Which Flowers And Plants Are Safe For Cats
Did you know that certain plants and flowers can actually be dangerous for your cat?
While any plant material can cause mild stomach upset, some plants are much more dangerous, says Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Its also important for cat parents to know that some plants and flowers that are relatively safe for dogs can be deadly for cats. Members of the Lilium or Hemerocallis can cause kidney failure in cats, but only mild stomach upset in dogs, says Wismer.
If youre considering an eco-conscious revamp of your home décor, check this list to find out which flowers and houseplants are safe for cats.
Cat And Dog Friendly Flowers
There are blooms that are considered to be lower risk for your kitty cat or prized pooch to be around.
However, it’s important to note that, like humans, our pets can have allergies and individual needs too so it’s still best to keep flowers and foliage out of the way as much as possible. Keep an eye on your furry friends and encourage them to leave those bouquets of flowers alone, just in case.
For now, we’ve rounded up some blooms that are considered to be a little safer to have around the house. With popular flowers such as roses and freesia making the list, you’ll still be able to enjoy those ‘surprise’ Valentine’s Day bouquets and seasonal posies.
The Most Obvious Cat Safe Outdoor Plants
While it probably really isnt necessary to call out these two plants because they have the word cat in their name, Im gonna do it anyway.
Catnip While probably the most obvious and the most likely to pop to mind when asked what cats go nuts for, it is definitely a go to choice worth calling out. Catnip is easy to acquire at places like Home Depot and looks respectable in any garden. Itll also make your cat either really hyper or really happy, my experience is that it depends on the specific cat!
Cat Grass Cat grass is one of the most common types of plants youll see made available for cats because they love to eat it. If youre curios why you can check out my article on cat grass here and you can also find out how to. You can buy a great cat grass starter kit here:
Or if you’d prefer to grown your own you can read my article on how to grow your own here. Cat grass is super easy to grow and it grows really quickly too so it makes a nice filler in a pot or right in the garden!
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Houseplants Safe For Cats And Dogs
- Pin
The Spruce / Candace Madonna
Why do cats and dogs eat houseplants? Some people believe they do it to calm an upset stomach or help process hairballs, while others think pets are attempting to remedy a nutritional deficiency. Cats and dogs might even chew on houseplants during play sessions, attacking waving fronds as they would a toy. It can be difficult to keep a houseplant away from a pet that is determined to chew, so it’s up to us to ensure that any plants we grow in the home are safe and non-toxic to cats and dogs. With the exception of edibles like cat grass, it’s always better to keep valued houseplants out of a pet’s reach if you can, but the plants described here are recognized by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as being non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Although it is helpful to know which houseplants are safe for cats and dogs, it is very important to be aware of the houseplants that are harmful to them.
Plants Safe For Cats Include:
- Blue oat grass
- Ice plant
Actinidia Kolomikta or Kiwi Vine
On the outside periphery of the catio, we have planted a hardy vine called Actinidia Kolomikta, also known as a Kiwi Vine, a relative of the popular Silver Vine, or Actinidia Polygama. This vine also contains a compound called actinidine which is a cat attractant, similar to nepetalactone in catnip. Many sites mention that cats love this so much that they will end up destroying the plant. I have not found this to be the case. In Early Spring, however, they do like to rub their cheeks against the bare stems with a little more enthusiasm and they seem to love hanging out in this corner of the catio all summer long. We call it the Vine Corner.
During the first growing season, it had reached all the way to the top of the catio in three months and has never been targeted by bugs. The pink and white variegation in the leaves are absolutely beautiful and this color display only shows after the second growth year. I have also planted giant zinnias along the outside perimeter and despite mid-summer attack by those ghastly aphids and Japanese beetles, zinnias put on a marvelous blooming display. They reach up to four feet tall and provide even more shade and cover for cats who wish to take a nap on the tiered benches, which would otherwise be blasted by the sun all day!
Giant Sunflowers add a happy glow, and everyone loves them!
The Cats Picks
Here, Jimmy Fancy Feet, our polydactyl cat, marvels at his precious find!
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Keeping Your Kitty Safe
When choosing plants, pick ones that are not sprayed with chemicals. Ask an employee if youre not sure. Also, make sure youre buying the right variety. Some plants have similar names. Dont make the mistake of misidentifying a toxic plant as a cat-safe plant.
Toxicity varies from plant to plant, some are more harmful than others if ingested, but why take the risk? If you share your home with felines, choose only cat-safe plants to adorn your abode.
When potting up your new green babies, choose heavy-bottomed planters to prevent everything from toppling should your fluffy friend jump over or try to knock them about.
Whats safe for cats may not necessarily be safe for other animals and vice versa.
To help you select the best cat-friendly plant for your home weve included the scientific name to prevent any identification mix-ups.
Finally, dont take the chance, even if you think that hanging plant is out of reach. Cats are especially expert at climbing and getting into places wed otherwise think as unattainable.
Are There Benefits To Having Pet
There are quite a few benefits to having pet-safe plants in your home, not just for pets, but also for humans. They help to purify the air, improve the mood of the environment, are visually stimulating, and add a natural feel to any space they are a part of. Once you have run out of space inside for more pet-friendly house plants, its time to move on to gardening plants.
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Are Orchids Poisonous To Cats
Orchids are part of the highly-diverse Orchidaceae family, a group of fragrant, flowering plants that most often present in various shades of pink. But they also come in other colors, including yellow, red, and green. Most orchids are considered safe for cats.
In a worst-case scenario, a cat who ingests orchids might experience mild vomiting and diarrhea, says Bischoff. With more than 25,000 species of orchids however, its best to check with a professional.
Winter Plants That Are Toxic To Dogs & Cats
If youre a pet owner, chances are youve read that advice about making sure you keep your home safe from dangerous pet hazards like poisons, toxic plants and other household items.
With this useful guide, we will take you through the top 10 Winter Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs and cats, with pictures so you can quickly recognise each plant.
Now you can learn the 10 most dangerous plants to avoid around your pets this winter.
Did you know that many popular houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs? This is true even of those plants that look so lovely in your home, such as bromeliads, ferns and philodendrons.
Winter is the perfect time to bring out the outdoor plants in your home, but what if youre not sure which plants are toxic to your cats or dogs?
Well, weve done the research for you. From tree branches to succulents to herbs, these ten plants are toxic to cats and dogs. But how to tell if your pet has ingested one of them?
Lets take a look at 10 winter plants that can harm your pets, so you have the knowledge to keep them safe this Christmas
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Poisonous Flowers You Should Keep Away From Your Pets
In addition to the ones mentioned above, heres a brief list of flowers that you should avoid at all costs, either as a flowering plant or part of a floral arrangement, if you have a dog or cat at home.
- Azalea
- Nosebleed
- Bleeding gums
Normally, cats and dogs could have sudden bouts of vomiting and diarrhea when they eat something that doesnt agree with their stomach. It should resolve on its own in a few days.
However, if you see your pet experiencing at least a couple other symptoms for more than 24 hours, regardless if you have flowers or plants around the house, we suggest taking him/her to your veterinarian.
Chances are, they could have been exposed to other equally dangerous toxic materials, such as:
- Prescription drugs for humans
- Chocolate
- Flea medications for dogs
Plants That Are Safe For Cats
Rachael Gerkensmeyer
Cats love to spend time in the great outdoors, chasing prey and climbing up trees. However, the outdoors can be dangerous for cats, especially those that spend most of their time inside. Luckily, indoor cats can experience the joys of outdoor life when there are plants throughout the house to enjoy. Some plants are toxic to cats, though, so it is important to make sure that any you decide to bring into the home is safe for your kitty. Here is a list of 32 plants that are safe for cats and that your furry family member is sure to love.
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What To Do If Your Pet Eats A Poisonous Plant
Despite how much we work like a dog to keep our pets safe, sometimes they still manage to eat poisonous plants.
If you believe your furbaby ingested a poisonous plant, call for help immediately from either the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 764-7661.
Gnawed leaves or missing flowers aside, some common signs your pet might have ingested or been in contact with a poisonous plant include:
Creating a pet-safe home doesnt mean you have to sacrifice other things you love. Being informed about pet-friendly plants and other plants toxicity levels can go a long way in creating a healthy haven that supports your overall wellness and, in turn, the wellness of your furbabies.
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Cat Safe Outdoor Plants For Your Garden
If you consider yourself a bit of a green thumb and you like to let your cats wander about outside then you might worry about them eating something toxic in your garden. While Ive already called out several of the most common toxic plants in this article here I also wanted to call out some great plants you can grow knowing full well they arent dangerous for your cat.
While you can always check the ASPCAs much more comprehensive database for the safety of a specific plant, this article is intended to call out some of the plants that will not only look nice, but also seem to really encourage your cat to enjoy the garden area. So lets get to it, lets take a look at some cat safe outdoor plants for your garden! I broke it down into four major sections for ease of navigation, use the quick links to get there fast:
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Keeping Cats Away From Flower Arrangements
Any bouquet that contains something toxicto cats is a risk, no matter how cat safe you think you have made it. Evenwith cat friendly flowers, there are still good reasons to catproof your arrangements. You would probably like to keep the flowerslooking nice for one. If your cat nibbles the plants, though, eating too muchof even a safe plant can lead to vomiting.
Keep your bouquets somewhere your cats cant reach, if atall possible. Placing a wire cage around the plants is an option as well asusing a terrarium for tropical plants. You can also try placing sticky paw tapearound cut flowers. Cats dont like the feel of it on their feet.
Are Tulips Poisonous To Cats
One of early springs typical flowers, tulips actually belong to the lily family . They contain Tulipalin A and B, chemical compounds that Kelley says are poisonous to cats.
They are in highest concentration in the bulbs, but the plant if ingested, can cause vomiting, hyper-salivation, diarrhea, and depression, he adds.
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Are Hebe Plants Poisonous To Dogs
There are different types of Hebe plant, and the one called Paula is one of the most toxic.
Cats and dogs can have sensitive stomachs, and they can easily get sick from eating plants that contain toxins. So its always best to stay on the safe side.
You can check this guide from the Dogs Trust for information on even more plants and whether they are toxic or safe for dogs and pets.
We hope this quick guide has given you the tools to protect your pets and keep them safe this Christmas season, and keep these plants away from where they can reach.
You need to make sure you are responsible and informed with the plants you plant around your home, especially if you have pets. At Christmas time, we often introduce new plants to the house as a form of decoration but its best to check before introducing something new and artificial plants can be a great solution which will last year after year, as well as avoiding these potential dangers.
In conclusion, to keep your pet safe and healthy this winter, take note of these few plants you should avoid putting near your pet. Be careful, it could save your cat or dogs life!
How To Keep Cats Out Of Plants
Theres no way to ensure your cat wont nibble on your plants, so you should eliminate any toxic ones from your home. If you decide to have a few non-toxic plants around, these tips can help you keep your cat from making a mess of them.
- Place large rocks in the pot The rocks can add a decorative effect and help keep your cat from tipping the plant over or digging in the dirt.
- Use a cat-safe sprayer If you would prefer an alternative to using a cat-safe repellant, you can look into using an air sprayer such as Ssscat®.
- Put plants out of paw’s reach This can be tricky since cats tend to find a way to get at anything when they put their mind to it. Even high mantles or shelves can be problematic. Placing plants up high can tempt your cat to take a big jump and get hurt. However, if you have a safe room that your cat cant enter, it might be a good place for plants.
If you like the look of plants around your home but cant seem to keep your cat out of them, you can always consider using silk or plastic ones.
The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
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What To Do If Your Cat Eats A Plant That Might Be Poisonous
If your cat nibbled on a flower or plant, and you are unsure whether it may be toxic, call your emergency vet, or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
You should call even if you just suspect that your cat might have eaten part of a plant or flower.
What Should You Do If A Cat Eats A Plant Or Flower
If your cat consumes a plant or flower, and are not sure if it is toxic, it is always safer to see a veterinarian. Bring along a sample of the plant if possible. The earlier the cat receives treatment, the better the outcome. Early intervention will allow the veterinarian to induce vomiting to prevent absorption of the plant, but this must be done quickly.
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Plants That Are Toxic For Pets
When it comes to picking pet-safe plants, you want to make sure you stay away from the majorly toxic and unsafe plants first. Then, once you have become familiar with those that are the worst for your pets, you will have a better starting point to find some that are safer and more reliable. So, which plants should you completely stay away from? Check out the lists below for some of the most toxic plants:
Top 10 Most Toxic Plants
- Poinsettia
- Yew
The plants denoted with an asterisk are cardiotoxic and pose the highest risk to pets. Avoid these plants in your home and always cross-reference a full list of toxic and non-toxic plants, such as ASPCAs Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant searchable database. Even though this seems like a pretty detailed list, this is not an exhaustive list of every toxic plant. Its vital for the safety and health of your pet to research each and every plant you bring into your home or yard. When you do the research, you are being a responsible and caring pet owner.