Attention Cat Lovers: Tips on Keeping Your Kitty Safe from Toxic Plants

If you are a cat owner, you may already know that many plants are dangerous to cats. Pet owners should be cautious about the types of plants their furry companion comes in contact with, whether the crop is grown in your home, an outdoor garden, or a communal space in town. The threat is real, as our pets can become seriously ill or worse after ingesting a plant that is poisonous to their health.

To help you identify the poisonous plants to look out for, we investigated plant toxicity, and which ones pose a considerable risk to cats. We’ve also included information on what to do if your feline consumes these plants to ensure your cat stays safe and healthy for years to come. 

Where Did We Get Our Knowledge about Plant Toxicity in Cats?

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We’re plant lovers who adore cats and never want to put our four-legged friends in harm’s way. That’s why we combined our knowledge through personal experience with our research to determine how to identify the plants that are unsafe for cats, the signs and symptoms to be aware of if they ingest certain plants, and the next steps to restore them to their healthy selves if they ingest a toxic plant. We’ve also included links to previous Backyard Garden Lover articles for other gardening-related tips. 

What Does it Mean If a Plant is Toxic to Your Pet?

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Toxic plants are those that can cause harm to your pet if they are touched or ingested. For some to cause significant damage, a lot of the plant must be consumed, while others are so virulent that only a small amount can make your pet sick.

Plant toxicity can vary from very mild to severe and even fatal. Its harmful effects also depend on the type of plant, how much is eaten, the cat, and other factors. Prevention is always the best medicine, so learning what plants are poisonous and keeping your cat away from them is the preferred approach.

It’s also important to note that these plants are often commonly found growing either outside or as houseplants, so it’s crucial to learn about them and cat behavior, as it relates to plants. We explore more of this below. 

Why Do Some Cats Eat Plants?

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Although cats are carnivores who only eat meat, sometimes you can find cats munching on some grass or green plants. Why do they do this? Researchers have a few theories. Sometimes, it could be that the cat is searching for vitamins or nutrients missing from their diet, or they could be doing it to aid digestion. For other cats, it could be pure boredom.

Some cat owners believe their feline friends enjoy the feel of the plants in their mouths. If your cat loves to eat plants, consider purchasing cat grass instead to help them enjoy this experience safely. It will also help deter them from munching on your plants.

Why Do Some Cats Dig in Plants?

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Another cat behavior you might see is digging in the soil of your plants. Sometimes, the soil around a potted plant looks like kitty litter, and this is theorized to be why cats gravitate toward it. Meanwhile, some cats just like to play in the dirt, and it’s suspected that they like the feel of the soil under their feet.

You can help curb this action by giving your cats lots of fun and interactive toys to play with and keeping your plants out of their reach. For example, you might use indoor hanging pots or block your cat’s access to the plants. You could also cover the soil in the pot to make it less likely for your cat to dig in it.

Which Part of the Plant is Toxic?

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If a plant is known to be poisonous to cats, then assume all parts of it can be dangerous. Although some plants are toxic only in parts of it, you can’t control which part your cat will go for. Limiting your cat’s access to the entire plant is the only way to be truly safe. 

No matter what part of the plant material your cat consumes, you should call your vet for assistance. Cats do not always show their pain or distress, and they can get sick without us even realizing it.

What Happens When a Cat Eats a Poisonous Plant?

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The symptoms cats display after contact with a poisonous plant can vary according to the plant, how much was consumed, and how much contact the cat had. The toxic load in peace lilies, for example, is very strong. Tiger lilies, Peruvian lilies, and other types of lilies are known to cause kidney failure in cats, even from just a small exposure.

Eating a toxic plant can cause abdominal pain, oral irritation, skin irritation, abnormal heart rate, fast heart rate, lack of appetite, excessive drooling, liver failure, kidney failure, and other upset stomach-related symptoms. Sometimes, there can be even more severe symptoms, and you will need to seek supportive care from a vet for your kitty’s health.

To eliminate the risk, consider investing in these 12 indoor plants for cats.

What To Do If Your Cat Has Eaten Your Plants

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If you discover that your cat has eaten some of your plants, the first step is to identify the plant. If unsure, you should contact your vet immediately to be safe.

The first step is to remain calm and to move your cat away from the plant. Gently remove any pieces of plant parts that might still be in your cat’s mouth. You may want to put your cat in a confined space, such as a bedroom, bathroom, or a cat carrier, while you contact the vet.

If it’s after hours, you can call an emergency veterinarian or the animal poison control center hotline 24/7 at (888)426-4435. The pet poison helpline will provide emergent advice on what to do if your cat has eaten your plants.

The Dangers That Some Plants Pose to Cats

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To summarize, cats are curious creatures and are often attracted to plants. However, not all plants are safe for cats and should be avoided at all costs. The more you learn about toxic plants, the better capable you will be to distance your pets from them. Once you educate yourself about what plants are poisonous to cats, you’ll know which ones to refrain from bringing into your home.