Poisons and Hazards to Cats

The cat's natural curiosity can bring it in contact with poisons, plants and other hazards. Here is a sample list of the poisonous plants and some substances that are bad for cats to get in to. See the related pages for other items, too!

Cats are much more sensitive than dogs and because they clean themselves, they are likely to be poisoned by things they step in accidentally. Cats like to climb and explore, and sometimes fall. Never keep used motor oil or antifreeze in an open container. It affects the kidneys and kills animals and people alike!

POISONOUS HOUSEPLANTS & DANGERS IN YOUR GARDEN

You want to think that your garden is a natural, safe and secure place for your cats to enjoy, but unfortunately this is not always the case. The most obvious dangers in the garden are poisonous plants but because the cat's metabolism is different from humans, plants that are poisonous to people are not always poisonous to cats and vice versa.

Houseplants

Cats often nibble on plants and many houseplants are poisonous to cats. If your cat vomits or doesn't want to eat, check the Philodendron for nibble marks. Poinsettias and mistletoe are especially toxic, but not eaten frequently. Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) is toxic, but because it causes an immediate burning sensation, cats rarely eat enough to do themselves any real harm.

Caution should be taken in fenced areas. Extra care should be taken with kittens who, like all small creatures, are inquisitive and playfully have a nibble at anything. Also, because of their smaller body weight they are more susceptible to poisons. Similar care should be taken inside the house.

List of Poisonous Plants

This list of plants is far from exhaustive. Even if you uproot all possible harmful plants in your house or garden, your cat might still wander into a neighbour's garden and find poisonous plants growing there. Some plants smell and taste repulsive to cats and most cats retain many of their wild instincts, and therefore know which plants are edible. However, when a cat leads a more enclosed life and does not have the choice of plants to eat, it is less likely to differentiate between good and bad ones.

Poisonous Plants
Common Name Botanical Name What Part of Plant
Bird of Paradise Strelizia regirae Fruit, seeds
Boston Ivy Parthenocissus quinquefolia All parts
Caladium Caladium All parts
Creeping Charlie Glecoma hederacea All parts
Dumbcane Dieffenbachia All parts
Emerald Duke Philodendron hastatum All parts
Glacier Ivy Hedera glacier Leaves, berries
Heartleaf Philadendron cordatum All parts
English Ivy Hedera helix Leaves, berries
Marble Queen Scindapsus aureus All parts
Majesty Philodendron hastatum All parts
Nephthytis, Arrowhead Vine Synogonium podophyllum albolineatum All parts
Parlor Ivy Philodendron cordatum All parts
Pothos Scindapsus aureus All parts
Red Princess Philodendron hastatum All parts
Saddleleaf Philodendron selloum All parts
Split leaf Philodendron Monstera deliciosa All parts
Umbrella Plant Cyperus alternifolius All parts
Poinsettia Leaves and stems
Balsam, Pine, Cedar Fir All parts
Holly Berries and leaves
Mistletoe All parts
Ivies Hedera spp All parts
Cherry Laurel Prunus Laurocerasus All parts
Rhododendron All parts
Azaleas, all All parts
Euphorbias, all All parts
Oleander All parts
False Jerusalem Cherry Solanum Capiscastrum All parts
Elephant Ears Caladium spp All parts
Parlour Palms All parts

It is best to keep all houseplants out of reach of your cats or in a room they do not have access to, until you are sure they will not be tempted. Try to keep a pot of "kitty grass" available for cats that don't go outside; you can buy kits and seeds in pet shops.

I do not recommend products that can be purchased on the open market. I stick to items specifically formulated for use around pets. However, I want to state here that "Swiffer" and "Pinesol" are not injurious to cats if used according to label directions and all surfaces allowed to dry completely. For further information, contact the manufacturer or check Snopes, the online urban legend dispelling website.

Related Sites:

Cat Lovers Only is a wonderful place to check out cat stuff! He's been around a while, but I just found him.

Search this site powered by FreeFind

Contact Form
CatLover Magazine Subscription Form

footer for pet poisons and hazards page