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Scientific Name: Arum maculatum

Other Common Names: Cuckoo pint; Wake robin; Lords-and-ladies; Bobbins; Starch root; Puttyroot

The Adam-and-Eve plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates. These crystals are sharp and can irritate the cat’s mouth, tongue, and throat, causing pain, swelling, and excessive drooling.

In severe cases, Adam-and-Eve poisoning can lead to vomiting, difficulty breathing, weakness; convulsions, coma, and even death.

Scientific Name: Aloe vera

Aloe vera contains aloin, a substance that can cause a variety of symptoms, which include: vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Note, though, that the gel part of the aloe vera is safe for cats. It’s the latex (yellow liquid between the gel and the skin) that’s toxic to them.

In addition, the amount of aloe vera that is toxic to a cat can vary depending on the cat’s size and health. In general, though, it is best to keep aloe vera out of the reach of cats altogether.

Scientific Name: Amaryllis spp.

Other Common Names: Belladonna Lily; Jersey Lily; Naked Lady; Amarillo; Easter Lily in Southern Australia; March Lily in South Africa, etc.

Amaryllis contains lycorine, a toxic alkaloid. It can cause a variety of symptoms in cats, including: vomiting; diarrhea; decreased blood pressure; slower breathing rate; excessive drooling; belly pain; tremors; seizures; and even death.

Scientific Name: Ilex opaca

Other Common Names: Christmas Holly; Inkberry; Gallberry; Dahoon; Scrub Holly; Hummock Holly; Dune Holly

American holly contains saponins, which are a type of plant toxin. They can cause a variety of symptoms in cats, including: vomiting; diarrhea; hypersalivation; tremors; weakness; difficulty breathing; and even death.

Scientific Name: Pieris japonica

Other Common Names: Fetterbush; Japanese Andromeda; Japanese Pieris; Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub; Pieris

Andromeda japonica contains grayanotoxins, a type of toxin that can affect the heart and nervous system of cats.

If a cat ingests andromeda japonica, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, seizures, coma, and even death.

Scientific Name: Malus sylvestrus

The apple plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, which are a type of toxin that can release cyanide in the body. Cyanide is a deadly poison that can block the cells’ ability to use oxygen, which can lead to death.

The apple plant’s leaves, seeds, and stems are the most poisonous parts, especially when they’re in the wilting process, but the fruit itself can also be harmful if eaten in large quantities.

If a cat ingests any part of an apple plant, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, weakness, lethargy, difficulty breathing, seizures, dilated pupils, shock, coma, and even death.

Scientific Name: Asparagus densiflorus cv sprengeri

Other Common Names: Lace Fern; Feathered Asparagus; Climbing Asparagus; Foxtail Fern; Sprengeri Fern

The Asparagus Fern contains sapogenins and saponins, which can irritate a cat’s digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort.

Scientific Name:  Colchicum autumnale

Other Common Name: Meadow Saffron

The autumn crocus contains colchicine, a toxin that can damage the cat’s kidneys and liver. Colchicine can also cause inflammation and irritation of the cat’s mouth, throat, and stomach.

If a cat ingests autumn crocus, they may experience symptoms such as: bloody vomiting, bone marrow suppression, diarrhea, and multi-organ damage.

Scientific Name: Rhododendron spp.

Other Common Names: Rhododendron; Rosebay

Azalea contains grayanotoxins, which are a type of toxin that can affect the cat’s heart and nervous system.

If a cat ingests azalea, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, seizures, coma, and even death.

Scientific Name: Gypsophila elegans

Other Common Names: Maidens Breath

Considered mildly toxic to cats, baby’s breath contains saponins, which are a type of toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive problems. However, in severe cases, baby’s breath poisoning can also lead to liver damage and even death.

Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae

Other Common Names: Crane Flower; Crane Flower Tree; Flower of Paradise; Paradise Flower

The flowers and seeds of this plant contain the toxins tannin and hydrocyanic acid, which can cause the following symptoms in cats: incoordination; difficulty swallowing; diarrhea; vomiting, excessive drooling; intense irritation and burning of lips, tongue, and mouth; and oral irritation.

Scientific Name: Solanum nigrum

Other Common Names; Deadly nightshade; Nightshade

The Black Nightshade plant contains a variety of toxic compounds, primarily glycoalkaloids. Glycoalkaloids are natural plant chemicals that can have harmful effects on animals and humans if ingested. The two main ones found in black nightshade are solanine and solasonine.

Solanine is a glycoalkaloid that can interfere with the functioning of the nervous system and disrupt the balance of electrolytes within cells. It can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, convulsions, and in severe cases, respiratory failure, or even death.

On the other hand, solasonine can lead to gastrointestinal distress, central nervous system disturbances, and even cardiovascular issues.

Scientific Name: Buxus spp.

Boxwood contains a group of compounds called alkaloids, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats.

The alkaloids in boxwood are concentrated in the leaves and twigs of the plant. If a cat eats any part of the boxwood plant, it can be poisoned. The severity of the poisoning will depend on how much of the plant the cat eats.

Scientific Name: Caladium hortulanum

Other Common Names: Angel Wings; Elephant Ears; Heart of Jesus; Prayer Plant; Winged Caladium; Zebra Plant

Caladium contains calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are sharp and can irritate the cat’s mouth, throat, and stomach. If a cat eats enough caladium, it can cause diarrhea, vomiting,  difficulty breathing, and even death.

The calcium oxalate crystals in caladium are concentrated in the leaves and stems of the plant. The severity of the poisoning will depend on how much of the plant the cat eats.

Scientific Name: Zantedeschia aethiopica

Other Common Names: Arum Lily; Trumpet Lily; Pig Lily; Zantedeschia; Calla

The Calla lily contains oxalic acid, which can irritate a cat’s mouth, throat, and digestive system. This irritation can result in symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Moreover, calla lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When these crystals come into contact with a cat’s mouth, they can cause a sensation of burning or discomfort. This often prompts more drooling and attempts by the cat to rid itself of the unpleasant sensation.

Scientific Name: Ricinus communis

Other Common Names: Castor Oil Plant; Castor Bean Bush; Mole Bean Plant

The Castor bean plant contains a toxin called ricin, a potent poison that can cause a variety of health problems in cats, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, seizures, and even death.

Ricin is found in all parts of the castor bean plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds. However, its highest concentration is found in the seeds. A cat can get poisoned even if they just eat a small amount of them.

Scientific Name: Nepeta cararia

Other Common Names: Catmint; Catswort

You might be surprised to find catnip in this list, but according to ASPCA, this plant contains Nepetalactone, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting if you give your kitty too much. It can also either make them feel stimulated or sedated.

Rest assured, though, that this plant is not addictive to cats and that any effects it may have on your kitty will be short-lived.

Scientific Name: Allium schoenoprasum

Chives contain compounds like thiosulfates, which are known to cause problems in cats. These compounds can disrupt the normal function of red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia.

In simpler terms, it means that chive consumption can break down a cat’s red blood cells, affecting oxygen transport and potentially causing symptoms like lethargy, pale gums, and even more severe complications.

Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum spp.

Other Common Names: Mum; Pot Mum; Dendranthema; Florists’ Daisy; Japanese Daisy; Shasta Daisy; Pyrethrum; Golden Buttons; Silver Buttons; Marguerites

Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins and other related compounds, which are commonly used in insecticides due to their insect-repellent properties. However, these compounds can also have a negative impact on cats.

When cats come into contact with chrysanthemums or ingest any part of the plant, these compounds can lead to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even skin irritation.

Moreover, chrysanthemums can contain other alkaloids and compounds that might cause adverse effects when consumed by cats.

Scientific Name: Clematis spp.

Other Common Names: Leatherflower, Virgin’s Bower

Clematis contains substances known as glycosides and essential oils. These compounds can be harsh on a cat’s delicate digestive system.

If a cat ingests any part of the clematis, it can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and even oral irritation. The essential oils in the plant can exacerbate these effects and cause discomfort.

Scientific Name: Dracaena fragrans

Other Common Names: Cornstalk Plant; Massangeana Dracaena; Dracaena Massangeana; Madagascar Dragon Tree; Corn Plant Lily

The Corn plant contains compounds called saponins, which can irritate a cat’s digestive system. This irritation can result in symptoms like vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea.

Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa

Other Common Names: Selloum; Horsehead Philodendron; Lacy Tree Philodendron; Split-Leaf Philodendron; Swiss Cheese Plant; Windowleaf Plant; Delicious Monster

The Cutleaf Philodendron contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are microscopic and needle-like.

If a cat chews on or ingests any part of the cutleaf philodendron, these crystals can irritate their mouth, tongue, and digestive system. This irritation leads to symptoms like drooling, mouth discomfort, and difficulty swallowing.

Scientific Name: Cyclamen spp

Other Common Name: Sowbread

Cyclamens contain compounds called terpenoid saponins, which can be harsh on a cat’s digestive system and can also affect their nervous system.

If a cat ingests any part of the cyclamen, it can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and even more severe effects such as abnormal heart rate, tremors, and even death.

The tubers, or root structures, of the cyclamen contain higher concentrations of these toxic compounds compared to the leaves and flowers.

Scientific Name: Narcissus spp.

Other Common Names: Jonquil; Narcissus; Paperwhite; Narcissus Flower; Easter Lily; Trumpet Narcissus

Daffodils contain a toxin called lycorine, which can cause vomiting. The bulbs also contain irritating crystals, leading to severe tissue discomfort.

Other symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, drooling, nausea and vomiting. In more critical instances, it may result in reduced blood pressure, irregular breathing, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Scientific Name: Dahlia species

Other Common Names: Dahlia Flower; Georgina; Garden Dahlia; Mexican Dahlia

It is probable that the toxic elements within the dahlia flower, such as essential oils and acidic compounds, are responsible for causing poisoning in cats.

The acidic components commonly result in gastrointestinal disturbances, leading to symptoms like queasiness and loss of appetite, while the essential oils can induce various adverse reactions in felines.

These reactions may involve impaired cognitive and motor functions, along with skin inflammation, which explains the tiredness and skin reactions observed in cats that consume dahlia flowers.

Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia

Other Common Names: Leopard Lily; Exotica; Tropic Snow; Charming Dieffenbachia

Dumbcane contains protoelytic enzyme and calcium oxalate crystals, which are microscopic and needle-like structures. These crystals are the culprits behind the plant’s toxicity.

When a cat chews on or ingests any part of the dumbcane, these crystals can cause irritation and discomfort in their mouth and digestive system. This often leads to symptoms like drooling, pawing at the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.

It can even lead to swollen eyelids and temporary vision loss if the toxins get rubbed into the cat’s eyes

Scientific Name: Hedera helix

Other Common Names: Common Ivy; European Ivy; Ivy Vine; Puck’s Ivy; English Ivy Vine

English Ivy contains substances called saponins and polyacetylene compounds. When a cat chews on or nibbles any part of the English Ivy, these compounds can irritate their mouth, tongue, and digestive system. This irritation often results in symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.

Moreover, in some cases, English Ivy ingestion can lead to more severe effects, such as difficulty breathing, convulsions, and even paralysis.

Scientific Name: Eucalyptus species

Other Common Names: Gum Tree; Blue Gum; Ironbark; Stringybark; Tasmanian Blue Gum

Eucalyptus leaves and essential oils contain compounds like eucalyptol and cineole. If a cat ingests or even comes into contact with eucalyptus leaves or oils, it can lead to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and in some cases, even difficulty breathing.

Scientific Name: Anthurium scherzeranum

Other Common Names: Painter’s Pallet; Pigtail Plant; Oilcloth Flower; Tail Flower; Flamingo Lily

The Flamingo flower contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are like tiny, needle-shaped crystals that can cause irritation and discomfort in the mouth, tongue, and throat. This discomfort can lead to excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, and even difficulty swallowing.

Scientific Name: Digitalis purpurea

Foxgloves contain compounds called cardiac glycosides. While used in medicines for heart conditions, these compounds can be problematic for cats. They can lead to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even more severe effects like abnormal heart rhythms or cardiac arrest.

Scientific Name: Gardenia jasminoides

Other Common Name: Cape Jasmine

Gardenias contain the toxins gardenoside and genioposide, which cause hives, diarrhea, and mild vomiting.

Scientific Name: Pelargonium spp.

Other Common Names: Cranesbill; Storksbill; Scented Geranium; Ivy Geranium (for trailing varieties); Zonal Geranium

Geraniums contain substances called geraniol and linalool, which may have pleasant scents and uses for humans but can cause issues if ingested by cats.

If a cat nibbles on or consumes any part of the geranium, these compounds can lead to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and even lethargy.

Scientific Name: Gladiolus spp.

Other Common Names: Sword Lily; Corn Lily; Gladiola Lily; Sword Flower

Although the specific toxic principle in gladiolas is unknown, all parts of the plant are toxic and can lead to the following symptoms in cats: drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Scientific Name: Nandina domestica

Other Common Names: Nandina; Sacred Bamboo

Heavenly Bamboo contains compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, which — when ingested by cats — can break down into cyanide, leading to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing or even convulsions.

Scientific Name: Hosta plataginea

Other Common Names: Funkia; Plantain Lily

Hosta plants contain compounds called saponins and glycosides. They are found in various parts of the plant, like the leaves and roots. When cats come into contact with or ingest these parts of the plant, it can lead to toxicity.

Saponins and glycosides can irritate the gastrointestinal tract of cats, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and even stomach pain. In more severe cases, they might even cause lethargy and difficulty breathing.

Scientific Name: Hyacinthus orientalis

Hyacinths contain substances like alkaloids, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset in cats. This means you might see your furry companion dealing with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, tremors, and depression.

Scientific Name: Hydrangea arborescens

Other Common Names: Seven Bark; Hills of Snow; Hortensia

Hydrangea contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea in cats.

Scientific Name: Iris species

Other Common Names: Water Flag; Snake Lily; Flag

Iris plants contain a group of toxins called pentacyclic terpenoids, which can cause the following symptoms in cats: vomiting; diarrhea; salivation; depression; irritation of the mouth and stomach; difficulty breathing; seizures; and even death.

Scientific Name: Crassula ovata

Other Common Names: Japanese Rubber Plant; Chinese Rubber Plant; Jade Tree; Dward Rubber Plant; Baby Jade

Although it’s unknown which specific toxins in the jade plant are toxic to cats, it does cause symptoms like depression, vomiting, and incoordination in our feline friends.

Scientific Name: Solanum pseudocapsicum

Other Common Names: Winter Cherry; Natal Cherry

The Jerusalem cherry contains toxic compounds called solanocapsine alkaloids, which can lead to a series of unsettling symptoms in cats, from upset stomachs with vomiting and diarrhea to potential tremors and seizures.

Scientific Name: Kalanchoe spp

Other Common Names: Mother of Thousands; Mother of Millions; Chandelier Plant; Devil’s Backbone; Mexican Hat Plant; Alligator Plant; Flaming Katy; Christmas Kalanchoe; Panda Plant; Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe contains compounds called bufadienolides, which can lead to symptoms ranging from drooling and an upset stomach to vomiting and diarrhea.

In more severe cases, the effects of bufadienolides can escalate to affecting a cat’s heart rate and rhythm, leading to potential heart problems.

Scientific Name: Lantana camara

Other Common Names: Shrub Verbena; Wild Sage; Red Sage; Yellow Sage; Spanish Flag; West Indian Lantana; Lantana Bush; Tickberry; Ham and Eggs; Lantana Tree

The lantana contains triterpenoids and alkaloids, which can cause symptoms like upset stomachs with vomiting and diarrhea, as well as potential liver damage.

Scientific Name: Delphinium species

Larkspur contains Diterpene alkaloids, which can cause upset stomachs with vomiting and diarrhea to more severe effects like heart irregularities and even paralysis.

Scientific Name: Kalmia latifolia

Other Common Names: Calico Bush; Spoonwood; Ivy Bush; Clamoun; Lambkill; Sheep Laurel; Calico Laurel; American Laurel; Wood Laurel; Mountain Laurel

Laurels contain the toxic compounds called grayanotoxins, which can cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially even heart irregularities.

Scientific Name: Lavendula angustifolia

Other Common Names: English Lavender; Common Lavender

Lavender contains the essential oils linalool and linalyl acetate. In cats, they can cause upset stomachs with vomiting and diarrhea, as well as potential central nervous system depression.

Scientific Name: Convallaria majalis

Lily of the Valley contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause upset stomachs with vomiting and diarrhea, as well as more severe effects like potential heart arrhythmias and even death.

Scientific Name: Citrus aurantifolia

The lime plant contains psoralens and essential oils, which can cause depression, diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly dermatitis in cats.

Note that the fruit is non-toxic and that it’s the plant material and skins that can cause issues.

Scientific Name:  Cannabis sativa

Other Common Names: Hashish; Indian Hemp

Marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” feeling in humans. In cats, THC can cause a variety of symptoms, including: vomiting; diarrhea; increased heart rate; low blood pressure; seizures; coma; and even death.

The severity of the poisoning will depend on the amount of marijuana that the cat ingests. Moreover, younger cats and cats with underlying health conditions are more susceptible to poisoning.

In addition, cats can ingest marijuana in a variety of ways, including: eating or chewing on the plant; inhaling secondhand smoke; and eating edibles that contain marijuana.

Scientific Name: Asclepias species

Milkweed contains a toxin called cardiac glycosides, which is a type of chemical that can affect the heart. When a cat ingests milkweed, it can cause various symptoms, including: vomiting; diarrhea; increased thirst; depression; seizures; difficulty breathing; heart arrhythmia; and even death.

Scientific Name: Mentha sp.

Other Common Name: Garden Mint

Mint contains essential oils, particularly menthol, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats if they consume too much of it.

Scientific Name: Phoradendron leucarpum

Other Common Name: American Mistletoe

The American Mistletoe contains toxic compounds, specifically phoratoxins and viscotoxins, which can cause stomach upset with diarrhea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure, as well as potential heart irregularities and even seizures.

Scientific Name: Ipomoea spp.

Morning Glory contains indole alkaloids, which can cause symptoms ranging from stomach upset with vomiting and diarrhea to potential central nervous system depression. They can also lead to hallucinations if a cat ingests a large amount of this plant’s seeds.

Scientific Name: Nerium oleander

Other Common Name: Rose-Bay

Oleander contains the toxic compounds oleandrin and other cardiac glycosides, which can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and more serious effects like potential heart arrhythmias and even death.

Scientific Name: Allium cepa

Onions contain a toxin called n-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that can damage red blood cells in cats.

When a cat ingests any part of the onion plant, it can cause the following symptoms: vomiting; diarrhea; pale gums; increased respiratory rate; weakness; lethargy; collapse; and even death.

Scientific Name: Euphorbia tirucalli

Other Common Name: Sticks of Fire

The Pencil Cactus contains latex, which can lead to irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat, as well as potential gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Scientific Name: Paeonis officinalis

Peonies contain the toxic compounds paeonol and paeoniflorin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, potential irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, and depression.

Scientific Name: Philodendron spp.

Philodendron pertusum contains a toxin called calcium oxalate crystals, which are sharp and can irritate the cat’s mouth, throat, and stomach.

When a cat ingests Philodendron pertusum, it can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, and difficulty swallowing.

Scientific Name: Prunus domestica

Similar plants: Cherry; Peach; Apricot

The plum’s seeds, leaves, and stems contain compounds like cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when broken down.

In small quantities, this might not be immediately harmful, but if a cat chews on or swallows a plum pit, it can lead to cyanide poisoning, in turn causing symptoms like shock, panting, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and brick red mucous membranes.

Another concern is the plum’s skin. It can be tough to digest for cats, and if they eat a lot of it, it can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea.

So, it’s not the flesh of the plum that’s the big issue.

Scientific Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima

 Poinsettias contain diterpenoid euphorbol esters (sap), which can cause symptoms such as mild irritation and discomfort in the mouth and digestive tract, as well as potential gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Scientific Name: Toxicodendron species

Other Common Names:  Poison sumac; Poison oak

Poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol, which can cause skin irritation and itching, as well as potential inflammation and even blistering on the parts of a cat’s skin that’s not covered by fur. It can also trigger allergic reactions on a cat’s skin, similar to what it does to humans.

Scientific Name: Abrus precatorius

Other Common Names: Crab’s Eye; John Crow Bead; Coral Bead; Red-Bead Vine; Country Licorice; Wild Licorice; Jamaica Wild Licorice; Precatory Bean; Weather Plant; Seminole Bead; Lucky Bean; Love Bean; Indian Licorice; Indian Bead; Buddhist rosary bead

The prayer bean contains two toxins called abric acid and abrin, which are found in the seeds of the plant.

Abric acid is a glycoside, a sugar molecule attached to a toxin. It is not as toxic as abrin, but it can still cause serious health problems in cats.

Abrin, on the other hand, is a lectin, which is a type of protein that can bind to cells and damage them. It is one of the most toxic substances known to humans, and it is estimated that just one seed can be fatal to a cat.

Some of the symptoms of prayer bean poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, high fever, difficulty breathing, shock, and even death.

Scientific Name: Primula vulgaris

The specific toxin that causes primrose poisoning is unknown, but it can cause mild vomiting in cats when they ingest it.

Scientific Name: Ligustrum japonicum

Other Common Names: Common Privet; Wax-leaf; Amur

The privet contains terpenoid glycosides, which can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, difficulty breathing, seizures, and even death.

Scientific Name: Rheum rhabarbarum

The leaves of the rhubarb plant (the stalks are safe) contain oxalic acid, which can cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or even lethargy. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney damage.

Scientific Name: Scindapsus pictus

Other Common Name: Silk Pothos; Silver Vine; Satin Vine; Marble Pothos; Silver Philodendron

The satin pothos contains calcium oxalate crystals in the plant’s tissues. These crystals can irritate the mouth, throat, and digestive tract if your cat decides to take a bite.

The symptoms include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as difficulty swallowing; swelling and pain in the lips, tongue, and mouth; and oral irritation.

Scientific Name: Schefflera

Other Common Names:  Umbrella Plant; Octopus Tree; Hawaiian Umbrella Tree; Dwarf Schefflera; Parasol Plant; Ming Aralia; Fishtail Palm; Australian Ivy Palm; False Aralia; Goldfish Plant; Pagoda Plant

The leaves and stems of the Schefflera contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can lead to symptoms like drooling, pawing at the mouth, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting.

Scientific Name: Oxalis spp.

Other Common Names: Sorrel; Good Luck Plant

The Shamrock plant contains calcium oxalates, which can cause symptoms such as drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and tremors. In rare cases, they can also cause kidney failure.

Scientific Name: Sansevieria trifasciata

Other Common Names: Mother-In-Law’s Tongue; Saint George’s Sword; Viper’s Bowstring Hemp; Cast Iron Plant; Bowstring Hemp; Concertina Plant; Devil’s Tongue; Good Luck Plant; Twisted Sister; Zebra Plant

The Snake plant’s leaves contain saponins, which can lead to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. While snake plant poisoning is usually not life-threatening, it can certainly make your cat uncomfortable.

Scientific Name: Cymopterus watsonii

The problem with spring parsley is a compound called furanocoumarins, which can be found in its leaves, stems, and seeds.

When a cat chews on or ingests spring parsley, it can lead to symptoms like drooling, stomach upset, vomiting, and even more severe reactions such as photosensitivity. Photosensitivity means that a cat’s skin becomes extra sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburn and discomfort.

Scientific Name: Lathyrus latifolius

Other Common Names: Perennial Pea; Everlasting Pea

The sweet pea contains aminoproprionitrite, which can cause symptoms like head pressing, pacing, lethargy, weakness, seizures, and even death.

Scientific Name: Artemisia dracunculus

Tarragon contains the essential oil estragole, which, when consumed in large quantities, can potentially lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and, in extreme cases, central nervous system depression.

Scientific Name: Nicotiana tabacum

Other Common Names: Mustard Tree; Nicotiana; Tree Tobacco

Tobacco contains nicotine, even a small amount of which can have a profound impact on a cat’s health. If a cat chews on or ingests any part of the tobacco plant, it can lead to nicotine poisoning.

Nicotine affects the nervous system and can cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, tremors, and even seizures. In severe cases, nicotine poisoning can be life-threatening for cats.

Scientific Name: Solanum lycopersicum

The leaves and stems of the tomato plant contain solanine, which can cause symptoms such as drooling, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, and even a slow heart rate, dilated pupils, weakness, and depression.

While ripe tomatoes themselves aren’t typically harmful to cats in small amounts, it’s best to keep your kitty away from the rest of the tomato plant.

Scientific Name: Tulipa

The tulip’s bulbs contain toxins known as tulipalin A and B. These substances are the main culprits when it comes to tulip poisoning in cats.

If a cat nibbles on or ingests tulip bulbs or any part of the plant, it can lead to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, more severe reactions like difficulty breathing or irregular heartbeats.

Scientific Name: Vinca rosea

Other Common Names: Running Myrtle; Periwinkle

The Vinca’s leaves and stems contain alkaloids, such as vincristine and vinblastine, which can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.

In more severe cases, vinca poisoning can affect the cat’s central nervous system, leading to tremors, seizures, and even death.

Scientific Name: Cicuta maculate

Other Common Names: Poison Parsnip; Cowbane

The danger in water hemlock lies in a highly toxic compound called cicutoxin. All parts of this plant, from the roots to the leaves, contain this deadly substance. Even a small nibble can have catastrophic consequences.

When a cat ingests any part of the water hemlock plant, cicutoxin interferes with the nervous system. This can lead to rapid and severe symptoms, including drooling, seizures, and tremors, and, tragically, it can quickly progress to coma or death.

Given the extreme toxicity of water hemlock, it’s critical to ensure your feline friend has no access to this plant.

Scientific Name: Wisteria spp.

Wisteria contains a group of toxic compounds called lectins, which are found in all parts of the plant, especially the seeds and seed pods. When cats nibble on or ingest wisteria, it can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms in cats, including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

In severe cases, wisteria poisoning can affect a cat’s nervous system, leading to tremors and disorientation.

Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium

Other Common Name: Milfoil

Yarrow contains achilleine and alkaloids, which can be found in various parts of the plant. When a cat chews on or ingests yarrow, it can lead to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, as well as dermatitis, and increased urination.

Scientific Name: Taxus spp.

Other Common Name: Japanese Yew

Yew trees contain a group of potent alkaloids, particularly taxine, which are found in all parts of the tree, including the needles, bark, and seeds. Even a small nibble on any of these parts can lead to severe poisoning in cats.

Taxine affects the heart and nervous system and can cause symptoms like rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, tremors, and seizures. Sadly, yew poisoning is often fatal in cats, and immediate veterinary attention is crucial if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a yew tree.

Scientific Name: Yucca spp.

Yucca contains saponins, compounds that naturally occur in the plant and are used in some cleaning products because of their foaming and detergent-like properties.

If a cat decides to take a nibble on a yucca leaf or stem, they’re essentially ingesting saponins, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.

But it doesn’t stop there. In more severe cases, yucca poisoning can even lead to liver and kidney damage.