Non-toxic plants
| Plant | Scientific name | For cats |
|---|---|---|
| African violet | Saintpaulia | Non-toxic to cats |
| Basil | Ocimum basilicum | Non-toxic to cats |
| Boston fern | Nephrolepis exaltata | Non-toxic to cats |
| Burro's tail (donkey's tail) | Sedum morganianum | Non-toxic to cats |
| Cast iron plant | Aspidistra elatior | Non-toxic to cats |
| Christmas cactus | Schlumbergera | Non-toxic to cats |
| Echeveria (hens and chicks) | Echeveria | Non-toxic to cats |
| Gerbera daisy | Gerbera jamesonii | Non-toxic to cats |
| Orchid (moth orchid) | Phalaenopsis | Non-toxic to cats |
| Parlor palm | Chamaedorea elegans | Non-toxic to cats |
| Peperomia (baby rubber plant) | Peperomia obtusifolia | Non-toxic to cats |
| Rose | Rosa species | Non-toxic to cats |
| Rosemary | Rosmarinus officinalis | Non-toxic to cats |
| Spider plant | Chlorophytum comosum | Non-toxic to cats |
| Sunflower | Helianthus annuus | Non-toxic to cats |
Common plants that are toxic to cats
Swap these out, or keep them in a room your cat can't get into.
| Plant | Scientific name | For cats |
|---|---|---|
| Aloe vera | Aloe vera | Toxic to cats |
| Amaryllis | Amaryllis species | Toxic to cats |
| Asiatic lily | Lilium asiaticum | Very dangerous: kidney failure |
| Azalea | Rhododendron species | Toxic to cats |
| Begonia | Begonia species | Toxic to cats |
| Calla lily | Zantedeschia aethiopica | Mildly toxic |
| Carnation | Dianthus caryophyllus | Toxic to cats |
| Catnip | Nepeta cataria | Toxic to cats |
| Chrysanthemum (mum) | Chrysanthemum species | Toxic to cats |
| Cyclamen | Cyclamen species | Toxic to cats |
| Daffodil | Narcissus species | Toxic to cats |
| Daylily | Hemerocallis species | Very dangerous: kidney failure |
| Dieffenbachia | Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) | Toxic to cats |
| Easter lily | Lilium longiflorum | Very dangerous: kidney failure |
| English ivy | Hedera helix | Toxic to cats |
| Eucalyptus | Eucalyptus species | Toxic to cats |
| Gardenia | Gardenia jasminoides | Toxic to cats |
| Geranium | Pelargonium species | Toxic to cats |
| Golden pothos | Epipremnum aureum | Toxic to cats |
| Hyacinth | Hyacinthus orientalis | Toxic to cats |
| Hydrangea | Hydrangea arborescens | Toxic to cats |
| Jade plant | Crassula argentea | Toxic to cats |
| Kalanchoe | Kalanchoe species | Toxic to cats |
| Lavender | Lavandula angustifolia | Toxic to cats |
| Lily of the valley | Convallaria majalis | Very dangerous |
| Mint | Mentha species | Toxic to cats |
| Monstera | Monstera deliciosa (cutleaf philodendron) | Toxic to cats |
| Oleander | Nerium oleander | Toxic to cats |
| Oregano | Origanum vulgare hirtum | Toxic to cats |
| Oriental lily | Lilium orientalis | Very dangerous: kidney failure |
| Parsley | Petroselinum crispum | Toxic to cats |
| Peace lily | Spathiphyllum | Mildly toxic |
| Philodendron | Philodendron species | Toxic to cats |
| Poinsettia | Euphorbia pulcherrima | Toxic to cats |
| Rubber plant (weeping fig) | Ficus benjamina | Toxic to cats |
| Sago palm | Cycas revoluta | Toxic to cats |
| Snake plant | Sansevieria trifasciata (mother-in-law's tongue) | Toxic to cats |
| Stargazer lily | Lilium 'Stargazer' | Very dangerous: kidney failure |
| Tiger lily | Lilium tigrinum (lancifolium) | Very dangerous: kidney failure |
| Tulip | Tulipa species | Toxic to cats |
Tips for a cat-friendly home
- Check the scientific name on the label: common names overlap.
- Give your cat its own pot of cat grass to chew.
- Check every bouquet for lilies before it comes inside.
Sources: ASPCA, "Liven Up Your Space with These Pet-Friendly Plants" (July 22, 2020); ASPCA Animal Poison Control, "Plants Toxic to Cats" list; U.S. FDA, "Lovely Lilies and Curious Cats: A Dangerous Combination" (current as of Sep 16, 2021).
