Household plants may undoubtedly add life to a space, but some of them are actually harmful to your dogs and even deadly if they consume them. The plants on the list below are dangerous to pets because of the toxic compounds they contain. All pet owners are advised to become familiar with these plants because they go by many different names. Additionally, it’s a smart idea to keep a first-aid kit on hand for your pet in case of any accidents.
Lilies
Although the Lily family of plants is highly diverse, some of its species are poisonous to dogs and cats. While the Stargazer and Easter Lilies are poisonous to both cats and dogs, the Mauna Loa, also known as the Peace Lily, is poisonous to both. In fact, cats may not survive if the Stargazer and Easter Lily are left untreated since it affects the cat’s kidneys and appetite. As for the Peace Lily, if it’s consumed, your dog or cat can start vomiting and struggle to swallow because of irritated lips and tongue.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a beautiful plant for people because of its ability to smooth skin, but it has the opposite effect on dogs who are kept as pets. The plant’s other parts can impair a dog’s digestive tract, but the leaves contain a form of gel substance that won’t hurt your pet if it is consumed.
Ivy (Hedera Helix)
We’ve all heard of poison ivy, but even common ivy, which is rather attractive, can be hazardous to dogs. If the plant is consumed, a dog might get a rash and/or have respiratory issues, but things might become lot worse because poison ivy can also cause paralysis or a coma.
Jade (Crassula Ovata)
The Jade plant is also known as Baby Jade, the Friendship Tree, the Dwarf Rubber Plant, the Chinese or Japanese Rubber Plant, and the Jade Tree. Whatever you choose to call it, make sure to keep your pet cat or dog away from it. Although the precise poisons in this plant are unknown, eating it can cause vomiting, ataxia (loss of coordination), bradycardia (slow heartbeat), and/or sadness.
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
The poisonous plant Dieffenbachia is also known as Dumb Cane, Exotica, or Tropic Snow, and it is toxic to both dogs and cats. The poisonous chemicals in this plant can cause vomiting, trouble swallowing, burning/swelling of the mouth and tongue, as well as excessive salivation. It may occasionally result in respiratory problems or even death.
Elephant Ear (Caladium)
Other popular names for this vibrant plant species include Malanga, Via Sori, Pai, Taro, Cape, or Ape. Because the compounds in it are comparable to those in Dieffenbachia, the reactions are practically identical. As a result, your pet may experience oral issues, increased salivation or drooling, vomiting, and swallowing issues.
Pothos/Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)
The plant, also known as Satin or Silk Pothos, can irritate the mouth and tongue and is poisonous to both dogs and cats. Your pet may also experience nausea, increased salivation, and trouble swallowing. The plant can produce symptoms that are similar to those of Philodendron.
This strange-looking shrub can harm your dog in all of its parts. This applies to everything—leaves, roots, and even seeds. Every portion of the plant is deadly, and eating any of it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even liver failure.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
Your pet shouldn’t consume this plant because it may cause irritated reactions like diarrhea and vomiting.
This plant, also known as Emerald Fern, Emerald Feather, Sprengeri Fern, Lace Fern, and Plumosa Fern, is harmful to both dogs and cats. If the berries are consumed, the plant’s sapogenin toxin, which is present in the berries, can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and skin inflammation.
Sowbread (Cyclamen)
This flowering plant will add color to any space, but dogs and cats should avoid it. When ingested, it may cause excessive salivation and drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat, and/or seizures. In extreme situations, it may even be fatal.
There are a number of plant varieties that are suitable for your pet dog to use as decorations in your home because they don’t contain any toxic chemicals or toxins. Hens and Chicks, Burro’s Tail, Blue Echeveria, Ponytail Palm, and Bamboo are the most prevalent and well-liked of these.
Is devil’s ivy toxic to people?
Or is pothos poisonous? Humans may get irritation from devil’s ivy. Crystals in the form of microscopic needles can be seen on Devil’s Ivy leaves. Therefore, if chewed, these tiny crystals can irritate the mouth, throat, and tongue, producing drooling, redness, and swelling practically immediately.
Is it poisonous to touch devil’s ivy?
The hazardous golden pothos plant can harm people if touched or eaten, and all parts are dangerous.
However, in rare instances, ingesting significant amounts of the pothos plant can result in swelling of the upper airway, which can then create breathing problems.
Why is toxic devil’s ivy?
The green climbing plant known as devil’s ivy (Epipremnum pinnatum) is also known as pothos, golden pothos, marble queen, taro vine, and ivy arum. Dogs are poisonous to insoluble calcium oxalates, which are present in both the stem and the leaves. In reality, calcium oxalates can be absorbed into your dog’s bloodstream and then be deposited in the kidneys, heart, liver, or anyplace else the bloodstream takes it if a significant amount is taken. The tissues are irritated and swollen as a result of the glycosides and steroidal saponins.
The Araceae family includes golden pothos, sometimes known as devil’s ivy. Devil’s ivy contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which are small crystals that function as microscopic needles when crushed, similar to other deadly plants. This results in excruciating pain, swelling, drooling, vomiting, and swallowing issues. Dogs have been known to asphyxiate (choke) on the leaves of this plant in extreme circumstances, which can be fatal. Dogs can avoid ingesting a fatal dose by avoiding the poisonous stems (vines) and leaves, which usually result in acute symptoms. However, some dogs will always eat everything, so it’s crucial to make sure there are no devil’s ivy plants somewhere your dog can access them.
What happens if a dog consumes poison ivy?
According to the Pet Poison Helpline website, the stems and leaves of devil’s ivy contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which are crystals that can enter the digestive tract and oral tissues when your dog chews or bites the plant. Intake results in severe mouth burning, as well as enlargement of the tongue, lips, and digestive system. The ASPCA advises contacting your veterinarian if you see any symptoms indicating your dog may have taken devil’s ivy, even though its toxicity to dogs is typically mild to severe. Vomiting, oral edema, profuse drooling, and foaming or pawing at the mouth are possible symptoms.
Is having ivy in the house bad karma?
Ivy brought inside the home tied to firewood was considered unlucky for the family. On the other hand, if it flourished outside a home, the family would be protected against the Evil Eye and witchcraft.
Can Devil’s Ivy clean the air?
These plants may be suitable for those who want to test their green thumb first. Although they don’t need daily attention, most of them will grow more successfully if they are fertilized once a month.
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants, also referred to as air plants, are quick-growing and look beautiful in hanging baskets, particularly in your workspace. They occasionally even produce beautiful white flowers.
There are more than 200 species of spider plants, and many of them can withstand our occasional carelessness.
Non-toxic: This plant is appropriate for use around children and animals who enjoy playing with swinging objects.
Dracaenas
A novice with a green thumb should grow dracaenas. These numerous indoor plants come in a wide variety of forms, dimensions, and hues. Choose between the rainbow plant, which is a vivid purple color, or the tall corn plant, which has unique patterning.
Maintain a moist but not saturated soil for the plant because too much water can kill it.
Animal toxicity: If your cat or dog eats dracaenas, they can vomit, salivate more, or get dilated pupils.
Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
This plant, often known as devil’s ivy, may be the closest thing to an indestructible plant there is. It may grow up to 8 feet long and thrives in a range of environments. It is also regarded as one of the best domestic air purifiers for getting rid of typical contaminants.
Water your plants when the soil is dry. In case the plant becomes too large, you can clip the tendrils.
Areca palms (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
It’s simpler to grow this tiny Madagascarian plant outside. However, if you have a room with plenty of brilliant filtered light, its gently arching leaves will be a lovely accent.
Plant maintenance: This thirsty plant requires a lot of water throughout its growing phase, but less during the winter.
Non-toxic: Neither cats nor dogs can be harmed by the tall plants or their leaves.
Benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and other substances are eliminated.
Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Mums, or florist’s chrysanthemums, are rated as the best air purifiers. They have been demonstrated to remove ammonia as well as common poisons.
Because this flower only blooms for roughly six weeks, reward yourself with a brand-new pot. Alternately, as new growth starts to show in the spring, fertilize the container once more. However, it won’t be able to filter the air without the flowers. You might want to just buy a new pot if you don’t want to wait.
Animal toxicity: Despite having a cute name, mums are poisonous to both cats and dogs.
Is pothos poisonous to people?
Yes, in a nutshell, but let’s first discuss why and to whom. Adults, children, and even dogs shouldn’t handle pothos plants. Pothos plants contain an insoluble calcium oxalate crystal in their leaves and stems, albeit they are usually not fatal. These crystals literally rip, tear, and shred the flesh because they resemble glass shards. This extends to areas including the face, mouth, throat, hands, paws, and even digestive system. Though extremely unusual, there have been a few instances where the irritation even results in edema in the upper section of the airway. Breathing may become difficult as a result, which may necessitate a trip to the hospital.
Simple contact with the leaves or typical maintenance tasks like watering or dusting them do not cause these reactions. Such reactions frequently happen when a child or animal eats a plant, or while you are trimming or repotting the plant and some plant debris gets on your skin.
When cutting into or working with a pothos plant, be cautious and wear gloves to prevent any anxiety or needless suffering. Keep the plant out of the reach of your two-legged and four-legged family members as well.
Can you get sick from pothos?
Although pothos plants are low maintenance indoor plants, you should be aware that they are poisonous. Although seldom dangerous, ingesting the plant can irritate the stomach and result in vomiting because to the calcium oxalates it contains. Highly sensitive people may develop a rash even from the plant’s sap. Although it is harmful to cats, dogs, and children, as previously indicated, it typically only causes severe illness rather than death.
What occurs if a cat consumes poison ivy?
If you have cats, you are aware of their penchant for nibbling on leaves. Cats chew green leaves for entertainment, boredom, or stomach aches. Before they chew, I’ve noticed that both of my cats like to run the edges of leaves along their mouths. Their facial expressions indicate that they think it feels fairly good. They will consume grass if given access to the outdoors, and they enjoy nibbling on nearly anything leafy and crunchy indoors. Particularly long, stringy leaves are their favorite. It’s quite OK, and some cat owners even produce “Cat Grass” for their feline companions.
My cats are quite interested in plants, as you can see from the pictures. particularly Louis. He enjoys catnip a lot, consumes grass frequently, and I have to continuously shoo him away from my spider plant. I wanted to list some of the worst offenders because I’ve grown more aware of the toxicity of common house and garden plants over time.
What to do if your cat eats a toxic plant
Before rushing your pet to the hospital, take a photo of any new plants or bouquets in the house if your cat starts to act sick. A photo or bringing in a sample of the plant will help identify the source of the poison and ensure prompt treatment. The evidence will help identify which of the many houseplants that are poisonous to cats.
Symptoms might range from a swelling around the mouth to drooling, diarrhea, erratic breathing or heartbeat, and vomiting, depending on the flower. The website of Pet MD has additional details. Above all, keep your cool for your own sake and the sake of your pet cat, and take them to the doctor as soon as you can.
Toxic plants for catsLilies
We need to discuss about lilies before moving on to the indoor plants. Lilies (of all sorts) are the most deadly, even though there are several plants and blooms that can give cats everything from rashes to unsettled stomachs.
Despite the fact that the majority of adult cats will refrain from chewing on poisonous leaves and flowers, pollen can still fall from bouquets and land on flat surfaces. Little furry toes can gather up pollen with a playful scurry across the dining room table, which is then licked off as the cat grooms itself. Lily pollen can be fatal to your pet cat because even a small amount can result in severe renal failure.
Not only are dangerous lilies used as bouquet flowers. Common houseplants like peace lilies might also sicken your cat. Fortunately, unlike other lilies, poisoning from peace lilies does not result in abrupt kidney failure.
Monstera
The Swiss Cheese Plant, Monstera deliciosa, is the most well-known of all the plants driving the houseplant craze. Cats are also extremely toxic to it, and even one bite can cause them to suffer greatly. Thankfully, cats don’t tend to appreciate chewing on softer leaves, so if you have one, it’s doubtful that your cats will nibble on it. It IS possible, though, and you should be aware of the signs. Drooling, mouth and throat soreness, difficulty swallowing, and oral cavity irritation are all signs of Monstera deliciosa poisoning in cats.
Jade Plants
Jade plants are returning due to the rise in popularity of houseplant collecting. This plant, which is also known as a rubber plant or a money tree, is poisonous to cats in all forms. Poisoning from the jade plant can be lethal if it nibbles too much.
Keeping jade plants away from cats may be challenging because they can grow to be quite enormous. You should therefore think twice before bringing this plant inside. If not, keep smaller plants elevated and away from people. Loss of muscle function, vomiting, and a slow heartbeat are all signs of jade plant toxicity. Cats who consume jade plant poison die if they don’t receive veterinary care.
Aloes
I always have a few aloe plants on hand for burns and for producing skincare products, including aloe vera. However, some of the saponins, which are what give aloe its therapeutic properties, can be exceedingly harmful to cats. The majority of cats will not eat aloe, but one of mine will if she is allowed to be around an aloe, chew the tips off the leaves.
Diarrhea, loss of appetite, anorexia, sadness, reddish urine, and more are signs of aloe toxicity in cats. Your cat may exhibit a shift from a few hours to a few days after consuming aloe. You should take your cat to the doctor right away if you think they may have been eating aloe and are now sick.
Devils Ivy
Devil’s ivy, often known as the golden pothos, is another typical leafy houseplant that needs to be avoided. The calcium oxalate crystals that are present in every part of the plant will cause your cat a lot of discomfort if it chews or consumes any of it. Your cat would exhibit symptoms identical to those of Monstera deliciosa poisoning because it is the same substance. It will claw at his mouth, drool, and have trouble swallowing.
Take your cat to the vet right away for treatment if it develops symptoms after being exposed to devil’s ivy. Even though most cats who are poisoned with devil’s ivy recover completely, they will nevertheless endure excruciating discomfort. If you plan to keep this plant indoors, think twice.
Cyclamen are toxic to cats
Cyclamens, a typical floral plant seen both indoors and outdoors, also include natural saponins. Cats can become seriously ill from chewing or consuming any part of the plant, just like with aloe. I’ve maintained a pot of cyclamens outdoors outside my door all winter. Although I haven’t seen any signs of nibbling, I have seen Louis playing with the flowers. As soon as it warms up, I’ll move these far away from the kitties. Drooling, diarrhea, and convulsions are among the signs of cyclamen poisoning. If addressed, these symptoms can be fatal.
Feline Stimulants & Hallucinogens
Some plants are also chewed on like drugs by cats. The majority of individuals are aware of catnip’s effects on drooling, playfulness, and completely insane behavior. According to reports, the effects only endure for around ten minutes but are comparable to those of marijuana or LSD in people. Only half of cats are impacted by catnip.
There are a few more plants that have a similar effect on cats. These include spider plants and valerian root, which is cultivated to help people fall asleep naturally. Despite not responding to catnip, one of my cats expresses interest in Valerian. The other enjoys them both, and I occasionally catch him nibbling on my spider plant as well.
Spider Plants
Despite claims to the contrary, spider plants can give cats a slight illness. Your cat may get nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if they consume enough spider plant leaves. However, the question is why do they even eat them? The leaves of the spider plant contain organic substances similar to opium, which cause cats to experience moderate but unharmful hallucinations.
Houseplants that are Toxic to Cats
Numerous flowers, outdoor plants, and indoor plants are poisonous to cats. I urge you to look at this list of plants that are poisonous to cats and non-toxic because there are just too many to include here. Despite their propensity to stay away from harmful plants, cats occasionally make mistakes and require assistance. The first step in keeping your cats safe is to keep recognized threats out of their reach. If your cat does become ill, being able to identify a plant will assist ensure swift treatment at the vet.