Many of our homes feature houseplants and garden blooms, but some plants toxic to cats UK-wide pose a serious health risk. Here are 15 common plants that are toxic to cats in the UK, what symptoms to watch for, and what to do if your cat ingests something harmful. We’ve also included some safe plant alternatives, so you can enjoy a pet-friendly home without worry.
1. Lilies (Lilium & Hemerocallis species)
Even though they are Sarah’s favourite, lilies are extremely toxic to cats — even brushing against the pollen or drinking water from a vase can cause kidney failure. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Safe alternative: Orchid or spider plant.
2. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
A Christmas favourite, but its milky sap can irritate a cat’s mouth and stomach, causing drooling, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Safe alternative: Christmas cactus.
3. Yew (Taxus baccata)
All parts of the yew tree are toxic and can cause tremors, difficulty breathing, and heart failure. Safe alternative: Holly fern.
4. Daffodils (Narcissus)
Bright and cheerful, but all parts, especially the bulbs, are toxic. Eating/nibbling can lead to vomiting, convulsions, and heart issues. Safe alternative: Sunflowers.
5. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Beautiful but dangerous. Ingesting foxglove can cause drooling, irregular heart rhythms, and even death. Safe alternative: Snapdragons.
6. Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Highly toxic, even small amounts can be deadly. Affects the heart and nervous system. Safe alternative: Camellia.
7. Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
Can cause severe vomiting, organ damage, and even death if ingested. Safe alternative: Marigolds.
8. Ivy (Hedera helix)
Commonly used as ground cover or a climbing plant, ivy can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and hypersalivation. Safe alternative: Swedish ivy (non-toxic variety).
9. Rhododendron
Toxic to both cats and dogs, rhododendron can lead to drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and heart issues. Safe alternative: Magnolia.
10. Hydrangea
While lovely to look at, hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause vomiting, depression, and confusion in cats. Safe alternative: Roses (without pesticide treatment).
11. Azalea
Related to rhododendron, azaleas can be harmful even in small doses, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, and heart problems. Safe alternative: Impatiens.
12. Tulips
Another spring favourite, tulip bulbs are the most toxic part and can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and depression. Safe alternative: Gerbera daisies.
13. Chrysanthemums
Often found in bouquets and gardens, mums can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and coordination problems. Safe alternative: Aster.
14. Amaryllis
Popular around Christmas, amaryllis can lead to salivation, tremors, and vomiting if eaten. Safe alternative: Bromeliads.
15. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Despite the name, peace lilies aren’t true lilies but are still toxic. They can cause mouth irritation, drooling, and trouble swallowing. Safe alternative: Areca palm.
Always check whether a plant is safe — many popular varieties are among the most common plants toxic to cats UK owners need to avoid.
What to Do If Your Cat Ingests a Toxic Plant
If you suspect your cat has eaten part of a toxic plant, call your vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Take a sample or photo of the plant with you to the vet to help with diagnosis.
Top Tip: You can also contact the Animal PoisonLine (run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service) on 01202 509000 for advice.
Creating a Cat-Safe Space
If you enjoy plants around the house or garden, choosing non-toxic options is the safest approach. Many safe plants still offer the colour, texture, and greenery you love without the worry.
Always double-check the safety of any new plant before bringing it into your home. The RHS website and Cats Protection are good UK-based resources for checking plant toxicity.
Cats have a way of getting into everything which is why knowing about hidden dangers like toxic plants is so important. At Furballs Cattery in Hampshire, we’ve spent more than 30 years making sure every cat in our care is safe, happy, and thoroughly pampered. As a family-run, 5-star licensed cattery, you can trust us to treat your cat like one of our own.
Find out where we are and why local cat owners choose us.
