Which Common House Plants Are Toxic to Cats?
Cats and plants can coexist. Here’s which common houseplants are toxic to cats and which are cat-safe.
Published: August 8, 2023 | Updated: September 14, 2026
If you’ve got a feline friend, it’s important to know that some houseplants are toxic to cats, ranging from mildly irritating to seriously dangerous.
Some cats couldn’t care less about greenery, while others will chomp a plant down to a sad little nubbin. You know your cat best, so take precautions as needed!
If you suspect your cat has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or animal poison control right away.
Below you’ll find some of the most common houseplants toxic to cats, followed by cat-safe alternatives.
Please note: This list includes many common and holiday houseplants that are toxic to cats, but it is not exhaustive.
Good news for Tom, our resident plant sampler: Easter Cactus isn’t on the naughty list! Unlike some house plants toxic to cats, this one’s feline-friendly. Image © Plant and Bloom Design Studio
Common House Plants Toxic to Cats
If you think your cat has eaten a toxic plant or may be ill, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
Aloe Vera
Alocasia
Dieffenbachia
Dracaena
Jade Plant
Monstera
Peace Lily
Philodendron
Pothos
Scindapsus
Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
True Lilies (Lilium species, including Easter, Asiatic and Oriental lilies)
ZZ Plant
A special warning about lilies: True lilies (Lilium species), including Easter, Asiatic, and Oriental lilies, are extremely dangerous to cats. This includes cut lilies in bouquets and floral arrangements, not just potted plants. Even small exposures can cause life-threatening kidney damage. If you suspect your cat has been exposed to a true lily, contact a veterinarian immediately.
True lilies are extremely dangerous to cats. This includes potted lilies and cut lilies in bouquets. Image © Pixelshot via Canva.com
More Plants That Are Toxic to Cats
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
Asparagus Fern
Azalea
Begonia
Bird of Paradise
Caladium
Carnations
Chrysanthemum
Cyclamen
Euphorbia
Ficus (Fig)
Gardenia
Hellebore
Ivy
Kalanchoe
Lemon Trees
Lime Trees
Marijuana
Mint
Oregano
Ornamental Pepper
Oxalis (Shamrock Plant)
Panda Plant Succulent
Sago Palm
Schefflera
String of Dolphins
String of Pearls
The magnificent Mr. Whiskers. Image © Plant and Bloom Design Studio
Holiday Plants That Can Be Toxic to Cats
Holly
Mistletoe
Paperwhites
Poinsettia
Amaryllis is a popular holiday houseplant that is toxic to cats. Image © Africa Images via Canva.com
Cat-Safe House Plant Alternatives
African Violet
Areca Palm
Burro’s Tail
Bamboo Palm
Calathea
Cast Iron Plant
Chinese Money Plant
Easter Cactus
Echeveria
Elephant Bush
Ferns (true ferns), including Boston, button, staghorn, maidenhair, bird’s nest, and rabbit’s foot ferns. Note: Not every plant with “fern” in its name is a true fern or cat-safe, so always check the specific plant before bringing it home.
Haworthia
Hoya
Lipstick Plant
Lithops
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Peperomia
Pilea
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes)
Ponytail Palm
Prayer Plant (Maranta)
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rhipsalis
Roses (watch out for thorns)
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Selaginella
Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)
Spider Plant
String of Hearts
String of Turtles
Tillandsia (Air Plants)
Boots posing next to a cat-safe elephant bush. Image © Plant and Bloom Design Studio
What If a Plant Isn’t on This List?
This guide covers many of the most common houseplants that are toxic to cats. For a more comprehensive list, check the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database.
If you think your cat has eaten a toxic plant or is showing signs of illness, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.