Our cat jumped towards a lily flower bouquet that was placed on the table as if it were magic. She was eager to take a bite at the leaves (it was decorated with some ivy leaves) and the lily flowers. I moved the bouquet aside and googled, just in case. That is when I got really scared – apparently, lilies are among the most poisonous things for cats, and cats seem to be drawn to them. Waiting for symptomps may be too late! Shouldn’t everyone know this?!? Why no one ever told me this?!
1. A short list of plants that are highly toxic for cats
Many of these are not poisonous for humans, but are for cats. Here are some of the most dangerous plants for cats (even in very small amounts) – if you know of any others, let me know to update this list.
Very high risk (can cause kidney failure, severe poisoning, or death):
- True lilies (Lilium species) – e.g, Easter lily, Tiger lily, Asiatic lily
Even just pollen or any part of it are very poisonous for cats. - Daylilies (Hemerocallis species)
- Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) – all parts, especially seeds/nuts
- Oleander (Nerium oleander)
- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
- Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
- Yew (Taxus species)
Other common dangerous plants:
- Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia oerstedii – dumb cane)
- Philodendron (Philodendron giganteum)
- Monstera (Monstera deliciosa – Swiss cheese plant)
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum, not a true lily but still toxic)
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Azalea / Rhododendron (Rhododendron ferrugineum)
- Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
- Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
- Tulips (Tulipa gesneriana) and hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) – especially bulbs
- Daffodils (Narcissus poeticus) – especially bulbs
- Castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) – contains ricin
- Some ivy species (like Hedera helix) are also toxic to cats
Even a small nibble from some of these (especially true lilies, daylilies, or sago palm) can be enough to cause severe or fatal poisoning in cats.
2. What do those plants look like?
I am no expert on plants – quite the contrary. So, this is the best I could figure, for myself, by myself:
A photo and a Google search often gives good results. If in doubt, assume the plant is dangerous. To confirm, consult an expert, by all means. Whenever possible, that should be the best course of action.
I did try to include the latin names for each plant – so that experts from different countries can more easily understand what plants those are (colloquial names may not always translate correctly). Again: if you found any mistakes, please let me know.
3. What to do if a cat eats it?
Again: waiting for symptomps may be too late!
Consult a vet immediately and follow their instructions. For a lily, we rushed our cat Gizmo to the vet – we were told kidney failure can start in as little as two hours.
Sometimes vets can save the cat – sometimes there is no cure, no antidote, even if you come right away. That’s life.
4. Why do cats not stay away?
I am neither an expert on animals, nor on plants, so this is how experts explained it (and how I understood it), briefly:
- No evolutionary warning: Lilies, oleander, and many ornamental plants didn’t exist in cats’ natural habitats (Middle East and ancient Egypt), so they never evolved avoidance instincts.
- They chew plants anyway: Even obligate carnivores nibble greenery for digestion – even though not all plants are safe.
- Breeding removed bad taste cues: Ornamental plants often lack the bitterness that warns animals off in the wild (ornamental plants have been selectively bred for looks and mild taste, removing those warning signals).
- Curiosity beats caution: Cats explore with their mouths, especially if a plant smells sweet (you know the saying about cats and curiosity, sigh).
- No instant punishment: If poisoning symptoms are delayed (like lily kidney failure), cats don’t learn to avoid the plant.
This is why the safest approach is never trusting instinct when it comes to plants and cats – and just removing toxic plants entirely from their environment.
If there is one article I wanted to become “viral”, it is this one – I had no idea about this stuff and am writing this as I’m waiting for a call from the vet (hoping for the best).
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