🪴 Hidden Hazards: 12 Common Houseplants That Are Toxic to Cats

Elara Eclipse
Jul 30, 2025
2 min read

Maine Coons are naturally curious, playful, and love exploring their environment — which makes houseplants an unexpected danger in your home.

At Elara Eclipse Maine Coon Cattery, we educate every new family about how to create a safe, enriching home. One of the first things we recommend? Check your plants! Some of the most popular indoor plants are toxic — even deadly — to cats if ingested.

❗ Why Plant Safety Matters

Even a small nibble from the wrong plant can cause:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Drooling
Lethargy
Kidney failure (in extreme cases)

Kittens are especially vulnerable as they explore new surroundings — and plant leaves, flowers, and soil can be tempting.

🌿 12 Common Houseplants That Are Toxic to Cats

1. Lilies (All types)

⚠️ One of the most dangerous! Even small amounts can cause kidney failure.

2. Aloe Vera

While great for humans, it can cause vomiting and tremors in cats.

3. Sago Palm

Highly toxic. Ingesting even one seed can be fatal to a cat.

4. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Irritates the mouth and throat and can lead to drooling and vomiting.

5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Mildly toxic but still causes nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.

6. Philodendron

Common in homes, but it contains insoluble calcium oxalates that cause severe irritation.

7. Peace Lily

Not a true lily, but still toxic — causes oral irritation and drooling.

8. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Causes burning, drooling, and trouble swallowing.

9. Oleander

Extremely toxic. Can cause heart issues, vomiting, and even death.

10. English Ivy

Leads to abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

11. Tulips

The bulbs are especially dangerous and can cause severe stomach upset.

12. Amaryllis

Toxic to cats and often used around holidays. Causes tremors and vomiting.

✅ Cat-Safe Alternatives

Want greenery without the risk? Try these non-toxic options instead:

Spider Plant
Areca Palm
Calathea
Bamboo Palm
Cat Grass
Prayer Plant
Orchid (most varieties)

Always double-check with the ASPCA’s toxic plant list or consult your vet.

🐾 Safety is Part of the Elara Eclipse Promise🐾

When you bring home a kitten from Elara Eclipse, we don’t just hand you a cat — we guide you every step of the way in creating a safe, happy, and enriched environment.

✔️ We provide a kitten safety checklist to new owners✔️ Lifetime support for questions about your home and kitten-proofing!