Did you know that certain plants and flowers can actually be dangerous to cats? If you’re considering adding houseplants to your home décor, and if you have a cat in your home, consider cat-friendly It is important to choose only plants.
“While any plant material can cause mild stomach upset, some plants are more dangerous.” ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
It’s also important for cat parents to know that some plants and flowers that are relatively safe for dogs can be deadly to cats. For example, lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, but only mild stomach upset in dogs. So don’t assume the same rules apply to dog-friendly plants.
Check out this list to find out which plants are safe for cats.
11 flowers that are safe for cats
Here are some popular flowers that are friendly to cats.
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alstroemeria
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aster
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Densely shining stars (Liatris spicata)
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freesia
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Gerbera (Gerbera jamesoni)
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Lisianthus
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Orchid
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rose
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Snapdragon (Snapdragon)
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Statice (Limonium sinuatum)
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Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius)
20 plants safe for cats
If you want less bright colors and more greenery, there are many cat-friendly houseplants.
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Areca palm (Dipsis lutescens)
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Bamboo (Phyllostakis aurea)
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basil(Ocimum basicum)
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Boston fern (Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis)
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Coriander (coriander)
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Dill (Anesum glaolena)
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Dwarf date palm (phoenix red squirrel)
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Friendship Plant (Pilea involculata)
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chicken and chick (Echeveria elegans)
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Lady Palm (Lapis Excelsa)
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lemon balm (melissa officinalis)
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Cactus old man (Cephalocereus senlis)
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Painted Lady (Echeveria multicallis)
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Reed palm (Chamaedoa Elegance)
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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
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Sage (Salvia officinalis)
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Shrimp cactus (Schlumbergera Russeliana)
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Spider Plant/Spider Ivy (Chlorophytum comosum)
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Venus flytrap (Dionea Muskipura)
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Zebra Haworthia (Haworthia fasciata)
Different flowers and plants may have similar common names. Whenever possible, find the plant’s scientific name (genus and species) and use that to search a reliable database like ASPCA Pet Poison Control. List of poisonous and non-toxic plants.
It’s important for cat parents to know that some plants and flowers that are relatively safe for dogs can be deadly to cats.
Plant safety for cats
Just because a plant isn’t toxic to cats doesn’t mean it still doesn’t pose safety concerns.
plant materials and cut flower food It is often accompanied by a bouquet of flowers and can cause symptoms such as upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Cats who eat large amounts of plant material of any kind are also at risk for gastrointestinal obstruction.
Even vases can cause problems. “Cats especially like to drink water from vases, so be careful that your cat doesn’t injure himself by knocking over heavy vases,” Wismer added. “Brittle vases can be dangerous for pets and for yourself, who must pick up the pieces.”
Wismer recommends keeping all plants and flowers out of reach of curious cats. You can put the cat in an unsupervised room or use a hanging planter to keep the kitten from reaching the cat.
What to do if your cat eats a potentially poisonous plant
If your cat gnaws a flower or plant and you’re not sure if it’s poisonous, call your emergency veterinarian. Pet poisoning helpline 855-764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
If you suspect your cat may have eaten part of a plant or flower, you should still call. Getting your cat the treatment it needs as soon as possible can save both money and lives.
What plants are safest for cats?
Which plants are safest for cats? cat grassMay include oats, wheat, barley, alfafa, and rye grass.
Frequently asked questions about plants that are safe for cats
Are orchids toxic to cats?
No, orchids are not poisonous to cats.