Cats and Poisonous Plants: What Every Owner Should Know

Why Do Cats Chew Plants and What Is Normal?

Cats often chew on houseplants, especially indoor cats without access to natural grass. Grass helps some cats with digestion and helps longer-haired cats expel hairballs formed from grooming. A commonly chewed safe plant is the spider plant, which many cats find attractive because it looks like grass. Bored cats might also play with houseplants if they lack enough toys or human interaction. These behaviours are normal but should be supervised to prevent harm.

Most non-toxic plants will pass through a cat’s system or be regurgitated within about 10 minutes, often accompanied by frothy bile. If your cat shows retching sounds, this is often harmless and part of their natural plant-eating behaviour. However, it's best to keep all houseplants and vases out of reach. For cats that enjoy grass, growing pots of cocksfoot grass indoors is a safe alternative; seeds are easily available from garden centres and pet shops and are completely non-toxic to cats.

Understanding the Risks: Plants Poisonous to Cats

While many plants are harmless, there are nearly 150 plant varieties potentially poisonous to cats, especially for cats with outdoor access. Some plants are well known, such as ivy and deadly nightshade, but other seemingly common plants can be equally harmful and sometimes fatal. Ignorance about these plants can cause considerable health damage to your feline friend even if the toxic plant matter is expelled afterwards.

Two of the most dangerous plants are:

• Lilies (all varieties) – extremely toxic; even brushing against a lily, followed by grooming, can result in irreversible kidney failure within three days.
• Poinsettia – the leaves, stem, and milky sap of this popular Christmas plant are highly poisonous to cats.

If your cat has any contact with these plants or shows symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care, regardless of the time, as delays can be fatal.

Other Common Toxic Plants to Avoid

Other plants which pose risks include but are not limited to:

• Amaryllis
• Box
• Buttercups
• Cyclamen (indoor and outdoor varieties)
• Cornflower
• Crocus
• Daffodil
• Ferns
• Foxglove
• Geranium
• Laurel
• Lily of the Valley
• Marigold
• Peony
• Poppy
• Privet
• Snapdragon
• Umbrella plant
• Yew

Exposure to small amounts may cause skin irritation, mild blistering, and itching particularly around the mouth, gums and face. Sneezing and eye irritation can also occur, especially if your cat brushes against fruit and vegetable plants such as tomato, strawberry, rhubarb, cucumber, carrot or celery leaves.

Recognising Symptoms and When to Seek Help

If your cat develops any skin irritation, sneezing, watery eyes, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathlessness, or sudden collapse, you must get veterinary assistance immediately. Keep a sample of any vomit, diarrhoea or a cutting of the suspected plant to help your vet identify the toxin. Never delay treatment due to normal surgery hours; vets understand emergencies and early treatment can be lifesaving.

A severe reaction is rare as cats usually avoid plants with strong aromas or unpleasant tastes, but kittens and young cats are more curious and vulnerable. Indoor houseplants and cut flowers are the most common sources of poisonings. Always use medications prescribed by a vet for your cat's unique needs, as human ointments or tablets may be toxic.

Promoting Safe Environments for Your Cat

Responsible pet ownership involves safeguarding your cat from potential poisons. Carefully research and remove toxic plants from accessible areas. Provide safe alternatives, stimulating toys and plenty of interaction to discourage plant chewing out of boredom. For indoor cats, cultivating safe grasses such as cocksfoot can improve wellbeing safely.

Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Ensuring your home and garden are free of harmful plants is a key step to keeping your beloved cat healthy and happy.

For further information, visit the Cats Protection's guide on dangerous plants which offers detailed advice about plants poisonous to cats and how to protect them.