If you suspect your cat or dog, or any other pet, has been poisoned, call your vets IMMEDIATELY. If you can't reach them call Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680 (there is a fee for the poison helpline.)
Plants Poisonous to Cats
Why are cats extra sensitive to poisons?
Cats are very sensitive to poisoning because they lack a liver enzyme that breaks down poisons and toxins and that is present in many other animals including humans. This protein is called UGT1A6 and is missing in the Large Cats as well as domesticated cats, or rather is produced in very small insufficient quantities. Strangely enough it is also missing in Brown hyena and the Northern elephant seal!
Scientists have theorized that because cats primarily eat meat and rarely choose any vegetable matter, they could survive without an enzyme that breaks down vegetable poisons, and it gradually mutated out of the genetic code of cats.
There is a short article on Discover Magazine website, If you want to read the primary source scientific paper here's a link.
Not having enough of this toxin eliminating protein means that if a cat is exposed to a poisons, it can accumulate faster than the cat can break it down and the cat is poisoned.
Luckily most cats are choosy about what they eat so poisoning is not as common as it could have been if cats liked to taste everything they ran across. Some do of course and if you have a cat that like to nibble at things you need to eliminate the really dangerous poisons from your environment.
Symptoms of Poisoning
There are several symptoms that are often present in poisoning. Nausea is almost always a symptom, odd behaviour, unsteady walk, shaking, pawing at the mouth, diarrhea and seizures are also often present. Since cats often regurgitate hairballs and grass it's a good idea to keep an eye on them to see if they have been into any dangerous plants or if they are just working through a hairball.
Loss of appetite or excessive drinking or peeing are other possible symptoms of poisoning.
If you suspect poisoning, act quickly. Remove any remaining plant material, contact your vet immediately and get your animal to help as soon as you can. Bring a sample of the plant to the vet's for identification.
Quick action is best because this can reduce the amount of exposure you cat suffers. If a long period of time has passed it's likely the poison has been absorbed and treatment options become limited. Sometimes all your vet can do is try to stabilize the animal. Call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680 if you can't see your vet.
Families of Plants that are Toxic to Cats
I've included a long list of poisonous plants lower down on the page but If you look at the family of plants you can identify groups which share toxic chemicals. This makes a more manageable list.
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Photo of paperwhite and amaryllis courtesy of Wikimedia.org, paperwhite: Ceasol, amarylis: Hons084
A large family that claims: the Amarylis, but also Chives, Daffodils, Paperwhites, Narcissus, Snowdrops, Onions, Leeks and Garlic and a number of other plants called "lily" that are not true lilies.
The family Amaryllidaceae is well know for a large number of alkaloids which are usually very biologically active and have been researched for any number of medical reasons including fighting cancer. Here is an abstract to an article about this
Many of the Amarylidaceae family contain a toxic alkaloid called Lycorine. It is toxic to humans and pets. For more information here is an article about Licorine, including action of the Toxin.
Although benefits of onions and garlics for humans are widely accepted, these plants are toxic to cats, dogs and several other animals. The organosulfoxides damages the red blood cells which causes decreased blood oxygen transportation capacity, and, impairs delivery of oxygen to the tissues. A symptom of poisoning is anemia. Garlic is much more poisonous than onions. All forms including dried and fresh, pill supplements or juice should should be avoided for cats and dogs.
For more details here is a very good article Onion and garlic toxicity to pets.
Note, the classification of Amaryllidaceaes and Liliaceae is in some turmoil. At this point there have been some reforms that attempt to clean up the lily family because it has been a bit of a catch all. You can find the onions and garlics, sometimes in one family sometimes in the other. The important point is that they are toxic to cats and dogs.
Family: Araceae
Photo of dieffenbachia courtesy of Wikimedia.org, darina (Louise Wolff)
A large family that claims: Caladium, Dieffenbachias, Philodendrons, Jack in the pulpit, Calla lilies, Taro, Lords and ladies, Mexican breadfruit, Pothos, Elephant Ears, Skunk Cabbage and a number of other plants sometimes referred to as "lily" such as the Peace lily.
The toxicity of the Araceae family is due to the presence of Oxalic Acid. Although not an Araceae, Rhubarb has oxalic acid in its leaves, and stems and should never be fed to a cat.
An interesting feature of many Araceae, in particular those that smell rotten or really bad such as the Eastern Skunk Cabbage, is that they can actually raise their temperature above ambient temperature in order to better disperse the scent and attract pollinating insects. These plants are referred to as Thermogenic. Here is an article in Wikipedia on Thermogenic plants.
Taro and Mexican breadfruit are widely eaten but need to be prepared and carefully washed of the oxalic crystals before they are safe.
Oxalic acid tends to hurt the mouth and throat so animals will not be as likely to eat large amounts.
One of the names of Dieffenbachia is Dumb Cane. This refers to the inability to speak of people who have ingested it and have been struck dumb.
Family: Liliaceae
A very large number of common plants including: Day Lilies, Oriental Lilies, Tulips, Asparagus Ferns, Sprengeri, Crocus, Hyacinth, Hosta and many more belong to the Lily family.
Tulip photo - Taken by John O'NeillEdited and uploaded on his behalf by Fir0002, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=767393
True lilies are very toxic and even a small amount, even pollen, can be dangerous. The poisonous elements are several Alkaloids found in lilies including bulbs. Here is a brief article about lily toxicity and treatment in cats.
The poison attacks the kidneys and a very small amount can be deadly.
Here is an article on Bulb Toxicity.
Onions/Garlics are sometimes classified in the Lilies and sometimes in the Amarylis as the classification is reorganized. The characteristics are not always clear cut. I've put them in the Amarylis.
Euphorbiaceae
Casava photo by Bob Walker in Democratic Republic of Congo.) [CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)],
Castor Bean Plants belong to this family. They are highly toxic to cats, dogs and humans. No part of the plant should be eaten by anyone.There are many members in this family, besides the Cator bean: Cassava plant (Manioc or sometimes also called Yucca), Pointsettia and Leafy spurge are other examples.
The culpit in the case of Castor bean plants is ricin, a very toxic substance and no part of the plant should ever be eaten. The family also contains a large variety of other phytotoxins beside ricin, mainly diterpene esters, a variety of alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides.
Wikipedia has an article on Ricin which is the poison in Castor beans
Leafy sprurge is classified as a noxious weed and is mildly poisonous to animals. Luckily it does not taste very good and most animals tend to avoid it. Page from Ministry of Agriculture, food and rural affairs on leafy spurge.
Food grade cassava, is processed by grinding, washing and sometimes fermenting to eliminate the cyanide producing toxins. Since some small amount is sometimes present, cats should not be fed cassava.
Pointsettias belong to this family. It's reputation is worse than it's actual toxicity. It can be very irritating to cats and if enough eaten by a susceptible cat then it can be quite dangerous but mostly it is not so deadly as many others plants.
Ericaceae
Yew photo By Didier Descouens (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. Azalea photo By Famartin (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
This is a very large family of plants that include Yews, Heathers, but also the rhododendrons and azaleas.
Grayanotoxin can be very toxic to cats and other animals. It also finds it's way into honey if there are a lot of rhododendrons in the area making the honey poisonous. Here is a link to Grayanotoxin from Wikipedia
Several plants in this group have been studied for medicinal and biological activity. Rhododendron has been found to be immunosuppressant. Link to precis of study. Grayanoids, occurring exclusively in Ericaceae plants, are well-known highly toxic components from the genera Rhododendron
Yew are highly toxic to humans and animals. The poison includes Taxine a complex of alkaloids. It also has ephedrine and a cyanogenic glycosides. The leaves, seeds and even pollen have been shown to be toxic, pollen triggering asthma.
Here is an article on Yew poisoning of humans. Another article on the toxicity of yew from the Poison Garden website.
Berries are not poisonous but the seed inside the berry is.
Compositae
Chrysanthemum, By WriterPat (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons Chamomille By H. Zell (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
This family has many plants that are toxic to cats and other animals. Chrysanthemums, Chamomile, Daisies and Dahlias are all in the family. The main plant chemical responsible for toxicity is a group called Sesquiterpene lactones (SQL for friends). If you like the chemistry, here is an article from Cornell University. It is particularly relevent to livestock but cats often get in trouble nibbling house mums or being given chamomille products.
Sago Palm
Although not so often eaten by cats, sago palms containe Cycasin which causes liver damage. Sago Palms are sometimes kept as ornamental house plants. It is one of the highly toxic plants which can poison cats and dogs.
The Cycasin is a neurotoxic glycoside and also a carcinogen.
If you even suspect that your cat, dog or kid has chewed or eaten leaves, bark or a seed, get immediate help. It is very poisonous.
Sago Palm Poisoning in DogsSome Quite Common toxic house plants
Because they are so common the following plants often cause poisoning in cats and dogs. Most poisoning are not deadly, which is not to say that they can't be very dangerous for some sensitive animal particularly if enough is eaten.
Marijuana
Marijuana intoxication in cats and dogs is not uncommon and rarely fatal. It can cause some serious symptoms and seizure like symptoms. If you take your cat to the vets knowing it is marijuana, tell them so they do not treat your animal for other similar looking conditions, thus doing further harm. Here is a good page on Marijuana Intoxication in Cats and Dogs
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a common houseplant that contains Saponins. Depending on quantity and sensitivity of the cat, it can cause serious symptoms. Loss of appetite is one of them and this can be deadly to cats.
Coleus plants
Some coleus plants can be quite toxic to cats. There are quite a lot of variations in toxicity levels. IF you cat eats it treat it as serious.
English Ivy
This very common house plants can be quite toxic to cats.
Cyclamen
Family: Primulaceae. The tubers are the dangerous parts. The Saponins can cause Heart problems, seizures and death. Many members of the primulaceae family have toxic properties and several have been studied for medicinal purposes. Cat's are most likely to be exposed to Cyclamens since it is a common house plant.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe are a common plant in horticulture and is used for it's bright flowers. It is often used as houseplants.
Kalanchoe contain cardiac glycosides and are toxic to animals including cats. Cardiac arrest is the danger of ingesting it. The Flowers are the most toxic part of the plant. It is a common poison of cattle in Australia where it grows wild.
Good article on the toxicology of Kalanchoe.
Oleander
Oleander is another plants that are sometimes brought in as cut flowers or as house plants. They are also cultivated as decorative garden plants.
Oleander is toxic to humans and to many animals. Even the honey that is made from oleander can be toxic.
It contains cardiac glycosides which interfere with electrolyte balance in the heart muscle and can cause death. The toxin is similar to digoxin used as heart medication. Foxglove, kalanchoe and milkweed are all plants that also have a similar effects.
Geranium / Pelargonium
The primary toxic substances in the geranium, geraniol and linalool, may cause anything from skin irritation to vomiting. The more highly scented geraniums have higher concentrations and are more toxic. This is not usually a serious poisoning but if a lot has been ingested or if your cat is particularly sensitive then the symptoms can be more severe.
Sweet Potato Vine
Sweet Potato Vine, the leaves and stems in particular, is toxic and will cause your cat to act odd. It is hallucigenic and has an LSD like toxin. A large quantity can be dangerous.
List of Plants Toxic to Cats
Here is an incomplete list of plants that are toxic to cats. Since new plants are being imported and introduced, or simply have not been tested for cat toxicity, it is a work in progress and will remain incomplete. Plant Toxicity tends to run into families and the most notable culpits have been identified at the beginning of this article.
A great number of plants show some level of toxicity and some are very dangerous to both cats and humans. These are best kept away from pets and kids.
- Arum
Other Names: Adam-and-Eve, Cuckoo Plant, Lord-and-Ladies, Starch Root, Bobbins, Wake Robin
Scientific Name: Arum maculatum -- Family: Araceae- Amaryllis
Scientific Name: Amaryllis sp. -- Family: Amaryllidaceae- American Bittersweet
Scientific Name: Celastrus scandens -- Family: Celastraceae- American Mandrake
Scientific Name: Podophyllum peltatum -- Family: Berberidaceae- Andromeda Japonica
Scientific Name: Pieris japonica -- Family: Ericaceae- Angelica Tree
Scientific Name: Aralia spinosa -- Family: Araliaceae- Apple (seeds)
Scientific Name: Malus sylvestrus -- Family: Rosaceae- Apricot (seed)
Scientific Name: Prunus armeniaca -- Family: Rosaceae- Arrow-Head Vine
Scientific Name: Syngonium podophyllum -- Family: Araceae- Arum Lily
Scientific Name: Zantedeschia aethiopica -- Family: Araceae- Asian Lily
Scientific Name: Lilium asiatica -- Family: Liliaceae- Asparagus Fern
Scientific Name: Asparagus densiflorus cv sprengeri -- Family: Liliaceae- Australian Ivy Palm
Scientific Name: Brassaia actinophylla -- Family: Araliaceae- Australian Pine
Scientific Name: Araucaria heterophylla -- Family: Araucariaceae- Autumn Crocus
Scientific Name: Colchicum autumnale -- Family: Liliaceae- Azalea
Scientific Name: Rhododendron spp -- Family: Ericaceae- Baby Doll Ti Plant
Scientific Name: Cordyline terminalis -- Family: Agavaceae- Baby’s Breath
Scientific Name: Gypsophila elegans -- Family: Caryophyllaceae- Barbados Aloe
Scientific Name: Aloe barbadensis -- Family: Aloaceae- Barbados Lily
Scientific Name: Hippeastrum spp. -- Family: Amaryllidaceae- Barbados Pride
Scientific Name: Caesalpinia pulcherrima -- Family: Fabaceae- Bird of Paradise
Scientific Name: Poinciana gilliesii -- Family: Leguminosae- Bay Laurel
Scientific Name: Laurus nobilis -- Family: Lauraceae- Bead Tree
Scientific Name: Melia azedarach -- Family: Meliaceae- Begonia
Scientific Name: Begonia spp. -- Family: Begoniaceae- Bergamot Orange
Scientific Name: Citrus Aurantium -- Family: Rutaceae- Bird of Paradise
Scientific Name: Caesalpinia gilliesii -- Family: Leguminosae- Bird of Paradise Flower
Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae -- Family: Strelitziaceae- Bishop’s Weed
Scientific Name: Ammi majus -- Family: Apiaceae- Bitter Root
Scientific Name: Apocynum androsaemifolium -- Family: Apocynaceae- Black Calla
Scientific Name: Arum palestinum -- Family: Araceae- Black Laurel
Scientific Name: Leucothoe davisiae -- Family: Ericaceae- Black Nightshade
Scientific Name: Solanum nigrum -- Family: Solanaceae- Borage
Scientific Name: Borage officinalis -- Family: Boraginceae- Boxwood
- Branching Ivy
Scientific Name: Hedera helix -- Family: Araliaceae- Brunfelsia
Scientific Name: Brunfelsia spp. -- Family: Solanaceae- Buckeye
Scientific Name: Aesculus spp -- Family: Hippocastanaceae- Buckwheat
- Buddhist Pine
Scientific Name: Podocarpus macrophylla -- Family: Podocarpaceae- Burning Bush
Scientific Name: Euonymus atropurpurea -- Family: Celastraceae- Buttercup
Scientific Name: Ranunculus sp. -- Family: Ranunculaceae- Caladium
Scientific Name: Caladium hortulanum -- Family: Araceae- Calamondin Orange
- Cape Jasmine
Scientific Name: Gardenia jasminoides -- Family: Rubiaceae- Caraway
Scientific Name: Carum carvi -- Family: Umbelliferae- Cardboard Palm
Scientific Name: Zamia furfuracea -- Family: Cycadaceae- Cardinal Flower
Scientific Name: Lobelia cardinalis -- Family: Campanulaceae- Carnation
Scientific Name: Dianthus caryophyllus -- Family: Caryophyllaceae- Castor Bean Plant
Scientific Name: Ricinus communis -- Family: Euphorbiaceae- Ceriman
Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa -- Family: Araceae- Chamomile
Scientific Name: Anthemis nobilis -- Family: Compositae- Chandelier Plant
Scientific Name: Kalanchoe tubiflora -- Family: Crassulaceae- Charming Dieffenbachia
- Chinese Evergreen
- Chinese Jade
Scientific Name: Crassula arborescens -- Family: Crassulaceae- Chives
- Christmas Rose
Scientific Name: Helleborus niger -- Family: Ranunculaceae- Chrysanthemum
Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum spp. -- Family: Compositae- Clematis
Scientific Name: Clematis sp. -- Family: Ranunculaceae- Climbing Lily
Scientific Name: Gloriosa superba -- Family: Liliaceae- Climbing Nightshade
Scientific Name: Solanum dulcamara -- Family: Solanaceae- Clivia Lily
Scientific Name: Clivia sp. -- Family: Amaryllidaceae- Coleus
Scientific Name: Coleus ampoinicus -- Family: Labiatae- Common Privet
Scientific Name: Ligustrum vulgare -- Family: Oleaceae- Cordatum
Scientific Name: Philodendron oxycardium -- Family: Araceae- Corn Plant
Scientific Name: Dracaena fragrans -- Family: Agavaceae- Cow parsnip
Scientific Name: Heracleum maximum -- Family: Apiaceae- Cowbane
Scientific Name: Cicuta spp. -- Family: Apiaceae- Cyclamen
Scientific Name: Cyclamen spp -- Family: Primulaceae- Daffodil
Scientific Name: Narcissus spp -- Family: Amaryllidaceae- Dahlia
Scientific Name: Dahlia spp. -- Family: Compositae- Day LiliesOther Names: many varieties
- Deadly Nightshade
Scientific Name: Solanum spp -- Family: Solanaceae- Desert Azalea
Scientific Name: Adenium obesum -- Family: Apocynaceae- Devils Ivy
Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum -- Family: Araceae- Elephant's Ear
Scientific Name:Alocasia spp. -- Family: Araceae - Feather Geranium
Scientific Name: Chenopodium botrys -- Family: Chenopodiaceae- Fern Palm
Scientific Name: Cycas spp. -- Family: Cycadaceae- Fetterbush
Scientific Name: Lyonia sp. -- Family: Ericaceae- Fiddle-Leaf
Scientific Name: Philodendron bipennifolium -- Family: Araceae- Fig
Scientific Name: Ficus benjamina -- Family: Moraceae- Yellow Flag
Scientific Name: Iris spp. -- Family: Iridaceae- Flamingo Flower
Scientific Name: Anthurium scherzeranum -- Family: Araceae- Dock
Scientific Name: Rumex sp. -- Family: Polygonaceae- Dog Daisy
Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium -- Family: Compositae- Dog Hobble
Scientific Name: Leucothoe sp. -- Family: Ericaceae- Dogbane Hemp
Scientific Name: Apocynum -- Family: Apocynaceae- Dracaena
Scientific Name: Dracaena spp. -- Family: Agavaceae- Dumbcane
Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia -- Family: Araceae- Easter Lily
- Eastern Star
- Elephant Ears
Scientific Name: Colocasia esculenta -- Family: Araceae- English Holly
Scientific Name: Ilex aquifolium -- Family: Aquifoliaceae- English Yew
Scientific Name: Taxus baccata -- Family: Taxaceae- Eucalyptus
Scientific Name: Eucalyptus spp. -- Family: Myrtaceae- Everlasting Pea
Scientific Name: Lathyrus latifolius -- Family: Fabaceae- Florida Beauty
Scientific Name: Dracaena surculosa -- Family: Cannaceae- Foxglove
- Garden Hyacinth
Scientific Name: Hyacinthus orientalis -- Family: Liliaceae- Garlic
Scientific Name: Allium sativum -- Family: Liliaceae- Geranium
Scientific Name: Pelargonium spp. -- Family: Geraniaceae- Geranium-Leaf Aralia
Scientific Name: Polyscias guilfoylei -- Family: Araliaceae- Giant Dracaena
Scientific Name: Cordyline australis -- Family: Agavaceae- Giant Hogweed
Scientific Name: Heracleum maximum -- Family: Apiaceae- Gladiola
Scientific Name: Gladiolus spp. -- Family: Iridaceae- Golden Birds Nest
Scientific Name: Sansevieria trifasciata -- Family: Agavaceae- Golden Ragwort
Scientific Name: Senecio sp. -- Family: Compositae- Good Luck Plant
Scientific Name: Oxalis spp. -- Family:- Grapefruit
- Hashish
Scientific Name: Cannabis sativa -- Family: Cannabaceae- Hibiscus
Scientific Name: Hibiscus syriacus -- Family: Malvaceae- Hills of Snow
Scientific Name: Hydrangea arborescens -- Family: Hydrangeaceae- Horsehead Philodendron
Scientific Name: Philodendron bipennifolium -- Family: Araceae- Horseweed
Scientific Name: Erigeron speciosus -- Family: Asteraceae- Hosta
Scientific Name: Hosta plataginea -- Family: Liliaceae- Hyacinth
- Jack-in-the-pulpit
Scientific Name: Arisaema triphyllum -- Family: Araceae- Jade Plant
Scientific Name: Crassula argentea -- Family: Crassulaceae- Japanese Show Lily
- Japanese Yew
Scientific Name: Taxus sp. -- Family: Taxaceae- Jerusalem Cherry
Scientific Name: Solanum pseudocapsicum -- Family: Solanaceae- Jerusalem Oak
Scientific Name: Ambrosia mexicana -- Family: Chenopodiaceae- Klamath Weed
Scientific Name: Hypericum perforatum -- Family: Clusiaceae- Lacy Tree Philodendron
- Lantana
Scientific Name: Lantana camara -- Family: Verbenaceae- Larkspur
- Laurel
Scientific Name: Kalmia latifolia -- Family: Ericaceae- Lavender
Scientific Name: Lavendula angustifolia -- Family: Lamiaceae- Leek
Scientific Name: Allium ampeloprasum -- Family: Liliaceae- Lemon
- Lemon Grass
Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus -- Family: Poaceae- Lily
Scientific Name: Lilium sp. -- Family: Liliaceae- Lily of the Valley
- Lime
- Locust
- Lovage
Scientific Name: Levisticum officinale -- Family: Apiaceae- Madagascar Dragon Tree
- Marble Queen
Scientific Name: Scindapsus aureus -- Family: Araceae- Marjoram
Scientific Name: Origanum majorana -- Family: Lamiaceae- Mauna Loa Peace Lily
Scientific Name: Spathiphyllum -- Family: Araceae- Mayweed
Scientific Name: Anthemis cotula -- Family: Asteraceae- Medicine Plant
Scientific Name: Aloe vera -- Family: Aloaceae- Milkweed
- Mint
Scientific Name: Mentha sp. -- Family: Lamiaceae- Morning Glory
- Moss Rose
Scientific Name: Portulaca oleracea -- Family: Portulacaceae- NasturtiumOther Names: Watercress
Scientific Name: Nasturtium officinale -- Family: Brassicaceae- Nicotiana
Scientific Name: Nicotiana glauca -- Family: Solanaceae- Oleander
Scientific Name: Nerium oleander -- Family: Apocynaceae- Onion
- Orange
- Orange Day Lily
- Oregano
Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare hirtum -- Family: Lamiaceae- Pacific Yew
Scientific Name: Taxus brevifolia -- Family: Taxaceae- Parsley
Scientific Name: Petroselinum crispum -- Family: Apiaceae- Peach (seeds)
Scientific Name: Prunus spp. -- Family: Rosaceae- Pencil Cactus
Scientific Name: Euphorbia tirucalli -- Family: Euphorbiaceae- Peony
- Mistletoe "American"
Scientific Name: Phoradendron flavescens -- Family: Viscaceae- Mistletoe
Scientific Name: Phoradendron leucarpum -- Family: Santalaceae- Periwinkle
Scientific Name: Vinca rosea -- Family: Apocynaceae- Philodendron Pertusum
- Plantain Lily
Scientific Name: Hosta plantaginea -- Family: Liliaceae- Poinsettia
- Poison Hemlock
Scientific Name: Conium maculatum -- Family: Umbelliferae- Poison Parsnip
Scientific Name: Cicuta maculata -- Family: Apiaceae- Pokeweed
Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana -- Family: Phytolaccaceae- Prayer Bean
Scientific Name: Abrus precatorius -- Family: Leguminosae- Primrose
- Ranger's Button
Scientific Name: Sphenosciadium capitellatum -- Family: Apiaceae- Red Lily
- Rhubarb
Scientific Name: Rheum rhabarbarium -- Family: Polygonaceae- Rubrum Lily
- Satin Pothos
Scientific Name: Scindapsus pictus -- Family: Araceae- Skunk Cabbage
Scientific Name: Symplocarpus foetidus -- Family: Araceae- Sorrel
Scientific Name: Rumex scutatus -- Family: Polygonaceae- Spring Parsley
- Stargazer Lily
- Striped Dracaena
Scientific Name: Ipomoea batatas -- Family:Convolvulaceae- Tahitian Bridal Veil
- Sweet Potato Vine
Scientific Name: Dracaena deremensis -- Family: Agavaceae- Tahitian Bridal Veil
Scientific Name: tradescantia multiflora -- Family: Commelinaceae- Tiger Lily
- Tomato Plant
- Tulip
- Variegated Philodendron
- Wahoo
Scientific Name: Euonymus occidentalis -- Family: Celastraceae- Water Hyacinth
- Wisteria
- Wood Lily
- Yellow Oleander
- Canadian Yew
Scientific Name: Taxus canadensis -- Family: Taxaceae- Yucca
This web page came about from an interest I developed in toxic plants both to humans and to cats. This list of plants relies heavily on information provided by the ASPCA. I have added to it and modified it. I have also not included some plants such as catnip.
If in doubt about the toxicity of a plant, and you cannot find any information about its effect on cats, it is a safe assumption that a plant that is toxic to humans and dogs will also be toxic to cats. Contact your vet.
Here is a nice quick reference page by ProFlowers. com which lists 199 poisonous plants. Geared at cat and dog people.
email me Christine
Useful article from Merck.
Merck Manuals Pet health edition Plants Poisonous to animals.
Small Animal Toxicology, 3e
A Field Guide to Venomous Animals and Poisonous Plants: North America North of Mexico (Peterson Field Guides)
A manual of poisonous plants, chiefly of eastern North America, with brief notes on economic and medicinal plants, and numerous illustrations
3 Textbooks about toxic plants. By Anthony P. Knight - A Guide To Plant Poisoning Of Animals In North America: 1st (first) Edition
Toxic Plants of North America
Handbook of Toxic Plants of North America by George E. Burrows (2006-06-16)
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This article is for entertainment and information. I do not claim that it is a complete list of toxic plants. I do not claim to be an expert. This page is not intended as a replacement for professional medical help. If your pet has eaten a plant that might be poisonous or if he is acting unwell or strange, get help immediately.