I know that Lillies are a definite no for cats, but I'm curious—are there any other plants that are only toxic if ingested? My cat doesn't eat plants or flowers and tends to ignore them, so I'm wondering if it's safe to have some around.
3 Answers
The ASPCA has a detailed list of common plants that are either toxic or non-toxic to cats, complete with symptoms and other details. It's a great resource if you want to check a specific plant before bringing it home!
You're right that generally, plants need to be ingested to be toxic. Most typically require a decent amount, like a couple of leaves, to cause problems. But keep in mind that Lillies and Sago Palms are the exceptions—just touching or tasting those can be harmful!
Plenty of houseplants fall into that category you’re asking about. Most toxic plants need to be eaten in larger amounts to have any serious effects—like a full leaf—but some, like Lillies and Sago Palms, are super toxic even in small quantities. I usually check online before buying new plants and keep anything questionable out of my cat’s reach if I decide to get it. My cats ignore most plants, but they do love grass-like ones!
Wow, I didn’t realize Lillies could be so dangerous just from a tiny bit! I’ll definitely be cautious about those.