Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants for Cats – Full ASPCA List

Complete Plant Safety Database for Cats

This page lists plants from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic and non-toxic plant database. Entries are listed alphabetically. Cats are particularly sensitive to many common houseplants, especially true lilies.

🚨 Emergency: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 | aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

See also: Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants for Dogs →

🚫 Plants Toxic to Cats (A–Z)

⚠️ Important: Cats are especially vulnerable to lily toxicity. All true lilies (Lilium spp. and Hemerocallis spp.) can cause acute kidney failure and death in cats even in small amounts.

Common Name Scientific Name Toxic Parts Clinical Symptoms
Aloe Vera Aloe barbadensis miller Leaves, latex layer Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, general CNS depression
Amaryllis Amaryllis spp. Bulb (most toxic), leaves, stems Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia, tremors, lethargy
American Holly Ilex opaca Berries, leaves Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia
Andromeda Japonica Pieris japonica All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure
Asian Lily Lilium asiatica All parts Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, acute kidney failure — LIFE-THREATENING
Asparagus Fern Asparagus densiflorus Berries, sap Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin irritation
Autumn Crocus Colchicum autumnale All parts Oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage, bone marrow suppression
Azalea Rhododendron spp. All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, cardiovascular collapse
Bird of Paradise Strelitzia reginae Fruit, seeds Mild nausea, vomiting, drowsiness
Boxwood Buxus spp. All parts (leaves most toxic) Vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, respiratory failure
Buckeye / Horse Chestnut Aesculus spp. Nuts, seeds, sprouts Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, twitching, paralysis
Buddhist Pine Podocarpus macrophyllus Fruit, needles Vomiting, diarrhea
Burning Bush Euonymus alatus All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac abnormalities
Caladium Caladium spp. All parts Oral irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Calla Lily Zantedeschia aethiopica All parts Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Castor Bean Ricinus communis Seeds (most toxic) Severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration, seizures, coma, death
Ceriman / Swiss Cheese Plant Monstera deliciosa All parts Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Chives Allium schoenoprasum All parts GI upset, red blood cell damage, hemolytic anemia
Chrysanthemum / Mum Chrysanthemum spp. All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, dermatitis
Clematis Clematis spp. All parts Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia
Corn Plant / Dracaena Dracaena fragrans All parts Vomiting (with or without blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils
Croton Codiaeum variegatum All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling
Crown of Thorns Euphorbia milii All parts (latex sap) Vomiting, diarrhea, skin/eye irritation
Cyclamen Cyclamen spp. Tubers/roots (most toxic) Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling; large doses: seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, death
Daffodil Narcissus spp. Bulb (most toxic), flowers, leaves Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors, cardiac arrhythmia, low blood pressure
Daphne Daphne spp. Berries, bark, leaves Oral blistering, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures, kidney failure
Day Lily Hemerocallis spp. All parts Vomiting, lethargy, acute kidney failure — LIFE-THREATENING to cats
Deadly Nightshade Atropa belladonna All parts (berries most toxic) Dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, seizures, death
Death Camas Zigadenus spp. All parts Hypersalivation, ataxia, muscle weakness, bradycardia, seizures, death
Delphinium / Larkspur Delphinium spp. All parts (seeds/young plants most toxic) Muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, paralysis, death
Dieffenbachia / Dumb Cane Dieffenbachia spp. All parts Oral irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Easter Lily Lilium longiflorum All parts Vomiting, lethargy, acute kidney failure — LIFE-THREATENING to cats
Elderberry Sambucus nigra Leaves, bark, roots, unripe berries Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness
Elephant Ear Colocasia spp. All parts Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
English Ivy Hedera helix Leaves, berries Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, hypersalivation
English Yew Taxus baccata All parts except red aril Tremors, difficulty breathing, cardiac failure, death
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus spp. Leaves, oil Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, weakness
Fiddle-Leaf Fig Ficus lyrata Sap, leaves Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, skin irritation
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea All parts Cardiac arrhythmia, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, death
Garlic Allium sativum All parts GI upset, red blood cell damage, hemolytic anemia, weakness
Geranium Pelargonium spp. All parts Vomiting, depression, anorexia, dermatitis
Gladiola Gladiolus spp. Corms (most toxic) Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, hypersalivation
Glory Lily Gloriosa superba All parts (tubers most toxic) Vomiting, diarrhea, kidney/liver damage, bone marrow suppression, death
Golden Pothos / Devil's Ivy Epipremnum aureum All parts Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Heavenly Bamboo Nandina domestica Berries, leaves Muscle spasms, convulsions, respiratory failure, death
Hemlock (Poison) Conium maculatum All parts Nervousness, tremors, ataxia, bradycardia, respiratory failure, death
Hemlock (Water) Cicuta spp. All parts (roots most toxic) Excessive salivation, seizures, respiratory failure, death
Hosta Hosta spp. All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis Bulb (most toxic) Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors
Hydrangea Hydrangea spp. Leaves, buds, flowers Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, cyanide-like toxicity in large amounts
Iris Iris spp. Rhizomes (most toxic) Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
Jack-in-the-Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum All parts Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Jade Plant Crassula ovata All parts Vomiting, depression, incoordination, slow heart rate
Japanese Yew Taxus cuspidata All parts except red aril Tremors, difficulty breathing, cardiac failure, death
Jimsonweed Datura stramonium All parts Dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, dilated pupils, hallucinations, seizures, death
Jonquil Narcissus jonquilla Bulb (most toxic) Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors, cardiac arrhythmia
Kalanchoe Kalanchoe spp. All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmia
Lantana Lantana camara All parts (green berries most toxic) Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, liver failure, death
Larkspur Delphinium spp. All parts Muscle tremors, weakness, paralysis, death
Leek Allium ampeloprasum All parts GI upset, red blood cell damage, hemolytic anemia
Lily (all true Lilium spp.) Lilium spp. All parts including pollen and water from vase Vomiting, lethargy, acute kidney failure — LIFE-THREATENING
Lily of the Valley Convallaria majalis All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, death
Lobelia Lobelia spp. All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, tremors
Lupine Lupinus spp. Seeds, pods Salivation, depression, ataxia, convulsions, coma
Marijuana / Cannabis Cannabis sativa All parts Prolonged depression, vomiting, incoordination, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, seizures, coma
Milkweed Asclepias spp. All parts Vomiting, weakness, seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, death
Mistletoe (American) Phoradendron leucarpum Berries, leaves Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, low blood pressure, ataxia, collapse
Monkshood / Aconite Aconitum spp. All parts (roots most toxic) Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac arrhythmia, paralysis, death
Morning Glory Ipomoea spp. Seeds (most toxic) GI upset, agitation, tremors, disorientation, hallucinations
Mountain Laurel Kalmia latifolia All parts Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure
Narcissus Narcissus spp. Bulb (most toxic) Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors, cardiac arrhythmia
Nightshade Solanum spp. All parts (unripe berries most toxic) Hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, cardiac effects
Oleander Nerium oleander All parts (including dried) Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmia, death
Onion Allium cepa All parts (raw, cooked, powdered) GI upset, red blood cell damage, hemolytic anemia, weakness
Pencil Cactus Euphorbia tirucalli Latex sap Vomiting, diarrhea, skin/eye irritation, blistering
Peony Paeonia spp. All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
Periwinkle Vinca spp. All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, tremors, seizures, death
Philodendron Philodendron spp. All parts Oral irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima Leaves, sap Mild GI irritation, drooling, vomiting (generally low toxicity)
Poison Hemlock Conium maculatum All parts Nervousness, tremors, ataxia, bradycardia, respiratory failure, death
Pothos Epipremnum aureum All parts Oral irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Precatory Bean / Rosary Pea Abrus precatorius Seeds (most toxic) Severe vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, seizures, death
Privet Ligustrum vulgare All parts (berries most toxic) Vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, cardiac arrhythmia, death
Ragwort / Tansy Ragwort Senecio jacobaea All parts Liver failure, weight loss, weakness, death
Rhododendron Rhododendron spp. All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, cardiovascular collapse
Rhubarb Rheum rhabarbarum Leaves (most toxic) Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, kidney failure
Rubrum Lily Lilium speciosum All parts including pollen Vomiting, lethargy, acute kidney failure — LIFE-THREATENING
Sago Palm Cycas revoluta All parts (seeds most toxic) Vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure, seizures, death
Schefflera / Umbrella Tree Schefflera spp. All parts Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus All parts Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Snowdrop Galanthus spp. All parts (bulb most toxic) Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia
Sorrel / Oxalis Oxalis spp. All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, kidney failure (large amounts)
Spurge Euphorbia spp. Latex sap Vomiting, diarrhea, skin/eye irritation
Star Lily Zigadenus fremontii All parts Hypersalivation, ataxia, muscle weakness, bradycardia, seizures, death
Star of Bethlehem Ornithogalum spp. All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmia
Sweet Pea Lathyrus odoratus Seeds, pods Weakness, lethargy, tremors, seizures, paralysis
Tiger Lily Lilium tigrinum All parts including pollen Vomiting, lethargy, acute kidney failure — LIFE-THREATENING
Tobacco Nicotiana spp. All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, tachycardia, death
Tomato Plant Solanum lycopersicum Leaves, stems, unripe fruit Hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, confusion
Tulip Tulipa spp. Bulb (most toxic) Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, depression, cardiac arrhythmia
Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Berries, sap Oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing
Wisteria Wisteria spp. Seeds, pods Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, repeated vomiting
Wood Lily Lilium philadelphicum All parts including pollen Vomiting, lethargy, acute kidney failure — LIFE-THREATENING
Yew (all species) Taxus spp. All parts except red aril Tremors, difficulty breathing, cardiac failure, sudden death
Yucca Yucca spp. All parts Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, incoordination

⚠️ Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. This list is comprehensive but not exhaustive — always verify with your veterinarian.

✅ Plants Non-Toxic to Cats (A–Z)

Common Name Scientific Name Notes
African Daisy Arctotis stoechadifolia Bright garden flower; safe for cats
African Violet Saintpaulia spp. Great low-light indoor plant; safe for cats
Air Plants Tillandsia spp. No soil needed; easy care; safe for cats
Aluminum Plant Pilea cadierei Decorative foliage; safe for cats
Areca Palm Dypsis lutescens Air-purifying; thrives indoors; safe for cats
Baby Rubber Plant Peperomia obtusifolia Easy-care houseplant; safe for cats
Baby Tears Soleirolia soleirolii Low-growing ground cover; safe for cats
Bachelor's Buttons Centaurea cyanus Cheerful garden flower; safe for cats
Bamboo (true) Phyllostachys spp. True bamboo is safe; heavenly bamboo (Nandina) is NOT
Basil Ocimum basilicum Culinary herb; easy windowsill grower; safe for cats
Bee Balm Monarda spp. Pollinator-friendly; safe for cats
Bird's Nest Fern Asplenium nidus Low-light fern; safe for cats
Boston Fern Nephrolepis exaltata Humidity-loving; great for bathrooms; safe for cats
Bottlebrush Callistemon spp. Flowering shrub; safe for cats
Camellia Camellia spp. Flowering shrub; safe for cats
Catnip Nepeta cataria Stimulating and safe for cats; harmless to dogs
Celosia / Cockscomb Celosia argentea Ornamental flower; safe for cats
Chickens and Hens Echeveria spp. Popular succulent; safe for cats
Christmas Cactus Schlumbergera spp. Holiday plant; safe for cats
Cilantro / Coriander Coriandrum sativum Culinary herb; easy to grow; safe for cats
Coral Bells Heuchera spp. Shade-tolerant perennial; safe for cats
Cornflower Centaurea cyanus Easy-to-grow annual; safe for cats
Dill Anethum graveolens Culinary herb; easy to grow from seed; safe for cats
Echeveria Echeveria spp. Popular succulent; safe for cats
Fennel Foeniculum vulgare Culinary herb; feathery foliage; safe for cats
Freesia Freesia spp. Fragrant flowering plant; safe for cats
Friendship Plant Pilea involucrata Decorative foliage; safe for cats
Gerbera Daisy Gerbera jamesonii Bright, cheerful flowers; safe for cats
Gloxinia Sinningia speciosa Flowering houseplant; safe for cats
Grape Hyacinth Muscari spp. Safe for cats (unlike true Hyacinth)
Haworthia Haworthia spp. Small succulent; easy care; safe for cats
Hibiscus (Rose of Sharon) Hibiscus syriacus Tropical flowering plant; safe for cats
Impatiens Impatiens spp. Common garden flower; safe for cats
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis Herb; calming scent; safe for cats
Lemon Button Fern Nephrolepis cordifolia Small fern; safe for cats
Magnolia Bush Magnolia spp. Flowering shrub/tree; safe for cats
Marigold (Pot / Calendula) Calendula officinalis Note: French Marigold (Tagetes) may cause mild GI upset
Marjoram Origanum majorana Culinary herb; safe for cats
Monkey Plant Ruellia makoyana Decorative houseplant; safe for cats
Mosaic Plant Fittonia spp. Decorative foliage; safe for cats
Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus Edible flowers; easy to grow; safe for cats
Orchid Phalaenopsis spp. Popular houseplant; non-toxic to cats
Painted Lady Echeveria derenbergii Succulent; safe for cats
Parlor Palm Chamaedorea elegans Low-light tolerant; elegant indoor palm; safe for cats
Parsley Petroselinum crispum Culinary herb; safe in small amounts
Petunia Petunia spp. Common garden flower; safe for cats
Pineapple Plant Ananas comosus Tropical; non-toxic fruit and plant; safe for cats
Polka Dot Plant Hypoestes phyllostachya Colorful foliage; safe for cats
Ponytail Palm Beaucarnea recurvata Drought-tolerant; safe for cats
Prayer Plant Maranta leuconeura Decorative foliage; safe for cats
Purple Waffle Plant Hemigraphis alternata Decorative foliage; safe for cats
Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus Culinary herb; drought-tolerant; safe for cats
Sage Salvia officinalis Culinary herb; safe for cats
Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus Garden flower; safe for cats
Spider Plant Chlorophytum comosum Easy to grow; mildly hallucinogenic to cats in very large amounts but non-toxic
Staghorn Fern Platycerium spp. Epiphytic fern; safe for cats
Sunflower Helianthus annuus Non-toxic; easy to grow from seed; safe for cats
Swedish Ivy Plectranthus australis Trailing houseplant; safe for cats
Thyme Thymus vulgaris Culinary herb; drought-tolerant; safe for cats
Turtle Vine Callisia repens Trailing succulent; safe for cats
Valerian Valeriana officinalis Stimulating to cats (similar to catnip); non-toxic
Velvet Plant Gynura aurantiaca Decorative foliage; safe for cats
Wax Plant Hoya carnosa Trailing houseplant; safe for cats
Zinnia Zinnia spp. Bright garden flower; easy to grow; safe for cats

✅ Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Always verify with your veterinarian before introducing new plants.

Seeds In A Cup® recommends pet-safe varieties for cat-friendly homes. Many of our herb kits — including Basil, Dill, Rosemary, and Thyme — are non-toxic to cats. Shop our grow kits →

See also: Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants for Dogs →

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