Cats, known for their curious nature, often explore their environment by biting or nibbling. Unfortunately, this poses a challenge for feline owners who love houseplants, as many plants can be toxic to cats. It can be tempting to purchase trendy plants with attractive foliage, especially when scrolling through social media. However, numerous plants that show up on influencer posts can pose serious risks to your furry friend’s health. Here are eight wildly popular houseplants that are, in fact, deadly to cats.
Elephant Ear (Alocasia)
With its expansive leaves, the elephant ear plant adds a striking presence to any space. Sadly, this popular houseplant contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which makes it deadly to cats. If a cat consumes any part of the plant, it could result in excessive drooling, oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Often touted as a low-maintenance plant, the peace lily brings a lively touch to any setting with its white blooms and lush green foliage. Though the plant’s flowers and leaves may look visually appealing to cats, they pose a hidden danger. Ingestion can lead to painful oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, lips, and tongue, along with uncontrolled drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing.
Monstera (Monstera)
A wildly popular houseplant that offers jungle-like vibes, the Monstera has become a staple in the plant influencer community. Despite its popularity, it’s important to note that the insoluble calcium oxalates found in the plant’s leaves are toxic if ingested, causing intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, as well as excessive drooling, vomiting, and issues swallowing.
Aloe (Aloe)
Aloe plants are often touted for their role as both an aesthetically pleasing houseplant and a source of medicinal benefits. However, what’s beneficial for humans isn’t always great for our feline friends. If ingested, cats can suffer from symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants are known for their hardy nature, bringing a touch of green to any indoor space with minimal care, but cats who consume this plant will likely have an adverse reaction to the saponins found within. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Umbrella Plant (Schefflera)
The umbrella plant, with its radiating star-shaped leaves, adds a lush, verdant charm to interiorscapes. But be careful—the attractive leaves of this plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be harmful to felines. Cats that consume this plant may suffer from oral irritation, severe burning of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Pothos (Epipremnum)
The climbing vines and heart-shaped leaves of pothos plants are perfect for adding a touch of the jungle to your decor. Yet, these same leaves, if ingested by your cat, can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing.
Dracaena (Dracaena)
The Dracaena’s slender, glossy leaves in a spectrum of green hues are a delightful addition to any plant collection. Unfortunately for felines, this plant is not so friendly. If ingested, cats may experience an array of distressing symptoms including vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, and dilated pupils.
It is possible for cat owners to keep these popular plants in their homes, even with the potential risks they pose. However, those with particularly curious felines may want to opt for non-toxic houseplant alternatives to ensure the health and safety of their cats. Strategically placing plants out of reach can also help create a harmonious living space for both plants and cats.
The plants mentioned were referenced from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. Please note that ingesting any plant material might lead to vomiting or digestive discomfort for your pet. Always verify scientific names to ensure the safety of indoor plants prior to making a purchase or introducing them into your home.
Thank you very much for posting this. Our cat Bijou was just about to nibble on my small elephant ears plant in the bathroom after she was drinking from the water faucet. I had a vague recollection that this plant might be poisonous to cats. Merci bien!