Cat-Safe Plants for UK Homes and Toxic Plants to Avoid
Many common houseplants are toxic to cats, some dangerously so. Here is what to avoid and which plants are safe to have at home.
The most important thing to know: lilies are extremely dangerous
All species of true lily including Easter lily, tiger lily, day lily, Asiatic lily, and stargazer lily are extremely toxic to cats. Even small ingestion, such as a cat chewing a leaf, drinking water from a vase containing lilies, or grooming pollen off their fur, can cause acute kidney failure. If you have cats, do not have lilies in your home or garden. There are no exceptions.
Other highly toxic plants to remove or avoid
- Tulips (especially the bulbs)
- Daffodils and narcissus
- Hyacinth
- Azalea and rhododendron
- Cyclamen
- Oleander
- Yew
- Foxglove
- Autumn crocus
- Ivy
Cat-safe plants you can grow at home
Cat-specific plants
- Cat grass (wheatgrass): Most cats enjoy chewing it and providing a safe option reduces interest in your other plants
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Easy to grow indoors; the fresh version is more potent than dried
- Valerian: Some cats respond to it; can be grown in pots
- Silver vine (Actinidia polygama): Good alternative for cats who do not respond to catnip
Cat-safe houseplants
- Spider plant
- Boston fern
- Areca palm
- Calathea
- Haworthia
- Peperomia
- African violet
- True bamboo (not lucky bamboo, which is toxic to cats)
What to do if you suspect poisoning
Contact the Animal Poison Line on 01202 509000 or call your vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. With lily poisoning especially, prompt treatment is essential and delay can be fatal.
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Frequently asked questions
Are peace lilies safe for cats?
No. Peace lilies are not true lilies but they are still toxic to cats. They contain oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling, and swallowing difficulty. They should be kept out of any home with cats.
How do I cat-proof my houseplants?
The safest approach is to remove all toxic plants from the home entirely rather than trying to keep them out of reach. Cats are agile and determined. Growing cat grass provides an appealing safe alternative that often reduces interest in other plants.
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