Toxic Plants for Cats and Dogs: The Complete Safety Guide (ASPCA Referenced)

Toxic Plants for Cats and Dogs: The Complete Safety Guide

Many of the most popular houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs. Some cause mild stomach upset. Others cause liver failure or death within 24 hours. This guide gives you a clear, prioritized reference — sorted by danger level — so you know exactly how worried to be and what to do.

If Your Pet Just Ate a Plant — Act Now

Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

1. Remove your pet from the plant and collect a sample (leaf, stem, or photo) for identification.
2. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 — open 24/7, year-round. A $95 consultation fee may apply.
3. Or call your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.
4. Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a vet. With some toxins, vomiting causes additional damage.

The faster you act, the better the outcome. Kidney failure from lily ingestion in cats can begin within 12–24 hours and is irreversible if treatment is delayed.

Danger Level Key

☠️ DEADLY: Call Emergency Vet Immediately

1. Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species)

The most dangerous plant for cats. No safe dose exists.

All true lilies — Easter lily, tiger lily, Asiatic lily, daylily — are acutely nephrotoxic to cats. Even a few petals, leaves, or a small amount of pollen (from grooming a contaminated coat) can cause acute kidney failure. Without treatment within 18 hours, kidney damage is permanent and often fatal.

Rule: If you have cats, do not bring any lily into your home. Not even cut flowers.

2. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

Potentially fatal to both cats and dogs. Seeds are the most toxic part.

Sago palm contains cycasin, a toxin that causes severe liver failure. Ingestion of even one or two seeds can be fatal. The sago palm is increasingly popular as an ornamental — both indoors and in Southern gardens — making it one of the most dangerous plants for pets in North America.

3. Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Cardiac toxin. One leaf can kill a dog.

Oleander is more common outdoors in warm climates but is occasionally used as an indoor plant. It contains cardiac glycosides that cause heart arrhythmias. All parts are toxic — leaves, stems, flowers, roots, and even water that cut oleander has been placed in.

4. Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

Can be confused with spring crocus — but far more dangerous.

Autumn crocus contains colchicine, which causes multi-organ failure. Unlike the mildly toxic spring crocus (yellow/purple), autumn crocus (pink/lavender, blooms in fall) is acutely dangerous. The bulbs are the most toxic part but all parts are harmful.

5. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Source of cardiac medication — toxic in plant form.

Foxglove contains digitalis glycosides that disrupt the heart's electrical system. More common in gardens but sometimes brought indoors as cut flowers. All parts are toxic, including dried plant material.

🔴 SEVERE: Same-Day Vet Visit Required

6. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

The most common houseplant poisoning reported to the ASPCA.

Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral pain and swelling. While rarely fatal, a cat or dog that ingests enough can experience severe swelling that interferes with breathing — especially in small cats.

Pothos is in millions of homes. If you have cats, replace with spider plant, hoya, or peperomia.

Read our Pothos care guide →

7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Commonly mislabeled as "safe" — it is not.

Like pothos, peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals causing immediate oral irritation. The name "lily" causes confusion — peace lilies are NOT true lilies (Lilium) and will not cause kidney failure in cats. However, they cause significant distress and warrant a vet call.

8. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

Same mechanism as pothos — also contains calcium oxalate crystals.

All philodendrons — heartleaf, split-leaf, Brasil — contain the same irritating crystals as pothos. The entire plant is toxic. Symptoms appear immediately after chewing.

9. Dieffenbachia / Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)

Causes oral swelling severe enough to impair breathing.

The common name "dumb cane" comes from the temporary speechlessness caused by chewing the stem — the same calcium oxalate crystals swell the tongue and throat. In pets, the swelling can be severe enough to obstruct the airway in small animals.

10. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)

Popular air-purifying plant — toxic to both cats and dogs.

All dracaena species — corn plant, dragon tree, Janet Craig — contain saponins that cause vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, lack of appetite, drooling, and dilated pupils in cats. Cats can experience more severe reactions than dogs.

11. Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.)

Charming flowering plant with a toxic root system.

Cyclamen tubers contain high concentrations of terpenoid saponins. Pets rarely eat enough leaf material to cause serious harm, but if they dig up and eat the tubers, severe poisoning results.

12. Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp.)

Holiday favourite — dangerous bulb.

Common during holidays alongside poinsettias. Amaryllis contains phenanthridine alkaloids that cause vomiting, depression, and tremors. The bulb is the most toxic part.

🟠 MODERATE: Monitor Closely, Call Your Vet

13. Snake Plant / Mother-in-Law's Tongue (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria)

Low toxicity but very common — worth knowing.

Despite its reputation as a nearly indestructible, pet-friendly plant, snake plants contain saponins and are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion typically causes mild GI upset. Serious symptoms are uncommon but possible with large ingestion.

Read our Snake Plant care guide →

14. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

Instagram plant — not pet-safe.

Monstera contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all parts. The immediate oral irritation it causes typically deters pets from eating more, limiting exposure. Still toxic and worth keeping out of reach.

Read our Monstera care guide →

15. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Healing for humans — harmful to pets.

The latex layer just beneath aloe's outer skin contains anthraquinone glycosides that act as a laxative. The gel itself (clear inner portion) has lower toxicity, but pets typically ingest the whole leaf.

16. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Drought-tolerant and trendy — also toxic.

ZZ plants contain calcium oxalate crystals. The plant's extreme drought tolerance and popularity makes it a common choice — but it is toxic to both cats and dogs.

17. Caladium (Caladium spp.)

Spectacular foliage, significant toxicity.

Caladiums contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in every part — leaf, stem, and tuber. The tubers are most concentrated. Popular as a houseplant for its dramatic pink, red, and white patterned leaves.

18. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Classic succulent — toxic to dogs and cats.

The exact toxic principle in jade plants is unknown, but ingestion consistently causes vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Despite being a succulent (a category many assume is safe), jade plants are toxic.

19. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Common office plant — mildly toxic.

The milky latex sap of rubber plants contains ficin and ficusin, which cause skin and mucous membrane irritation. GI upset typically results from ingestion. Skin contact with the sap can also cause contact dermatitis.

20. Tulip and Hyacinth (Tulipa spp., Hyacinthus spp.)

Spring bulbs are the dangerous part.

The bulbs of tulips and hyacinths contain concentrated allergenic lactones. Chewing through a paper bag of bulbs or digging up planted bulbs in the garden is the most common exposure.

🟡 MILD: Monitor and Call Vet If Worsening

21. Pothos (Golden, Neon, Marble) — see above (🔴 SEVERE for cats)

22. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The safest trailing plant — mild hallucinogenic effect in cats.

Spider plants are listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA, but they contain compounds chemically related to opium that produce a mild hallucinogenic reaction in some cats. This can lead to vomiting. Classified as non-toxic but worth limiting access if your cat is obsessed with eating it.

23. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Striking tropical plant — mild toxicity.

Bird of paradise causes mild nausea and vomiting if consumed. The flowers are more toxic than the leaves. Significant poisoning is uncommon.

24. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)

Low-light favourite — mild calcium oxalate content.

Aglaonemas contain calcium oxalate crystals but typically at lower concentrations than pothos or philodendron. Ingestion causes oral irritation and vomiting, usually mild.

Master Toxicity Reference Table

What to Do in a Plant Poisoning Emergency

Step 1: Identify and secure the plant

Take a clear photo of the plant — leaf, stem, and any visible flowers or berries. Collect a small sample in a bag if possible. Do not handle plant material bare-handed if sap is visible.

Step 2: Call for help immediately

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 — 24/7, every day of the year
• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 — 24/7
• Your veterinarian or nearest emergency animal hospital

Have ready: your pet's weight, the plant name (or photo), the amount consumed (estimate), and the time of ingestion.

Step 3: Do NOT induce vomiting without instruction

With calcium oxalate crystal plants, vomiting may cause additional damage to the esophagus. With caustic substances, vomiting can cause chemical burns coming back up. Always get veterinary guidance before attempting to induce vomiting.

Step 4: Go to the vet

For any ☠️ DEADLY or 🔴 SEVERE exposure — go immediately, even if your pet seems fine. Some toxins have a delayed onset of 12–48 hours before symptoms appear. By the time you see symptoms, treatment may be less effective.

How to Pet-Proof Your Plant Collection

Audit your current plants

Go through every plant in your home and verify its toxicity status on aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control. Many plants are sold without species labels — use a plant identification app or search by appearance.

Use physical barriers

• Hang trailing plants (pothos, philodendron) on ceiling hooks where cats cannot reach
• Use plant stands with smooth legs cats cannot climb
• Place toxic plants in rooms your pets cannot access (home office, bathroom with door closed)

Replace with safe alternatives

The following common toxic plants have easy pet-safe swaps:

See our full guide to pet-safe houseplants →

FAQ

What houseplants are toxic to cats?

The most dangerous houseplants for cats are all true lilies (Lilium species) — which cause fatal kidney failure — and sago palm, which causes fatal liver failure. Common toxic houseplants include pothos, philodendron, peace lily, dracaena, snake plant, monstera, ZZ plant, aloe vera, and jade plant. The ASPCA maintains a searchable toxic plant database at aspca.org.

Are snake plants toxic to cats?

Yes — snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata) are toxic to cats and dogs. They contain saponins that cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. The toxicity is classified as moderate: serious illness is possible but snake plant poisoning is rarely fatal. Still, remove access and call your vet if your cat eats snake plant.

Is pothos toxic to cats?

Yes — pothos is one of the most commonly reported toxic plant ingestions in cats. Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate intense oral burning, drooling, excessive salivation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In small cats, swelling can impair breathing. Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately.

What are the most toxic plants for dogs?

The most toxic plants for dogs are sago palm (liver failure, potentially fatal), oleander (cardiac arrest), foxglove (cardiac arrest), and autumn crocus (multi-organ failure). Common household plants that are moderately toxic to dogs include pothos, philodendron, dieffenbachia, cyclamen, amaryllis, aloe vera, jade plant, and dracaena.

Are lilies toxic to cats?

Yes — all true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) are acutely toxic to cats and can cause fatal kidney failure. Even a small amount of pollen or a few petals can be fatal if untreated. This includes Easter lilies, tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies, and daylilies. If your cat has any contact with a lily — including grooming pollen off their coat — take them to an emergency vet immediately.

Is aloe vera toxic to dogs?

Yes — aloe vera is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic component is anthraquinone glycosides found in the latex layer beneath the skin (not the clear gel). Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and occasionally tremors. Aloe toxicity is classified as moderate — call your vet if your dog eats aloe.

How do I know if my cat ate a toxic plant?

Watch for: sudden drooling or pawing at the mouth (oral irritants), vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, tremors, or seizures. If you find chewed plant material near a plant and your cat is acting unusually, treat it as a potential poisoning. Call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 even if symptoms seem mild — some toxins cause delayed organ damage.

What should I do if my dog ate a plant and I don't know what it is?

Take a clear photo of the plant — all parts you can see (leaf, stem, flower, berries). Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your emergency vet. They can often identify the plant from a photo description and advise treatment. Note the time of ingestion and estimate how much was eaten. Do not wait for symptoms.

Are succulents safe for cats?

Most succulents are not safe for cats. Common toxic succulents include: aloe vera (moderate toxicity), jade plant (moderate toxicity), and euphorbias (severe — sap causes skin and mucous membrane burns). Pet-safe succulents include haworthia (looks similar to aloe) and echeveria. Never assume a succulent is safe — identify the exact species first.

What is the ASPCA number for plant poisoning?

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (888) 426-4435. A $95 consultation fee may apply. You can also visit aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control for a searchable database of toxic and non-toxic plants. The Pet Poison Helpline is an alternative at (855) 764-7661.