Pets are beloved family members, and it is a shame when they get sick. It can be distressing to see your cat or dog struggling with serious health problems. Many common household plants can also cause serious illness in animals. Below we have compiled a list of 10 dangerous houseplants that should be avoided.
Table of Contents
1. Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake plants are also called mother-in-law’s tongue or sword plants due to it’s long leaves. These plants grow well in low humidity and thrive in dry conditions as they are succulents. The snake plant isn’t generally attractive to cats and dogs, but some pets may have a nibble. The plant can cause nasty symptoms such as vomiting if ingested by pets and humans. It can also cause skin irritations if touched or handled.
2. Philodendrons
Philodendrons are a large plant species with many varieties. These plants have heart-shaped foliage with a glossy texture and are widely used as a houseplant due to their easy-care nature. All philodendrons are toxic to pets and humans if ingested as they contain a compound called insoluble calcium oxalates. If consumed, philodendrons can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, cats, and humans. In the worse cases, cats and dogs can die if they don’t get immediate medical attention.
3. Aloe (Aloe vera)
The most popular houseplant aloe is easy to grow due to its low maintenance requirements. The plant needs proper drainage, moderate watering, and indirect sunlight exposure for at least 6 hours daily. It can also survive low sunlight conditions for a few days. Aloe is toxic for dogs and cats if ingested so keep it away from their reach.
4. Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden pothos has heart-shaped leaves with yellow variegation. It grows well in bright light to semi-shade conditions with moist soil. Allow the soil to dry between waterings and keep pruning to a minimum. Pothos is toxic for cats and dogs if ingested, but it may cause skin irritation to some people as well.
5. Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia)
Angels trumpet has beautiful flowers, which unfortunately are highly toxic. It grows well in moist, well-drained soil in full sunlight or semi-shade conditions. Its flowers are available in pink, orange, and yellow color. The leaves contain toxic tropane alkaloids that can cause delirium, paralysis, and hallucinations in both humans and pets. Handling the plant can also cause skin irritation.
6. Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.)
These are popular flowering shrubs with deciduous leaves, which grow well in moist, acidic soil. Most of the azaleas have a high ornamental value as they come in different shapes and colors. Ingestion of leaves may cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and depression or weakness in pets.
7. Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)
The Dieffenbachia is also called the Mother-in-law plant or dumb cane. It has large green leaves that grow well in bright light with moist soil. The plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, which may cause oral irritation and vomiting. All parts of the plant are poisonous as they contain the compound insoluble calcium oxalate. There are approximately 30 types of Dieffenbachia, all of which are moderately toxic.
8. Cycads (Cycas revoluta)
Cycads are also referred to as sago palm ok king sago palm due to the resemblance to palms. The plant has thick stems with stiff leaves at the top. It grows well in full sunlight or partial shade conditions with moist soil. It is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, which may cause abdominal pain, dark stools, diarrhea, jaundice, and vomiting. In the worse cases, it can cause liver failure, which can be fatal.
9. English ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy has glossy evergreen leaves that are poisonous for cats and dogs. The effects are generally not severe. Ingestion of small quantities of this plant can cause mouth inflammation and, vomiting.
10. Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.)
Cyclamens are beautiful flowers that can add color to your yard throughout the winter and spring months. The flowers are generally long-lasting, and different varieties are available.
The plant has a low requirement for soil conditions and does well with adequate light or partial shade. All parts of the plant are poisonous to cats and dogs if ingested, which may cause inflammation, loss of appetite, depression, and vomiting.
Conclusion
There are various houseplants that are poisonous to pets which should be kept away from them for their safety. The list is not by any means complete and does not cover all common houseplants. There are other plants like peace lilies (Spathiphyllum), poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima), spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum), and lilies, which are also harmful.
Avoid toxic plants and seek immediate medical advice from your vet if your pet has eaten a piece of poisonous house plant.
Author
Abi Latham wrote this guest post from Cat Care Checklist.