia species)– Compact, colourful, and completely safe for pets.
African Violets (Saintpaulia species), Orchids, and Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)– Add colour safely to your indoor space.
Consider roses (Rosa species) after thorn removal, sunflowers, gerber daisies (Gerbera jamesonii), snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus), and freesias (Freesia corumbosa).
Symptoms vary depending on the plant, but common signs of plant toxicity include:
More severe cases may also involve tremors, difficulty breathing, or collapse.
1. Remove your pet from the area and prevent further access to the plant.
2. Identify the plant,lant if possible, take a photo or bring a sample to your vet.
3. Contact help immediately:
4. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.