Toxic and Safe Plants for Cats and Dogs
Search common house and garden plants to see whether they are safe for your cat or dog, what symptoms to watch for, and which pet-safe plants to choose instead.
- Cats · ToxicDogs · Mildly toxic
Lilies
For cats, yes: true lilies and daylilies can cause fatal kidney failure. For dogs they are much less dangerous and usually cause only mild stomach upset.
- Cats · ToxicDogs · Toxic
Sago palm
Yes. Sago palm is highly toxic to both dogs and cats and can cause liver failure.
- Cats · ToxicDogs · Toxic
Oleander
Yes. Oleander is highly toxic to dogs and cats because it contains substances that affect the heart.
- Cats · ToxicDogs · Toxic
Azaleas and rhododendrons
Yes. Azaleas and rhododendrons are toxic to dogs and cats.
- Cats · ToxicDogs · Toxic
Lily of the valley
Yes. Lily of the valley is highly toxic to both dogs and cats and can affect the heart.
- Cats · ToxicDogs · Toxic
Tulips and hyacinths
Yes. Tulips and hyacinths are toxic to dogs and cats, especially the bulbs.
- Cats · ToxicDogs · Toxic
Daffodils
Yes. Daffodils are toxic to dogs and cats. The bulbs are the most dangerous part.
- Cats · ToxicDogs · Toxic
Autumn crocus
Yes. Autumn crocus is extremely toxic to dogs and cats. It is not the same as the spring crocus.
- Cats · ToxicDogs · Toxic
Cyclamen
Yes. Cyclamen is toxic to dogs and cats, especially the tuber (root).
- Cats · ToxicDogs · Toxic
Kalanchoe
Yes. Kalanchoe is toxic to dogs and cats.
- Cats · Mildly toxicDogs · Mildly toxic
Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
It is mildly toxic. Chewing it causes painful irritation of the mouth, but serious poisoning is uncommon.
- Cats · Mildly toxicDogs · Mildly toxic
Pothos (devil's ivy)
It is mildly toxic. Chewing pothos causes mouth irritation and drooling, but serious illness is rare.
- Cats · Mildly toxicDogs · Mildly toxic
Philodendron
It is mildly toxic. Chewing philodendron causes mouth irritation, drooling and sometimes vomiting.
- Cats · Mildly toxicDogs · Mildly toxic
Monstera (Swiss cheese plant)
It is mildly toxic. Chewing monstera leaves irritates the mouth and can cause drooling and vomiting.
- Cats · Mildly toxicDogs · Mildly toxic
Peace lily
It is mildly toxic. Peace lilies irritate the mouth but, unlike true lilies, do not cause kidney failure in cats.
- Cats · Mildly toxicDogs · Mildly toxic
Aloe vera
It is mildly toxic. Eating aloe leaves can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats.
- Cats · Mildly toxicDogs · Mildly toxic
Jade plant
It is mildly toxic. Jade plant can cause vomiting and lethargy in cats and dogs.
- Cats · Mildly toxicDogs · Mildly toxic
Snake plant
It is mildly toxic. Snake plant can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea if chewed.
- Cats · Mildly toxicDogs · Mildly toxic
Poinsettia
It is mildly toxic. Poinsettias can irritate the mouth and stomach, but serious poisoning is rare.
- Cats · Non-toxicDogs · Non-toxic
Spider plant
Yes. Spider plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- Cats · Non-toxicDogs · Non-toxic
Boston fern
Yes. Boston ferns are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- Cats · Non-toxicDogs · Non-toxic
Areca palm
Yes. Areca palms are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- Cats · Non-toxicDogs · Non-toxic
Calathea (prayer plant)
Yes. Calatheas and prayer plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- Cats · Non-toxicDogs · Non-toxic
African violet
Yes. African violets are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- Cats · Non-toxicDogs · Non-toxic
Orchids (moth orchid)
Yes. Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- Cats · Non-toxicDogs · Non-toxic
Money tree (Pachira)
Yes. The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
How to read the results
- Toxic Can cause serious illness. Keep it away from pets and contact a vet if it is eaten.
- Mildly toxic Usually causes mouth or stomach irritation that settles on its own, but can be worse in small pets.
- Non-toxic Listed as non-toxic. Eating a lot of any plant can still cause mild stomach upset.
If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).