Dangerous Houseplants: What Cat and Dog Owners Need to Know
Houseplants add beauty and fresh air to our homes, but did you know some common plants can be toxic to your pets? If you’re a cat or dog owner, it’s important to know which plants could pose a danger to your furry friends. Let’s take a look at some of the most poisonous houseplants, their effects, and pet-safe alternatives.
Common Poisonous Houseplants
Here are some of the most toxic plants you should keep out of reach (or avoid altogether) if you have pets:
1. Lilies (Lilium & Hemerocallis species)
- Toxic to: Cats
- Effects: Even a tiny amount can cause severe kidney failure in cats. All parts of the plant, including pollen and water from the vase, are dangerous.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, kidney failure.
2. Aloe Vera
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Effects: While great for humans, aloe can cause digestive upset in pets.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, tremors.
3. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Effects: Contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can irritate the mouth and digestive tract.
- Symptoms: Drooling, pawing at the mouth, swelling, vomiting.
4. Sago Palm
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Effects: Contains cycasin, a toxin that can cause liver failure.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, liver damage, seizures, potential fatality.
5. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Effects: Contains oxalate crystals that can cause intense irritation when chewed.
- Symptoms: Swelling, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, vomiting.
6. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Effects: Can cause gastrointestinal distress.
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Effects: Unlike true lilies, peace lilies won’t cause kidney failure but can still cause irritation and discomfort.
- Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, irritation in the mouth.
8. Philodendron
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Effects: Contains calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation and digestive upset.
- Symptoms: Swelling, excessive drooling, vomiting.
9. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Effects: Contains toxins that can irritate the mouth and stomach.
- Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea.
10. Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Effects: Contains calcium oxalates that can cause oral and digestive irritation.
- Symptoms: Mouth swelling, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
What to Do if Your Pet Ingests a Toxic Plant
If you suspect your pet has eaten a poisonous plant, act quickly:
- Remove any plant material from their mouth and rinse their mouth with water.
- Check for symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.
- Call your vet immediately or contact a pet poison hotline.
- Bring a sample of the plant or take a picture to help the vet identify the toxin.
Pet-Safe Houseplants
Want greenery that won’t put your pets at risk? Here are some safe options: ✅ Areca Palm ✅ Boston Fern ✅ Spider Plant ✅ Calathea ✅ Parlour Palm ✅ Prayer Plant ✅ African Violet ✅ Haworthia (Pet-Safe Succulent)
Final Thoughts
Keeping a pet-friendly home doesn’t mean giving up on houseplants! By choosing safe plants and keeping toxic ones out of reach, you can enjoy a lush indoor space without putting your furry companions in harm’s way. Always double-check a plant’s toxicity before bringing it home, and when in doubt, consult your vet!
Do you have a pet-safe plant collection? Share your favourites in the comments!