Plant safety A to Z
Which houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs?
74 common houseplants that are listed as toxic, and 49 the ASPCA confirms are not. Search it, or look up the one on your windowsill.
Toxicity information comes from the ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list and describes typical reactions, not your specific animal. If you think a pet has eaten something, call your vet or an animal poison control line straight away.
Start here: the ones that are genuinely dangerous
Most toxic houseplants cause a painful mouth and a bad afternoon. These few damage organs, and for them the advice is to call a vet straight away rather than watch and wait.
Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Cats: Severe
Dogs: Severe
Cyclamen
Cyclamen persicum
Cats: Severe
Dogs: Severe
Florist azalea
Rhododendron simsii
Cats: Severe
Dogs: Severe
Oleander
Nerium oleander
Cats: Severe
Dogs: Severe
Stargazer lily
Lilium 'Stargazer'
Cats: Severe
Dogs: Not listed
Chives are on this list because the whole allium family, onion, garlic and leek included, damages red blood cells in cats and dogs. A kitchen herb pot counts.
The full list
137 plants from the Kounts Care catalogue, checked against the ASPCA list. Plants the ASPCA does not cover are marked "Not listed", which means unknown rather than safe.
| Plant | Cats | Dogs | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| African mask plant Alocasia amazonica 'Polly' | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases calcium oxalate crystals: intense mouth burning, drooling and swelling. Rinse the mouth, offer water and call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| African violet Saintpaulia ionantha | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Air plant Tillandsia ionantha | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| Aloe Aloe vera | Moderate | Moderate | The latex under the skin contains anthraquinones: vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if eaten. Call your vet if your pet ate more than a nibble. |
| Aluminum plant Pilea cadierei | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Amaryllis Hippeastrum | Moderate | Moderate | The bulb especially causes vomiting, drooling, appetite loss and belly pain. Keep the bulb out of reach and call your vet if chewed. |
| Areca palm Dypsis lutescens | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Arrowhead plant Syngonium podophyllum | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases calcium oxalate crystals: mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. Offer water and call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Asparagus fern Asparagus setaceus | Mild | Mild | Not a true fern: the berries and sap cause vomiting, diarrhoea and skin irritation. Keep out of reach. |
| Baby rubber plant Peperomia obtusifolia | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Baby's tears Soleirolia soleirolii | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Basil Ocimum basilicum | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Bird of paradise Strelitzia reginae | Mild | Mild | Eating leaves or seed pods can cause nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. Usually mild; call your vet if it lasts. |
| Bird's nest fern Asplenium nidus | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Boston fern Nephrolepis exaltata | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Brasil philodendron Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil' | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth and throat irritation, drooling and pawing at the face. Usually settles; offer water and call your vet if it doesn't. |
| Burro's tail Sedum morganianum | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Button fern Pellaea rotundifolia | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Calathea medallion Calathea roseopicta 'Medallion' | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Cape primrose Streptocarpus | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Cast iron plant Aspidistra elatior | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Cat palm Chamaedorea cataractarum | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Chinese evergreen Aglaonema commutatum | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases calcium oxalate crystals: mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. Offer water and call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Chinese money plant Pilea peperomioides | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Chives Allium schoenoprasum | Severe | Severe | Onions, garlic and chives damage red blood cells: dangerous even dried or cooked. Keep well away from cats and dogs and call your vet if any is eaten. |
| Christmas cactus Schlumbergera buckleyi | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Cilantro Coriandrum sativum | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Coffee plant Coffea arabica | Moderate | Moderate | Caffeine is the danger: restlessness, a racing heart and vomiting. Keep the plant and any beans away from pets. |
| Coleus Coleus scutellarioides | Mild | Mild | The essential oils irritate the gut and skin: drooling, vomiting, sometimes diarrhoea. Keep out of reach. |
| Corn plant Dracaena fragrans | Moderate | Moderate | Contains saponins: vomiting (sometimes with blood), drooling and loss of appetite; cats may get dilated pupils. Call your vet if eaten. |
| Creeping fig Ficus pumila | Mild | Mild | The milky sap irritates the mouth and stomach, drooling and vomiting, and can redden skin. Keep trimmings away from pets. |
| Crocodile fern Microsorum musifolium | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| Croton Codiaeum variegatum | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing irritates the mouth and gut: drooling, vomiting and diarrhea; the sap can irritate skin. Call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Crown of thorns Euphorbia milii | Moderate | Moderate | The milky sap irritates the mouth, stomach and skin: drooling, vomiting and redness. Rinse the area and call your vet. |
| Cyclamen Cyclamen persicum | Severe | Severe | The tubers are the most toxic part: vomiting and drooling, and large amounts can affect the heart. Keep bulbs and roots well out of reach and call your vet. |
| Dragon tree Dracaena marginata | Moderate | Moderate | Contains saponins: vomiting (sometimes with blood), drooling and low mood; cats may get dilated pupils. Call your vet if eaten. |
| Dumb cane Dieffenbachia seguine | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases oxalate crystals: intense mouth burning, drooling and swelling that can make swallowing difficult. Rinse the mouth, offer water and call your vet. |
| Easter lily Lilium longiflorum | Severe | Not listed | True lilies cause kidney failure in cats: even pollen groomed off fur or a sip of vase water. Treat any exposure as an emergency and call your vet immediately. Dogs typically only get mild stomach upset. |
| Elephant bush Portulacaria afra | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| Elephant ear Colocasia esculenta | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases calcium oxalate crystals: mouth burning, drooling and vomiting. Offer water and call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| English ivy Hedera helix | Moderate | Moderate | Leaves contain saponins: drooling, vomiting and abdominal pain; the foliage is worse than the berries. Call your vet if symptoms appear. |
| Ficus Audrey Ficus benghalensis | Mild | Mild | The milky sap irritates the mouth and stomach, drooling and vomiting, and can redden skin. Keep trimmings away from pets. |
| Fiddle leaf fig Ficus lyrata | Mild | Mild | The milky sap irritates the mouth and stomach: drooling, vomiting, and sometimes skin redness. Rarely serious; call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Fishbone prayer plant Ctenanthe burle-marxii | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| Flaming Katy Kalanchoe blossfeldiana | Moderate | Moderate | Contains cardiac glycosides: usually just stomach upset, but large amounts can affect the heart rhythm. Call your vet if a lot was eaten. |
| Flamingo flower Anthurium andraeanum | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases calcium oxalate crystals: mouth irritation, drooling and difficulty swallowing. Offer water and call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Florist azalea Rhododendron simsii | Severe | Severe | Even a few leaves are dangerous: vomiting, drooling, weakness and heart problems. Call your vet or a pet poison line right away. |
| Florist mum Chrysanthemum morifolium | Moderate | Moderate | Contains pyrethrins: drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and wobbliness. Keep out of reach and call your vet if eaten. |
| Gardenia Gardenia jasminoides | Mild | Mild | The aromatic oils can cause mild stomach upset if a lot is eaten: usually just drooling or vomiting. |
| Gerbera daisy Gerbera jamesonii | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Ghost plant Graptopetalum paraguayense | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| Ginseng ficus Ficus microcarpa | Mild | Mild | The milky sap irritates the mouth and stomach, drooling and vomiting, and can redden skin. Keep trimmings away from pets. |
| Golden pothos Epipremnum aureum | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. Offer water and call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Green velvet alocasia Alocasia micholitziana 'Frydek' | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth and throat irritation, drooling and pawing at the face. Usually settles; offer water and call your vet if it doesn't. |
| Guzmania bromeliad Guzmania lingulata | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Heartleaf philodendron Philodendron hederaceum | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth pain, drooling and swelling of the lips and tongue. Offer water and call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Inch plant Tradescantia zebrina | Mild | Mild | The sap can irritate skin and mouth: mild drooling or redness after chewing. Wash the area; call your vet if it doesn't settle. |
| Jade plant Crassula ovata | Moderate | Moderate | Can cause vomiting, lethargy and wobbliness if eaten. Call your vet if your pet seems off after chewing it. |
| Kentia palm Howea forsteriana | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Kimberly Queen fern Nephrolepis obliterata | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Lady palm Rhapis excelsa | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Lavender Lavandula angustifolia | Mild | Mild | The aromatic oils can cause mild stomach upset if a lot is eaten: usually just drooling or vomiting. |
| Lemon-lime dracaena Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Lime' | Mild | Mild | Contains saponins: drooling, vomiting (sometimes with blood) and loss of appetite. Keep out of reach and call your vet if eaten. |
| Lipstick plant Aeschynanthus radicans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Living stones Lithops | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Lucky bamboo Dracaena sanderiana | Mild | Mild | Contains saponins: drooling, vomiting (sometimes with blood) and loss of appetite. Keep out of reach and call your vet if eaten. |
| Maidenhair fern Adiantum raddianum | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| Majesty palm Ravenea rivularis | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Marble queen pothos Epipremnum aureum 'Marble Queen' | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. Offer water and call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Mexican snowball Echeveria elegans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Mint Mentha | Mild | Mild | The aromatic oils can cause mild stomach upset if a lot is eaten: usually just drooling or vomiting. |
| Money tree Pachira aquatica | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Moth orchid Phalaenopsis | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Neon pothos Epipremnum aureum 'Neon' | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth and throat irritation, drooling and pawing at the face. Usually settles; offer water and call your vet if it doesn't. |
| Nerve plant Fittonia albivenis | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Norfolk Island pine Araucaria heterophylla | Mild | Mild | Mildly toxic: the sap can cause vomiting and tiredness. Sweep up fallen needles. |
| Oleander Nerium oleander | Severe | Severe | Contains cardiac glycosides that disrupt the heart rhythm: drooling, vomiting, weakness, collapse. A small amount can be fatal; treat any nibble as an emergency and call your vet immediately. |
| Orbifolia prayer plant Calathea orbifolia | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Ox tongue Gasteria bicolor | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| Panda plant Kalanchoe tomentosa | Moderate | Moderate | Contains cardiac glycosides: usually just stomach upset, but large amounts can affect the heart rhythm. Call your vet if a lot was eaten. |
| Parlor palm Chamaedorea elegans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Parsley Petroselinum crispum | Mild | Mild | The aromatic oils can cause mild stomach upset if a lot is eaten: usually just drooling or vomiting. |
| Peace lily Spathiphyllum wallisii | Moderate | Moderate | Not a true lily, no kidney danger, but chewing releases calcium oxalate crystals: mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. Offer water and call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Peacock plant Goeppertia makoyana | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| Pencil cactus Euphorbia tirucalli | Moderate | Moderate | The milky sap irritates the mouth, stomach and skin: drooling, vomiting and redness. Rinse the area and call your vet. |
| Philodendron Birkin Philodendron 'Birkin' | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth pain, drooling and swelling. Offer water and call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Pink princess philodendron Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess' | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth and throat irritation, drooling and pawing at the face. Usually settles; offer water and call your vet if it doesn't. |
| Pinstripe calathea Goeppertia ornata | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima | Mild | Mild | Its reputation is worse than the reality: the sap mildly irritates the mouth and stomach, usually just drooling or mild vomiting. |
| Polka dot plant Hypoestes phyllostachya | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Ponytail palm Beaucarnea recurvata | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Prayer plant Maranta leuconeura | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Purple passion plant Gynura aurantiaca | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Purple shamrock Oxalis triangularis | Moderate | Moderate | Contains soluble oxalates: drooling, vomiting and diarrhea; large amounts can strain the kidneys. Call your vet if more than a mouthful was eaten. |
| Pygmy date palm Phoenix roebelenii | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Rabbit's foot fern Davallia fejeensis | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Rattlesnake plant Goeppertia insignis | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| Raven ZZ Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven' | Mild | Mild | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth and throat irritation, drooling and pawing at the face. Usually settles; offer water and call your vet if it doesn't. |
| Red Chinese evergreen Aglaonema 'Siam Aurora' | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth and throat irritation, drooling and pawing at the face. Usually settles; offer water and call your vet if it doesn't. |
| Rex begonia Begonia rex | Mild | Mild | Chewing can cause vomiting and drooling: the roots are the most toxic part. Call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Ripple peperomia Peperomia caperata | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Rubber plant Ficus elastica | Mild | Mild | The milky sap irritates the mouth and stomach: drooling, reduced appetite, sometimes skin redness. Rarely serious; call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Sage Salvia officinalis | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Sago palm Cycas revoluta | Severe | Severe | All parts, especially the seeds, attack the liver. Even one or two seeds can be fatal to cats and dogs. If any amount is eaten, go to a vet immediately. |
| Satin pothos Scindapsus pictus | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth and throat irritation, drooling and pawing at the face. Usually settles; offer water and call your vet if it doesn't. |
| Snake plant Dracaena trifasciata | Mild | Mild | Contains saponins: nausea, vomiting or diarrhea if chewed. Rarely serious; call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Song of India Dracaena reflexa | Mild | Mild | Contains saponins: drooling, vomiting (sometimes with blood) and loss of appetite. Keep out of reach and call your vet if eaten. |
| Spider plant Chlorophytum comosum | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Spineless yucca Yucca elephantipes | Moderate | Moderate | Contains saponins: vomiting and drooling; larger amounts can cause wobbliness. Call your vet if eaten. |
| Staghorn fern Platycerium bifurcatum | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Stargazer lily Lilium 'Stargazer' | Severe | Not listed | True lilies cause kidney failure in cats: even pollen groomed off fur or a sip of vase water. Treat any exposure as an emergency and call your vet immediately. Dogs typically only get mild stomach upset. |
| String of bananas Curio radicans | Mild | Mild | Mildly toxic: chewing can cause drooling, vomiting or lethargy. Keep out of reach of curious pets. |
| String of dolphins Curio × peregrinus | Mild | Mild | Mildly toxic: chewing can cause drooling, vomiting or lethargy. Keep out of reach of curious pets. |
| String of hearts Ceropegia woodii | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| String of pearls Senecio rowleyanus | Moderate | Moderate | Eating the beads can cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy, and the sap irritates skin. Call your vet if eaten. |
| String of turtles Peperomia prostrata | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Sweetheart hoya Hoya kerrii | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Swiss cheese plant Monstera deliciosa | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth pain, drooling, pawing at the face, sometimes vomiting. Offer water and call your vet if symptoms don't settle. |
| Swiss cheese vine Monstera adansonii | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth pain, drooling and sometimes vomiting. Offer water and call your vet if symptoms don't settle. |
| Thyme Thymus vulgaris | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Ti plant Cordyline fruticosa | Mild | Mild | Contains saponins: drooling, vomiting (sometimes with blood) and loss of appetite. Keep out of reach and call your vet if eaten. |
| Tomato plant Solanum lycopersicum | Mild | Mild | Green stems, leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine: drooling and stomach upset. Ripe fruit is fine in small amounts. |
| Tree aeonium Aeonium arboreum | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| Tree philodendron Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth and throat irritation, drooling and pawing at the face. Usually settles; offer water and call your vet if it doesn't. |
| Triostar stromanthe Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| Umbrella tree Schefflera arboricola | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases calcium oxalate crystals: mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. Offer water and call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Velvet-leaf philodendron Philodendron hederaceum micans | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth and throat irritation, drooling and pawing at the face. Usually settles; offer water and call your vet if it doesn't. |
| Venus flytrap Dionaea muscipula | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Watermelon peperomia Peperomia argyreia | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Wax plant Hoya carnosa | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Weeping fig Ficus benjamina | Mild | Mild | The sap irritates skin and stomach: drooling, vomiting, occasional skin rash after contact. Rarely serious; call your vet if symptoms persist. |
| Xanadu philodendron Thaumatophyllum xanadu | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth and throat irritation, drooling and pawing at the face. Usually settles; offer water and call your vet if it doesn't. |
| Zebra alocasia Alocasia zebrina | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: mouth and throat irritation, drooling and pawing at the face. Usually settles; offer water and call your vet if it doesn't. |
| Zebra haworthia Haworthia fasciata | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. |
| Zebra plant (calathea) Goeppertia zebrina | Not listed | Not listed | Not covered by the ASPCA list, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. |
| ZZ plant Zamioculcas zamiifolia | Moderate | Moderate | Chewing releases calcium oxalate crystals: mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. Offer water and call your vet if symptoms persist. |
No plant here matches that. Try the common name, or the botanical one.
Let the app remember this for you
Kounts Care holds your plants and your pets in one household, so it checks every new plant against the cats and dogs you actually own, names them in the warning, and runs the check again over your existing plants the day a new animal arrives. Toxicity warnings are free at every tier.
Coming soon to the App Store
In review with Apple · iPhone, iOS 26 · Five profiles free when it lands
What the severities mean
Severe
Damages organs. Kidney failure, liver failure or heart effects. Call a vet on suspicion, before symptoms appear.
Moderate
Painful and unpleasant. Mouth burning, swelling, vomiting. Usually settles, but worth a call if it does not.
Mild
Stomach upset. Vomiting or diarrhoea that passes. Call if it persists, if there is blood, or if your pet seems unwell.
Non-toxic
On the ASPCA non-toxic list for both cats and dogs. Eating a lot of any plant can still cause vomiting.
Questions people actually ask
Which houseplant is most dangerous to cats?
True lilies, the Lilium and Hemerocallis genera. They cause acute kidney failure in cats, and the exposure needed is tiny: pollen groomed off fur or a sip of vase water has been enough. Treat any exposure as an emergency. The sago palm is the equivalent for dogs, because its seeds attack the liver and one or two can be fatal.
Are most common houseplants toxic to pets?
Many popular ones are, but most sit in the painful rather than dangerous tier. The aroid family, which covers monstera, pothos, philodendron, ZZ plant, dieffenbachia and alocasia, carries calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth. Genuinely dangerous plants are a much shorter list.
What should I do if my pet ate a toxic plant?
Call your vet or an animal poison control line, and say which plant it was. For anything in the severe tier, call before symptoms appear rather than waiting to see. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to, and take a photo of the plant or its label with you.
Why do some plants say "Not listed"?
Because the ASPCA list does not cover them by name, so nobody here knows. Rather than guess in either direction, those plants are marked as unknown. Treat them as you would an unknown plant: out of reach of a chewer, and worth a question to your vet if one gets eaten.
Where does this list come from?
It is generated from the same catalogue the Kounts Care app uses, cross-checked against the ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. A plant is only shown as non-toxic when the ASPCA list independently confirms it for both cats and dogs, so the site and the app can never contradict each other.
Look up a specific plant
Are lilies toxic to cats?
Is sago palm toxic to dogs?
Is monstera toxic to cats?
Is pothos toxic to cats?
Are peace lilies toxic?
Are snake plants toxic?
Is aloe vera toxic to pets?
Is a ZZ plant toxic?
Is philodendron toxic to cats?
Is dumb cane toxic?
Is jade plant toxic?
Is string of pearls toxic?
Is a fiddle leaf fig toxic?
Are poinsettias toxic?
Are spider plants safe?
Are calatheas safe?
Are Boston ferns safe?
Are orchids safe?
All 49 pet-safe plants