Plants poisonous to cats: free toxic plant checker

Search our free checker to see whether a plant, flower or food is safe, mildly toxic or dangerous for your cat, then scroll down for the full A–Z list of plants poisonous to cats. Lilies are the biggest danger in UK homes: every part, even pollen, can cause fatal kidney failure.

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A–Z list of plants and foods: safe or toxic for cats

Name	Toxicity	What it can cause
African violet	Safe	Non-toxic to cats.
Alcohol	Dangerous	Vomiting, wobbliness, breathing problems, coma. Includes raw bread dough.
Aloe vera	Mildly toxic	The sap (latex) causes vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy.
Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily)	Mildly toxic	Not a true lily. May cause mild vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed.
Amaryllis	Toxic	Bulb most toxic: vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, tremors.
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)	Dangerous	Very small amounts cause kidney failure. Early signs look like drunkenness.
Areca palm	Safe	Non-toxic to cats.
Avocado	Mildly toxic	Mainly a risk to birds and horses; in cats may cause vomiting. The stone can cause a blockage.
Azalea / Rhododendron	Dangerous	Vomiting, drooling, weakness, low blood pressure, heart problems.
Basil	Safe	Non-toxic to cats.
Begonia	Mildly toxic	Tubers most toxic: mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.
Bleach and disinfectants	Toxic	Burns to the mouth, drooling, vomiting. Phenol-based products (that go cloudy in water) are especially toxic.
Bluebell	Toxic	Vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain; large amounts can affect heart rhythm.
Blueberries	Safe	Safe in small amounts.
Boston fern	Safe	Non-toxic to cats.
Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)	Toxic	Restlessness, fast heart rate, tremors, seizures.
Calathea (prayer plant)	Safe	Non-toxic to cats.
Calla lily (Zantedeschia)	Mildly toxic	Oxalate crystals: mouth pain, drooling, vomiting, trouble swallowing. Not a true lily.
Carnation	Mildly toxic	Mild stomach upset and skin irritation.
Carrots (cooked)	Safe	Safe in small amounts when cooked and chopped.
Cat grass (wheat, oat, barley grass)	Safe	Safe and often enjoyed. Some cats vomit after eating grass, which is normal.
Catnip	Safe	Safe. Causes a harmless, temporary 'high' in many cats.
Cheese	Mildly toxic	Small amounts are usually tolerated, but it is high in fat and salt and can upset the stomach.
Chocolate	Dangerous	Theobromine and caffeine: vomiting, restlessness, fast heart rate, tremors, seizures. Dark and baking chocolate are worst.
Christmas cactus	Safe	Non-toxic; eating a lot may cause mild vomiting.
Christmas tree (pine, fir)	Mildly toxic	Needles and oils: mouth irritation, vomiting; needles can injure the gut. Tree water may contain fertiliser.
Chrysanthemum	Mildly toxic	Vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, skin irritation.
Cinnamon	Mildly toxic	A sprinkle is unlikely to harm, but powder or oil irritates the mouth and lungs; large amounts cause vomiting.
Citrus (lemon, orange, lime)	Mildly toxic	The peel and oils irritate the stomach: vomiting, diarrhoea. Most cats dislike the smell.
Cooked bones	Toxic	Splinter easily: mouth injury, choking, gut blockage or perforation.
Cooked plain chicken	Safe	Safe as an occasional treat: plain, boneless and skinless.
Cooked plain fish	Safe	Safe in small amounts: cooked, boneless and unseasoned.
Cooked plain pork	Safe	Safe in small amounts if lean, plain and well cooked. Avoid ham, bacon and sausages.
Crocus (autumn crocus)	Dangerous	Autumn crocus (Colchicum) can cause severe vomiting, bleeding, organ damage. Spring crocus causes mild stomach upset.
Cyclamen	Toxic	Roots and tubers most toxic: drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea; large amounts affect the heart.
Daffodil (Narcissus)	Toxic	Bulbs are most toxic. Vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, abdominal pain; large amounts can affect the heart.
Day lily (Hemerocallis)	Dangerous	Causes kidney failure in cats in the same way as true lilies.
Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)	Toxic	Oxalate crystals cause intense mouth pain, swelling, drooling and vomiting.
Dog food	Mildly toxic	Not toxic, but not complete for cats: lacks enough taurine, vitamin A and arachidonic acid if eaten long term.
Dracaena (dragon tree)	Mildly toxic	Vomiting (sometimes with blood), drooling, dilated pupils, low mood.
Echeveria	Safe	Non-toxic succulent.
Essential oils and reed diffusers	Toxic	Cats cannot break down many oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, peppermint, pine): drooling, vomiting, wobbliness, breathing problems.
Eucalyptus	Toxic	Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness; essential oil is especially toxic.
Fat trimmings	Mildly toxic	Vomiting, diarrhoea and a risk of pancreatitis.
Foxglove (Digitalis)	Dangerous	Contains heart toxins: vomiting, irregular heartbeat, weakness, collapse.
Garlic	Toxic	Even more toxic than onion: anaemia, weakness, pale gums, vomiting. Includes garlic powder in gravies and baby food.
Geranium (Pelargonium)	Mildly toxic	Vomiting, low appetite, skin irritation.
Grapes and raisins	Toxic	Linked to kidney damage in dogs; cats are less studied but vets advise treating any amount as dangerous.
Haworthia	Safe	Non-toxic to cats.
Holly	Mildly toxic	Leaves and berries: vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling.
Horse chestnut (conkers)	Toxic	Conkers, leaves and bark: vomiting, diarrhoea, gut blockage; can cause tremors.
Hyacinth	Toxic	Bulbs are most toxic: vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, tremors in large amounts.
Hydrangea	Mildly toxic	Contains cyanogenic glycosides: vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy. Serious poisoning is rare.
Ibuprofen and aspirin	Dangerous	Stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
Ice cream	Mildly toxic	Lactose and sugar cause stomach upset; chocolate, raisin or xylitol flavours are dangerous.
Ivy (English ivy)	Mildly toxic	Vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, diarrhoea.
Jade plant (Crassula)	Mildly toxic	Vomiting, slow heart rate, wobbliness, low mood.
Jonquil	Toxic	A type of narcissus: vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea; bulbs are the most toxic part.
Kalanchoe	Toxic	Heart toxins: vomiting, diarrhoea, abnormal heart rhythm in large amounts.
Laburnum	Dangerous	Seeds and pods are very toxic: vomiting, tremors, convulsions.
Lavender	Mildly toxic	The plant is mildly toxic (vomiting). Lavender essential oil is more dangerous.
Leek and chives	Toxic	Same family as onion: can cause anaemia.
Lilies in a bouquet (vase water)	Dangerous	Water from a vase containing lilies can cause kidney failure.
Lily (Lilium, true lilies)	Dangerous	Every part, including pollen and vase water, can cause sudden kidney failure within 1–3 days. Vomiting, drooling, not eating, lethargy.
Lily of the valley (Convallaria)	Dangerous	Contains heart toxins: vomiting, slow or irregular heartbeat, collapse, seizures.
Lupin	Mildly toxic	Seeds and pods most toxic: vomiting, wobbliness, drooling in larger amounts.
Macadamia nuts	Mildly toxic	Toxic to dogs; little data in cats, so best avoided.
Marigold (Calendula)	Safe	Calendula is non-toxic; some other 'marigolds' (Tagetes) may cause mild irritation.
Milk and cream	Mildly toxic	Most adult cats are lactose intolerant: diarrhoea, gas, stomach upset.
Mint	Mildly toxic	Large amounts cause vomiting and diarrhoea; mint essential oil is toxic.
Mistletoe	Toxic	Vomiting, diarrhoea, low heart rate and blood pressure in large amounts.
Money tree (Pachira)	Safe	Non-toxic to cats.
Monstera (Swiss cheese plant)	Mildly toxic	Oxalate crystals: mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
Oak (acorns)	Mildly toxic	Acorns and leaves contain tannins: vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain.
Oleander	Dangerous	Very toxic heart poison: vomiting, drooling, abnormal heart rhythm, death.
Onion	Toxic	Raw, cooked or powdered: damages red blood cells (anaemia). Signs can take days: weakness, pale gums, red urine.
Orchid (Phalaenopsis)	Safe	Non-toxic to cats.
Paracetamol	Dangerous	Even one tablet can kill a cat: breathing difficulty, brown gums, swollen face and paws.
Parlour palm	Safe	Non-toxic to cats.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)	Mildly toxic	Not a true lily. Calcium oxalate crystals irritate the mouth: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, swollen lips.
Peas	Safe	Safe in small amounts and used in some cat foods.
Peperomia	Safe	Non-toxic to cats.
Permethrin dog flea treatment	Dangerous	Dog spot-ons with permethrin cause twitching, tremors and seizures in cats.
Philodendron	Mildly toxic	Oxalate crystals: mouth pain, drooling, vomiting.
Plain cooked pasta	Safe	Safe in small amounts but has little nutritional value. Avoid sauces with garlic or onion.
Plain cooked rice	Safe	Safe in small amounts.
Poinsettia	Mildly toxic	Milky sap irritates the mouth and stomach: drooling, mild vomiting. Rarely serious.
Ponytail palm	Safe	Non-toxic to cats.
Potato (raw, green, sprouts)	Mildly toxic	Green parts and raw sprouts contain solanine: vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness.
Pothos / Devil's ivy	Mildly toxic	Oxalate crystals: mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.
Pumpkin (plain, cooked)	Safe	Safe in small amounts and sometimes used for constipation or diarrhoea.
Rat and mouse poison	Dangerous	Bleeding (anticoagulants) or brain swelling, depending on type. Signs can appear days later.
Raw bread dough	Toxic	Expands in the stomach and produces alcohol: bloating, vomiting, wobbliness.
Raw eggs	Mildly toxic	Risk of salmonella and a protein that blocks vitamin B7 (biotin). Cooked egg is fine as a treat.
Raw fish	Mildly toxic	Bacteria and an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1) if fed often.
Rose	Safe	Non-toxic, though thorns can injure the mouth and paws. Check for pesticides.
Rosemary	Safe	Non-toxic to cats.
Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)	Mildly toxic	Sap irritates the mouth, stomach and skin.
Sago palm (Cycas)	Dangerous	Seeds are especially toxic: vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, liver failure.
Salty foods (crisps, ham, bacon)	Mildly toxic	Too much salt causes vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst; very large amounts are dangerous.
Slug pellets	Toxic	Metaldehyde pellets (banned in the UK since 2022) caused seizures; old stock may still be in sheds. Ferric phosphate pellets are much safer but can still upset the stomach.
Snake plant (Sansevieria)	Mildly toxic	Saponins: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum)	Safe	Non-toxic. Cats often love chewing it, which may cause a little vomiting.
Sunflower	Safe	Non-toxic to cats.
Sweet pea	Mildly toxic	Seeds can cause weakness, tremors and vomiting if eaten in quantity.
Tea tree (and tea tree oil)	Dangerous	Tea tree oil on skin or licked off fur causes wobbliness, weakness, tremors, low body temperature.
Tomato plant (leaves, stems)	Mildly toxic	Leaves and green parts: drooling, vomiting, weakness. Ripe tomato flesh is generally safe.
Tulip	Toxic	Bulbs contain the highest levels of toxins: vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, depression.
Watermelon (no seeds or rind)	Safe	Safe in small amounts.
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)	Mildly toxic	Sap causes mouth and skin irritation, vomiting.
Wisteria	Toxic	Seeds and pods: vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration.
Xylitol (sweetener)	Toxic	Found in sugar-free gum, sweets and some peanut butter. Dangerous for dogs; avoid with cats too.
Yew	Dangerous	All parts except the red flesh are very toxic: trembling, breathing problems, heart failure.
Yucca	Mildly toxic	Saponins: vomiting and diarrhoea.
ZZ plant	Mildly toxic	Oxalate crystals: mouth irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea.

Quick answer

Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis) are the most dangerous: pollen, leaves, flowers and vase water can all cause kidney failure.
Peace lilies, monstera and pothos aren't true lilies; they irritate the mouth but are rarely serious.
Safe houseplants include spider plants, calatheas, Boston ferns, areca palms and orchids.
If your cat chews a toxic plant, call your vet straight away and take the plant or a photo with you.

The most dangerous plants poisonous to cats

Lilies (Lilium)

Easter, tiger, stargazer, Asiatic and Oriental lilies. Pollen, leaves, petals and vase water can cause kidney failure within 1–3 days. Emergency.

Day lilies (Hemerocallis)

Popular in UK gardens. Cause kidney failure in the same way as true lilies. Emergency.

Lily of the valley

Contains heart toxins that cause vomiting and abnormal heart rhythms. Emergency.

Foxglove

All parts contain heart-affecting chemicals. Common in UK gardens and woodland. Emergency.

Autumn crocus

Causes severe vomiting, bleeding and organ damage. Spring crocus is much milder. Emergency.

Azalea and rhododendron

Vomiting, drooling, weakness and heart problems, even from small amounts.

Daffodils, tulips and hyacinths

Bulbs are most toxic. Vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea; large amounts affect the heart.

Yew, oleander and sago palm

Very toxic. Yew affects the heart; sago palm damages the liver.

Lilies and cats: because even a little pollen licked from the fur can be fatal, International Cat Care and Cats Protection advise never having true lilies in a home with cats, including in bouquets. If your cat has touched or chewed a lily, go to a vet immediately: early treatment with fluids within hours can prevent kidney failure.

Common houseplants: safe or poisonous to cats?

Houseplant	Safe for cats?	Notes
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)	Mildly toxic	Mouth irritation, drooling; not a true lily
Monstera (Swiss cheese plant)	Mildly toxic	Oxalate crystals irritate the mouth
Pothos / devil's ivy	Mildly toxic	Mouth irritation, vomiting
Dieffenbachia	Toxic	Painful mouth swelling and drooling
Aloe vera	Mildly toxic	Vomiting and diarrhoea
Snake plant	Mildly toxic	Nausea and vomiting
Jade plant	Mildly toxic	Vomiting, wobbliness
ZZ plant	Mildly toxic	Mouth irritation
Spider plant	Safe	Cats love it; may vomit a little
Calathea (prayer plant)	Safe	Popular cat-safe choice
Boston fern	Safe	Non-toxic
Areca and parlour palms	Safe	Non-toxic (but not sago palm)
Phalaenopsis orchid	Safe	Non-toxic
Christmas cactus	Safe	Mild stomach upset if lots eaten

Bouquet of lilies on a table with a cat nearby, among the most dangerous plants poisonous to cats

Garden plants poisonous to cats in the UK

Highly toxic garden plants

Lilies, day lilies, foxgloves, lily of the valley, autumn crocus, yew, laburnum, oleander and azaleas pose the greatest risk. If you have cats that go outdoors, consider removing these or planting them where cats rarely go.

Mildly toxic garden plants

Hydrangeas, ivy, chrysanthemums, geraniums, lupins, sweet peas, alstroemeria and holly usually cause only stomach upset or mouth irritation. Most cats avoid them, but kittens and bored indoor cats may chew. Conkers and acorns can also cause stomach upset or blockages.

Cat-friendly garden plants

Catnip, cat grass, valerian (some cats love it), rosemary, basil, sunflowers, marigolds (calendula), roses and many grasses are considered safe. A cat-friendly corner with catnip and grass can also help keep cats away from your vegetable beds; see our guide to stopping cats pooping in your garden.

Cut flowers and bouquets

Bouquets often contain lilies, even when you didn't choose them. When you receive flowers, check for lilies and remove them before bringing the bouquet inside. Other common bouquet flowers, such as roses, sunflowers and orchids, are generally safe. Carnations, alstroemeria and chrysanthemums are mildly toxic. Tell friends and family that you have a cat, and ask florists for a lily-free arrangement.

Signs your cat has eaten a poisonous plant

Drooling, foaming or pawing at the mouth. See our guide to why cats drool.
Vomiting or diarrhoea.
Not eating, lethargy or hiding.
Swollen mouth, lips or tongue.
Drinking and urinating more, or less (kidney damage from lilies).
Wobbliness, trembling, seizures or collapse.
Irregular heartbeat or breathing difficulty.

What to do if your cat eats a toxic plant

Stay calm and move your cat away from the plant.
Remove plant material from its mouth and fur if it's safe to do so. Wipe pollen off the coat with a damp cloth (wearing gloves) so your cat can't lick it.
Phone your vet immediately, even if your cat seems well. For lilies, go straight to the vet.
Identify the plant: take a sample, label or photo with you.
Don't make your cat vomit unless your vet tells you to; never give salt water.

How to keep your cat safe from poisonous plants

Check every new plant with our checker before buying.
Choose cat-safe houseplants and hang toxic ones well out of reach (cats climb).
Provide cat grass so your cat has something safe to chew.
Never keep true lilies indoors, even as cut flowers.
Store bulbs in sealed containers and dispose of clippings safely.
Be careful with Christmas plants: mistletoe and holly are mildly toxic; poinsettias cause mild irritation.

Many household products are dangerous too, especially human painkillers. Read our guide on whether you can give cats paracetamol.

Foods that are toxic to cats

The checker also includes common foods. Onions, garlic, chives and leeks damage red blood cells; chocolate, caffeine and alcohol are dangerous; and grapes and raisins are best avoided. Many people foods are fine in small amounts: read our guides on whether cats can eat pork, pasta and ice cream.

Cat sniffing a peace lily on a windowsill, one of many plants poisonous to cats

FAQs

What plants are most poisonous to cats?

True lilies (Lilium species, such as Easter, tiger, stargazer and Asiatic lilies) and day lilies (Hemerocallis) are the most dangerous plants for cats, causing kidney failure. Other very toxic plants include lily of the valley, foxglove, oleander, sago palm, yew, autumn crocus, azalea and rhododendron.

Are peace lilies poisonous to cats?

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are mildly toxic to cats. They aren't true lilies and don't cause kidney failure, but they contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth, causing drooling, pawing at the mouth and vomiting. Rinse your cat's mouth with water and call your vet if signs continue.

Are spider plants safe for cats?

Yes. Spider plants are non-toxic to cats, although many cats love chewing them, which can cause a little vomiting. They're one of the safest houseplants for homes with cats.

Are hydrangeas poisonous to cats?

Hydrangeas are mildly toxic to cats. They contain substances that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy if eaten. Serious poisoning is rare, because cats rarely eat much.

Are daffodils poisonous to cats?

Yes. Daffodils are toxic to cats, especially the bulbs. Eating them can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, and large amounts can affect the heart. Store bulbs safely and keep cut daffodils out of reach.

Is aloe vera poisonous to cats?

Aloe vera is mildly toxic to cats. The sap can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy if eaten. Keep aloe plants out of reach.

Are carnations and alstroemeria harmful to cats?

Both are only mildly toxic. Carnations can cause mild stomach upset and skin irritation, and alstroemeria (Peruvian lily, not a true lily) may cause mild vomiting or diarrhoea. They're much safer than true lilies, but it's still best to keep them out of reach.

Is calathea toxic to cats?

No. Calatheas (prayer plants) are considered non-toxic to cats and are a popular cat-safe houseplant.

Are conkers poisonous to cats?

Yes. Conkers (horse chestnuts) are toxic to cats and dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, and they can cause a blockage if swallowed whole.

Is cinnamon bad for cats?

A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon is unlikely to harm, but cinnamon powder, sticks and oil can irritate the mouth, skin and airways, and larger amounts can cause vomiting. Cinnamon essential oil is more concentrated and should be kept away from cats.

Sources and further reading

This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a vet. Medicines, doses and costs change: always follow your vet and the product leaflet. If your cat is unwell or you think it has eaten something toxic, contact your vet or an emergency vet straight away.