Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Monsteras are relatively low maintenance, making them an attractive addition to any home. Unfortunately, they also contain insoluble calcium oxalates, making them highly toxic to cats. Symptoms include burning of the lips and mouth, excessive drooling, oral swelling, and vomiting.
Jade Plant (Money Plant)
A succulent believed to bring fortune and good luck to its owners - unfortunately, it is not so lucky for cats. They are highly toxic causing symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, depression, and incoordination if ingested.
Snake Plant
Snake plants, often referred to as 'mother-in-law's tongue' are well-known as one of the best plants for low light conditions, and for improving air quality - but they are not so healthy for cats as they can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea if consumed.
Lilies
Lilies are highly toxic to cats, even in small amounts. Ingesting any part of the plant, including the leaves, petals, or pollen, can cause severe kidney failure. If you have cats, it’s best to avoid lilies altogether.
Peace lilies
Despite their name, peace lilies are not true lilies, but they are still toxic to cats. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb cane)
This popular indoor plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if a cat chews on it. While not usually fatal, it can be very uncomfortable for your pet.
Pothos (Devil’s ivy)
Pothos is a hardy and attractive plant, but its leaves contain compounds that can irritate a cat’s mouth and throat, leading to drooling, vomiting, and discomfort.
Aloe vera
While known for its healing properties in humans, aloe vera is toxic to cats. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Sago palm
Sago palms are extremely dangerous to cats. Every part of the plant, especially the seeds, contains toxins that can cause severe liver damage and even be fatal if consumed.
Philodendron
Philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth and throat irritation, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing in cats.
If you suspect your cat has eaten any part of a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately.
These are just a few examples of popular indoor plants that can be dangerous to cats. For a more comprehensive list, the RSPCA recommends visiting: ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List
