Toxic plants for cats

The most dangerous first

Lilies (Lilium species, but also daylily, Hemerocallis) are the plant group most often associated with serious cat poisoning. Even small amounts — pollen, leaves, even the water in the vase — can cause acute kidney injury in cats. If your cat has been near a lily: call the poisons information service even if the cat seems well.

Common houseplants and what they do

• Monstera, philodendron, dieffenbachia, ivy — contain calcium oxalate crystals. Cause burning in the mouth and throat, drooling, swelling and vomiting. Unpleasant, but rarely life-threatening.
• Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) — above all the bulb. Vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain. Often more serious than people think, because the bulb is easy to get at in a pot.
• Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) — milky sap that irritates the mouth and skin. Often described as highly toxic, but most cases give mild symptoms. Contact a vet anyway.
• Azalea and rhododendron — grayanotoxins. Can cause drooling, vomiting, effects on the heart and, in serious cases, collapse.
• Aloe vera — saponins and anthraquinones. Vomiting and diarrhoea, usually mild.
• Kalanchoe — can cause gastrointestinal upset and affect the heart rhythm in larger amounts.
• Cyclamen, hyacinth, tulip bulb, daffodils — bulbs and tubers are the most toxic part and are often left out in a pot or forcing box.
• Oleander and sago palm (Cycas revoluta) — high toxicity, especially sago palm, which can cause liver failure. Keep them out of reach.

Symptoms that should make you call immediately

• drooling, a foaming muzzle, or the cat pawing at its mouth;
• vomiting, especially repeated, or diarrhoea;
• lethargy, unsteadiness, trembling, or the cat hiding away and not wanting to eat;
• reduced or absent urination — especially after contact with a lily. It can be kidney injury;
• dilated pupils, rapid breathing or collapse.

What to do if you suspect poisoning

1. Move the cat away from the plant. Stress it as little as possible.
2. Identify the plant — photograph it while you wait on the phone, or take a piece of the plant with you. It is the single most important piece of information for the vet.
3. Call 112 and ask for poison information if the symptoms are acute, otherwise 010-456 6700 (the Swedish Poisons Information Centre, Sweden). Outside Sweden, call your local poisons centre.
4. Do not induce vomiting yourself unless the poisons information centre tells you to.

Preventing it at home

• Put toxic plants in hanging baskets or on shelves the cat cannot reach — and remember that fallen leaves count too.
• Water pots in the sink, so that no toxic water is left standing.
• Offer the cat grass or catnip as permitted chewing, and its interest in the windowsill drops.

The list covers the most common plants in Swedish homes, not all of them. If you are the least bit unsure about a plant the cat has got hold of: call and ask. If you suspect the plant is toxic, call — this page cannot decide that for you.