Toxic & Safe Plants Reference for Dogs and Cats
Look up which common houseplants and garden plants are toxic to dogs and cats, by toxicity tier, and which are safe. If you suspect an ingestion, call your vet or a pet poison helpline - this reference is a starting point, not a substitute for professional advice.
This is a reference guide, not an exhaustive list.
Thousands of plant species exist and toxicity data is incomplete for many. If you suspect any plant ingestion, call your vet or a pet poison helpline rather than relying solely on this list.
Toxicity tier
How to use this tool
Why toxicity tiers matter
Not every "toxic" plant carries the same urgency. High-tier plants like lilies, sago palm, and oleander can be life-threatening in small amounts and warrant an immediate vet visit. Moderate and mild-tier plants typically cause GI upset that resolves with supportive care, but any exposure is still worth a call.
Lilies deserve special attention
True lilies (Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, Stargazer, Day lily) are uniquely dangerous to cats - every part of the plant, including pollen and vase water, can cause acute kidney failure. Dogs are not affected the same way. Any cat exposure to a true lily should be treated as an emergency, even without visible signs yet.
What to do after a suspected ingestion
Call your vet or a poison control line immediately. Try to identify the exact plant - bring a piece, a photo, or the plant tag if you have one. Don't induce vomiting without guidance, since some plants cause more damage on the way back up.
Frequently asked questions
Which houseplants are safest to have around cats and dogs?
Boston Fern, Areca Palm, Christmas Cactus, African Violet, and Orchids (Phalaenopsis) are all considered non-toxic to dogs and cats. That said, "non-toxic" doesn't mean encourage eating it - large quantities of any plant material can still cause GI upset.
Why are lilies uniquely dangerous to cats but not dogs?
True lilies (Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, Stargazer, Day lily) cause a cat-specific renal tubular toxicity that leads to acute kidney failure - every part of the plant, including pollen and vase water, is dangerous. Dogs don't develop the same kidney injury from true lilies, only mild GI upset. Any exposure in a cat, even pollen groomed off fur, warrants an emergency vet visit.
What should I do if my pet eats a toxic plant?
Call your vet or a poison control line immediately. Try to identify the exact plant - bring a piece, a photo, or the tag if you have one. Don't induce vomiting without guidance, since some plants cause more damage on the way back up.
Are essential oils from these plants also dangerous?
Yes, often more so. Concentrated essential oils - for example from oleander or yew - can be more potent than the raw plant. Cats are especially sensitive to many essential oils generally, due to their limited ability to metabolize plant compounds (poor glucuronidation).