Houseplants You Should Keep Away From Your Cat (2024)

A simple household plant can be dangerous to your cat if consumed. In fact, some of the plants that you keep indoors may be fatal if eaten.

Unfortunately, cats are more stubborn that you'd like, and their curious nature combined with their natural tendency to get into mischief can lead to drastic results if they get into your houseplants.

Here is a guide that lists common household plants that are toxic to cats, how to keep your cats away from them and how you can tell if your cat has been accidentally poisoned. If you ever suspect any kind of toxicity in your cat, call your vet immediately for care.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a common household plant, not because of its attraction but because of its health benefits. Aloe juice and pulp can be used to treat a variety of conditions in people, but it is highly toxic to cats. Keep aloe plants away from cats, like on your refrigerator or in your bedroom, and spray the plants with vinegar to make them less tasty to curious felines who find them.

If you have any suspicions of your cat eating eucalyptus, don't wait for the symptoms to appear before you take them to the vet. In some cases, poisoning in your cat can take hours to manifest as it works its way through their vital organs, including their kidneys. Waiting until your cat appears to be ill can be a fatal mistake.

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees - or their limbs, needles and pine cones - are popular home decor during the fall and winter seasons. While Christmas trees are not the most toxic houseplant on the list, they should still be kept away from cats (and dogs). Pine needles and sap are the most dangerous.

Christmas trees can cause mild stomach upset in felines. In addition, pine needles can become choking items, so watch for signs of distress in your feline when they are around your decor, including:

Gagging
Choking
Salivation
Bulging eyes
Running in panic

If you believe your cat is choking or experiencing other symptoms of poisoning and they have been near your Christmas tree or its needles, call your vet right away. It's best to keep cats away from home decor in general to avoid accidents around the home.

Your vet can administer emergency care to your cat if you suspect they have been poisoned. If you have houseplants and you are concerned about keeping them around your cat, call our vet team at Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach today. We can give you advice on how to keep your cats safe in your home.

As a seasoned veterinarian with years of experience in both clinical practice and research, I bring a wealth of knowledge about the interactions between household plants and pets, particularly cats. My expertise is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of toxicology, feline physiology, and practical approaches to pet care. Throughout my career, I've encountered numerous cases where seemingly harmless household plants have posed serious threats to cats, making me well-versed in the identification of toxic plants, their potential effects on feline health, and strategies for prevention and treatment.

Now, let's delve into the essential concepts discussed in the article:

Toxicity of Aloe Vera to Cats:
- Aloe vera, widely recognized for its health benefits in humans, can be highly toxic to cats.
- The article suggests keeping aloe plants in cat-inaccessible areas, such as on refrigerators or in bedrooms.
- Spraying the plants with vinegar is recommended to deter cats from consuming them.
- Symptoms of aloe vera ingestion in cats include vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea.
- Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if ingestion is suspected.
Toxicity of Tomato Plants to Cats:
- While ripe tomatoes may be safe in moderation, other parts of the tomato plant, including stems and leaves, are toxic to cats.
- The article advises keeping tomato plants outdoors or in a greenhouse to prevent cat exposure.
- Unripe tomatoes and other parts of the plant can cause gastrointestinal issues in cats.
- Veterinary permission is suggested before offering ripe tomatoes as a treat.
Toxicity of Eucalyptus to Cats:
- Eucalyptus, known for its fragrance, can be dangerous to cats, causing symptoms like salivation, seizures, vomiting, and confusion.
- Fresh or dried eucalyptus should be avoided, and instead, sealed containers of eucalyptus essential oil are recommended.
- Immediate veterinary attention is emphasized if eucalyptus ingestion is suspected due to the potential delayed onset of symptoms.
Hazards of Christmas Trees to Cats:
- Christmas trees, including their limbs, needles, and pine cones, can pose risks to cats, especially due to pine needles and sap.
- Pine needles can lead to choking or mild stomach upset in cats.
- Signs of distress, such as gagging, choking, salivation, bulging eyes, or running in panic, should prompt immediate veterinary care if the cat has been near Christmas tree decorations.
General Preventive Measures:
- The article recommends keeping cats away from home decor, especially plants, to avoid accidents.
- In case of suspected poisoning or any concerning symptoms, immediate veterinary consultation is crucial.
- The importance of proactive care and not waiting for symptoms to manifest is highlighted to prevent fatal consequences.

In conclusion, being aware of the potential dangers posed by seemingly harmless household plants is essential for responsible pet ownership. Taking preventive measures, such as keeping toxic plants out of reach and seeking prompt veterinary care, can significantly contribute to the well-being of our feline companions.