My cat has been poisoned, what should I do?
The curiosity of our cats leads them to sniff plants and sometimes chew on them, especially indoors... It is important to know how to react if your cat ingests a toxic plant. Time is of the essence, so immediately call your veterinarian, who is the only one able to guide you on what to do. If possible, try to tell them the name of the plant and the amount your cat has consumed. If you don't know the plant's name, gather some leaves or flowers. Do not attempt to make your cat vomit or give them water, as it could worsen the situation.
There are two veterinary poison control centers in France, which are available 24/7 for free.
What are the signs of poisoning?
The toxicity level varies from plant to plant. Symptoms can vary.
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
These may be digestive, such as diarrhea in cats. Poisoning may also cause your cat to vomit. For example, your cat may vomit bile. A poisoned cat may also experience abdominal pain.
The azalea, a plant from the rhododendron family, causes diarrhea and vomiting in cats.
Heart and/or neurological disorders
Ingesting certain plants can also trigger heart and/or neurological disorders in cats. This is true for azalea, but also lily of the valley and mistletoe, common festive plants in our homes.
Skin irritation, kidney failure, breathing difficulties
Poisoning from a plant can also cause dermatitis, kidney failure in cats, or breathing difficulties.
20 Toxic Plants for Cats
Indoor and garden plants to absolutely avoid for your cat
| Aloe | Also known as aloe vera, the gel inside its leaves can cause digestive issues if ingested. |  |
| Amaryllis | Amaryllidaceae plants (daffodils, narcissus, and amaryllis) are toxic due to the lycorine they contain. They can cause heart and neurological issues. |  |
| Arum | The sap and leaves of arum are extremely toxic if ingested. Even simple contact can cause irritation. |  |
| Azalea | This beautiful plant is a real poison. The entire plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, and flowers. Symptoms mainly include diarrhea and vomiting. Its ingestion can lead to severe neurological and cardiac problems. |  |
| Croton | The latex in croton leaves is highly irritating and toxic to cats. |  |
| Cyclamen | Belonging to the primrose family, cyclamen is dangerous for cats. If ingested, it can cause diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, and even heart complications. |  |
| Dieffenbachia | Your cat risks poisoning if it chews on the stem or leaves of this ornamental plant. The latex in the plant is highly irritating and toxic. |  |
| Ficus | If ingested, ficus can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and kidney problems. |  |
| Wisteria | Wisteria is toxic and irritating to both humans and cats. |  |
| Mistletoe | This plant, often found in homes during the holiday season, can cause digestive or neurological disorders in your cat. |  |
| Holly | Traditionally present in homes during Christmas, holly can cause adverse health effects if ingested by your cat. |  |
| Iris | Ingestion can cause digestive problems in your cat. |  |
| Hyacinth | It typically causes digestive poisoning. |  |
| Oleander | Highly toxic. Ingesting just a few leaves can cause cardiac arrest. |  |
| Lily of the valley | Entire plant is toxic: stem, sap, leaves, and flowers. Ingesting lily of the valley can cause digestive problems as well as heart issues. |  |
| Philodendron | This trendy ornamental plant is toxic due to its high concentration of oxalates. |  |
| Japanese Mimosa | Can cause digestive and heart issues if ingested. |  |
| Poinsettia | This plant, often given at Christmas, can cause digestive issues if your cat chews on the leaves. |  |
| Rhododendron | From the Ericaceae family (like azalea), rhododendron is toxic if ingested. |  |
| Tulip | From the lily family, the bulbs are the most toxic part of the plant. It can cause digestive poisoning. |  |
How to protect your cat from toxic plants?
To protect your cat, the ideal is, of course, not to buy these plants. But if someone gives you one, place it in a spot where your furry friend can't reach it: on top of a dresser, in a closed room, etc. Unfortunately, you won't be able to enjoy it, but your curious cat won't be tempted to nibble on it, and you will have peace of mind.
Otherwise, you can opt for non-toxic plants for cats!
Alternatives to toxic plants: Safe plants for cats
What plants can you safely have at home without risking your cat's life?
Luckily, there are several safe plants for cats. Here are some examples:
- Ferns
- Dwarf Palms
- Chlorophytum comosum, also called Spider Plant
- Maranta
- Pilea, or Chinese Money Plant (with small round leaves)
- Gerberas
- Valerian
- Butterfly Orchid
- Cat grass
Your cat's health is important, especially since it’s the one that truly brightens up your home. 😽
Pssst: if your cat tends to nibble on everything in sight, try our delicious cat food. Healthy and balanced treats that will delight your cat and offer them a life full of purring. 💛
Merci pour vos conseils et la santé de Grizou !
Excellent post et rappel !
Bonjour Angélique,
Le Yucca est effectivement une plante toxique pour nos chats. À éloigner de ses pattes donc 🙀
Bonjour j’ai acheté une plante yucca triple elephant est-ce que c’est dangereux pour mon chat j’ai lu beaucoup d’articles où ils est-ce que c’est dangereux pour mon chat merci pour votre retour cordialement
Bonjour Anne,
On vous prépare bientôt un article sur les plantes non toxiques pour chats. 😻
On vous le partagera dans une de nos prochaines miaousletters.
À très vite,
L’équipe Ziggy
Bonjour
Pourriez vous plutôt dire les fleurs et les plantes qu’on peut avoir sans risque ?
Merci
Bonjour,
le Lys est aussi extrêmement toxique pour les chats :)
Le mimosa est aussi nocif pour les chats. J’ai deux chats j’ai donc supprimé toutes les plantes à l’exception des orchidées. J’espère qu’elles ne sont pas nocives
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