Guide to Plants That Are Toxic to Cats & When to Seek Emergency Vet Care
Many houseplants and garden plants are toxic to cats. While some cause mild stomach upset, others can affect the kidneys, heart or nervous system and may be life-threatening.
Lilies are a particular emergency in cats. Even small amounts of pollen, leaves, petals or water from a vase containing lilies can cause severe kidney damage. If you think your cat has been exposed to a lily, contact your vet immediately.
If you think your cat has eaten any poisonous plant, don't wait for symptoms to develop. Contact your vet as soon as possible, as early treatment can significantly improve the outcome.
Common Plants That Are Toxic to Cats
Many houseplants and garden plants can be toxic to cats. The list below includes some of the more commonly encountered poisonous plants in the UK, but it is not exhaustive. If you think your cat has been exposed to any potentially poisonous plant, contact your vet for advice, even if it is not listed below.
Particularly dangerous for cats
Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species)
Other common poisonous plants
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
Cyclamen
Yew (Taxus baccata)
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Foxglove (Digitalis spp.)
Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis)
Azaleas and rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.)
Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
For a more comprehensive list of poisonous plants found in UK homes and gardens, see the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Guide to Potentially Harmful Plants.
Signs of Poisoning in Your Cat and What to Do
The signs of plant poisoning vary depending on the type of plant and the extent of exposure. Some cats develop signs within minutes, while others may not become unwell for several hours.
Common signs include:
Excessive drooling
Tremors or seizures
If you know or suspect your cat has been exposed to a poisonous plant, contact your vet immediately, even if they are not yet showing any signs of illness.
What to do if you suspect poisoning
If you think your cat has been exposed to a poisonous plant:
Gently remove any visible plant material from your cat's coat or mouth if it is safe to do so.
Prevent your cat from further exposure.
Contact your vet immediately for advice.
If possible, take a sample or photograph of the plant to help with identification.
Follow your vet's advice.
Plants – Poisoning Prevention Tips
You can reduce the risk of plant poisoning by:
Avoiding lilies in homes with cats.
Choosing pet-safe plants for your home and garden where possible.
Identifying and removing poisonous plants or restricting your cat's access to them.
Keeping cut flowers and garden waste out of your cat's reach.
Learning which common plants are poisonous to cats.
Written by Gillian Burkhill, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published August 2026 | Review date August 2029 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet