Kitty Toxin Awareness

Girl Scout Gold Award Project by Alyssa Bishop

 

This document is intended for educational purposes and references. My goal is to spread awareness of toxic substances to cats and help my community create a safe environment for their felines. If you suspect your cat has been poisoned, please take it to a local veterinary office ASAP or immediately call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661 ($65 incident fee may apply) or Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435. Keep your cat in a contained, safe environment until it can be checked by a certified veterinarian. 

 

Cats are highly curious creatures. Their natural caution about new foods, plants, and substances may be overcome by curiosity or boredom. Kittens or cats that have not been trained to stay away from plants and flowers are more likely to become poisoned. Poisoning presents itself in three main forms: topical poisoning (exposure to the skin), oral poisoning (ingestion of any part of a plant), and inhalation poisoning (breathing in the fumes or smoke from burning any part of a plant). Each substance below is listed with specific symptoms, but owners should generally look out for: difficulty breathing, drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drinking, excessive urinating, irregular heartbeat, and weakness. Depression is also common and may appear as isolation for periods of time, sleeping more than normal, and a noticeable change in personality, commonly seen in the form of aggression.

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Toxic Plants

Assume all parts of a plant are toxic unless it is specifically stated otherwise. 

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Name(s): Adam-and-Eve Orchid

Toxin(s): The sap causes needle-like pain to the tongue, mouth, and throat.

Symptoms: Dry heaving, vomiting, gagging, pawing at the mouth, excessive drooling, head shaking, rapid breathing (dyspnea), difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), choking, digestive upset, renal failure. Eaten in large amounts, this plant can cause convulsions, coma, and death. 

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Name(s): Alocasia, Elephant Ear

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing or biting into this plant will cause tissue penetration and irritation to the mouth and GI tract.

Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

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Name(s): Aloe, Aloe vera, Barbados Aloe, Medicine Plant, True Aloe, Octopus Plant, Medicine Plant, Torch Plant, Candelabra Plant

Toxin(s): Saponins, anthracene, anthraquinones glycosides, latex (in the gel). When ingested, these glycosides are metabolized by intestinal bacteria forming compounds that increase mucus production and water in the colon.

Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, changes in urine color to red, abdominal cramping, loss of appetite, and tremors (in extreme conditions). 

 

Name(s): Amaryllis Lily, Barbados Lily, Belladonna, Saint Joseph Lily, Cape Belladonna, Naked Lady, Fire Lily, Lily of the Palace, Cocoa Lily

Toxin(s): Amaryllidaceae alkaloids such as lycorine, crinidine, clivacetine, clivonine

Symptoms: Increased salivation, gastrointestinal abnormalities, decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, and tremors. Large ingestions cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The most poisonous part of the plant is the bulbs.

 

Name(s): Ambrosia Mexicana, Jerusalem Oak, Feather Geranium

Toxin(s): Sesquiterpene lactones, oxalates, nitrates, cyanide  

Symptoms: Vomiting, anorexia, depression, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, rapid and labored respiration, dark mucous membranes, weakness, sleepiness, tremors, ataxia, staggering, dark or brown blood, seizures, cardiac irregularities, hypocalcemia-type signs, coma, death.

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Name(s): American Bittersweet, Bittersweet, Waxwork, Shrubby Bittersweet, False Bittersweet, Climbing Bittersweet

Toxin(s): Cardenolides, alkaloids

Symptoms: Symptoms will vary depending on how much your cat has ingested. Consuming a small amount may lead to gastrointestinal issues including vomiting and diarrhea. A large amount may result in weakness and seizures. 

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Name(s): American Mandrake, Mayapple, Indian Apple Root, Umbrella Leaf, Wild Lemon, Hog Apple, Duck's Foot, Raccoon Berry

Toxin(s): Podophyllin, alkaloid, atropine

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, poison lethargy, panting, coma (rare), skin ulcers, elevated heart rate, sedation of the central nervous system, impaired muscle control, lost control of eye movements, decreased ability to swallow, loss of all physical movements, disorientation, mental confusion, delirium, over excitement, hallucinations, unconsciousness, paralysis of all involuntary muscles (heart, lungs, etc.), death (in extreme conditions).

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Name(s): Angelica Tree, Hercules' Club, Devil's Walking Stick, Prickly Ash, Prickly Elder

Toxin(s): Araliin (irritates a cat’s gastrointestinal tract, skin, and oral cavity after consumption)

Symptoms: Skin and oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea

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Name(s): Apple or Apricot (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Cyanogenic glycosides aka cyanide which is found in the stems, leaves, and seeds/pits. It is particularly toxic when wilting.

Symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, vomiting, heavy panting, respiratory issues, bright red colored gums and eventual shock or death. 

 

Name(s): Arrow-Head Vine, Nephthytis, Green Gold Naphthysis, African Evergreen, Trileaf Wonder, Goosefoot plant

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals 

Symptoms: When a cat bites into the vine, these crystals are released into the cat’s mouth and immediately begin to irritate the tissue. If the plant is swallowed, the cat will begin to experience more serious symptoms. Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, increased respiratory rate, pawing at the mouth may occur.

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Name(s): Arum, Cuckoo-pint, Lord-and-Ladies, Adam-and-Eve, Starch Root, Bobbins, Wake Robin

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates crystals, possibly Proteinase depending on the species.

Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, throat, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, choking, and swelling of the throat, inability or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), Ingestion of larger quantities can result in severe digestive upset, extreme difficulty breathing, rapid shallow gasps (dyspnea), and even liver and kidney damage, convulsions, renal failure, coma or death.

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Name(s): Arum Lily, Calla Lily, Pig Lily, White Arum, Trumpet Lily, Florist's Calla, Garden Calla

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, pawing at the mouth, violent shaking of the head, intense burning sensation in and around the mouth, weak or hoarse voice, acute inflammation of the mouth and throat, choking, excessive thirst, excessive urination, irregular or racing pulse, extreme difficulty breathing (rapid, shallow gasps). If your cat goes into renal failure, these symptoms develop: liver and kidney damage, vomiting, partial or complete loss of appetite, depression, dehydration, convulsions, coma, death.

 

Name(s): Asian Lily, Asiatic Lily, Oriental lily, Day Lily, Orange Day Lily

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, kidney failure, diarrhea, dehydration, hiding, changes in behavior, seizures, shock, death. If a cat ingests as little as two petals, pollen of the flower, or drinks water from a vase containing the flower, kidney failure can occur. Signs of kidney failure to watch for include excessive urination, weight loss, lethargy, blood-tinged vomit, or diarrhea. 

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Name(s): Asparagus Fern, Asparagus, Emerald Feather, Emerald Fern, Sprengeri Fern, Plumosa Fern, Lace Fern, Racemose Asparagus, Shatavari

Toxin(s): Sapogenin

Symptoms: Berry ingestion could result in gastric upset (vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea). Allergic dermatitis (skin inflammation) can occur if an animal is repeatedly exposed to this plant.

 

Name(s): Australian Ivy Palm, Schefflera, Umbrella Tree, Octopus Tree, Starleaf

Toxin(s): Terpenoids, saponins, insoluble oxalates

Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, mild vomiting, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, mild diarrhea. Leucopenia (low white blood cell count) and ataxia (loss of full control of body movements) are rare. 

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Name(s): Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Naked lady

Toxin(s): Colchicine and other alkaloids

Symptoms: Oral irritation, burning sensation in the mouth, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, breathing difficulties, seizures, multi-organ damage, bone marrow suppression, heart arrhythmias, and death. Although the entire plant is considered toxic to cats, the toxicity is highest in the bulbs, seeds, and flowers.

 

Name(s): Azalea, Rhododendron, Rosebay 

Toxin(s): Grayantoxins, which disrupt sodium channels affecting the skeletal and cardiac muscle.

Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, oral irritation, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weakness, tremors, transient blindness, seizures, cardiac failure, hypotension, depression of the central nervous system, cardiovascular collapse, depression, acute digestive upset, frequent bowel movements/diarrhea, colic, loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, weak heart rate. In severe cases, ingestion can cause a drop in blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, coma, and death. 

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Name(s): Baby Doll Ti Plant, Ti-Plant, Good-Luck Plant, Hawaiian Ti Plant, Ti tree, Red-ti, Green ti

Toxin(s): Saponins, polysaccharides

Symptoms: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, lack of appetite/anorexia, diarrhea (may be bloody), drooling 

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Name(s): Bay Laurel, Sweet Bag, Bay Tree, Tree Laurel, Laurel Tree, Laurel

Toxin(s): Eugenol, and other essential oil

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, blood appearing in the cat's stool or vomit, reluctance to eat (causing weight loss). Larger doses can result in death.

 

Name(s): Bead Tree, China Ball Tree, Paradise Tree, Persian Lilac, White Cedar, Japanese Bead Tree, Texas Umbrella Tree, Pride-of-India, Chinaberry Tree

Toxin(s): Tetranortriterpenes (meliatoxins)

Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, salivation, depression, weakness, and seizures. Ripe fruit (berries) most toxic but also bark, leaves, and flowers.

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Name(s): Begonia, Mapleleaf Begonia, Metallic Leaf Begonia, Peace Begonia, Pink Pearl, Rex Begonia

Toxin(s): Soluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Vomiting, intense burning, irritation in the mouth, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, oral sores, redness around the mouth, swelling of the mouth and tongue, licking the lips, tremors, grimacing, dehydration, inability to swallow, refusal of food and water, liver failure, kidney failure (rare), leading to serious illness and even death. Most toxic part is underground.

 

Name(s): Bird of Paradise, Barbados Pride, Poinciana, Brazilwood, Peacock Flower, Dwarf Poinciana

Toxin(s): Hydrocyanic acid, GI Irritants, Tannins

Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning, irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, difficulty swallowing, incoordination is possible.

 

Name(s): Bishop’s Weed, Greater Ammi, False Queen Anne's Lace

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates, furanocoumarins

Symptoms: Photosensitization (sensitivity to light that causes burning to the skin), ulcers or open wounds on skin of ears, muzzle, or vulva, blindness, conjunctival keratitis, cloudy corneas, irritation and burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, vomiting, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing.

 

Name(s): Bitter Root, Dogbane Hemp, Indian Hemp

Toxin(s): Cardenolides

Symptoms: Diarrhea (possibly with blood), slow heart rate, weakness, cold limbs, bradypnea (slow breathing), irregular heart rate (arrhythmia), circulatory and other heart issues. 

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Name(s): Black Calla, Solomon's Lily, Wild Calla, Wild Arum

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

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Name(s): Black Laurel, Dog Hobble, Dog Laurel, Fetter Bush, Sierra Laurel

Toxin(s): Grayanotoxins

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, cardiovascular collapse, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, weakness, abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, transient blindness, seizures, coma, death. Ingestion of a few leaves or leaves brushing against their body, they will soon lick their fur and ingest that poison.

 

Name(s): Bog Laurel, Pale Laurel, Bog Kalmia

Toxin(s): Grayanotoxin

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure

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Name(s): Borage, Starflower

Toxin(s): Tannins, mucilage

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, mild skin irritation, fever, excessive itching, signs of depression, loss of appetite

 

Name(s): Boxwood

Toxin(s): Alkaloids

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, general discomfort, abdominal pain, intense gas, agitation, lethargy, convulsions, respiratory arrest, paralysis

 

Name(s): Branching Ivy, English Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, California Ivy Hahn's Self Branching English Ivy

Toxin(s): Triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin)

Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, bloating, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, dilated pupils, weakness, sneezing, impaired coordination, hyperthermia (increased body temperature), bradycardia (slowed heartbeat), hypotension (low blood pressure), redness of the skin, itching, blisters (external or in the oral cavity). The amount and severity of symptoms that develop will vary depending on how much ivy has been eaten by the cat. If the plant’s juices touch the skin of a cat, external symptoms will also manifest. 

 

Name(s): Bread and Butter Plant, Indian Borage, Spanish Thyme, Coleus, Martha, Militini, East Indian Thyme

Toxin(s): Essential Oils

Symptoms: Depression, anorexia, occasionally bloody diarrhea or vomiting, nausea, odd behavior, loss of appetite, excessive drinking and urinating, difficulty breathing.

 

Name(s): Buckeye, Horse Chestnut

Toxin(s): Aesculin, other saponins

Symptoms: Severe vomiting and diarrhea, drooling, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, coma, convulsions, wobbly. Large ingestions may result in incoordination, depression, excitement/agitation, muscle twitching and seizures.

 

Name(s): Buckwheat

Toxin(s): Fagopyrin

Symptoms: Photosensitization (sunburn, dermatitis), excessive itching, red patches on the skin, skin rashes, ulcerations, general skin irritation, temperature sensitivity. The leaves are the most potent by far. 

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Name(s): Burning Bush, Wahoo, Spindle Tree, Summer Cypress, Strawberry Bush

Toxin(s): Alkaloids, cardenolides

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, excessive drooling, coughing, constipation, physical weakness, increased body temperature (hyperthermia), shock, dilated pupils, headache, dizziness, tremors, exhaustion, kidney and liver trouble, or breathing difficulties. In large doses cats may experience irregular heart rates, cardiac arrest, blindness, unconsciousness, coma, death.

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Name(s): Buttercup, Butter Cress, Figwort, Burwort, Crowfoot

Toxin(s): Protoanemonin

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, drooling, oral ulcers, wobbly gait, redness and swelling of the mouth, general weakness, lethargy, blood in the urine, tremors, seizures. Symptoms will vary with the amount of toxin your cat ingests. The toxins are concentrated in the flowers of the plants.

 

Name(s): Butterfly Iris

Toxin(s): Pentacylic terpenoids (zeorin, missourin and missouriensin). Highest concentration in rhizomes.

Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea. 

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Name(s): Caladium, Malanga, Elephant's Ears, Elephant-Ear Begonia, Stoplight, Seagull, Pink Cloud, Texas Wonder, Angel-Wings, Exposition, Candidum, Fancy-leaved Caladium, Taro, Pai, Ape, Cape, Via, Via sori, Malanga

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, throat, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

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Name(s): Caraway, Meridian Fennel, Persian Cumin

Toxin(s): Essential oils, carvone, limonene 

Symptoms: Mild vomiting, diarrhea, possible liver damage or failure

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Name(s): Cardboard Cycad, Carboard Palm

Toxin(s): Cycasin, B-methylamino-l-alanine

Symptoms: Vomiting (may be bloody), dark stools, jaundice, increased thirst, bloody diarrhea, bruising, liver failure, abdominal pain, bruising, death. 1-2 seeds can be fatal. 

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Name(s): Cardinal Flower, Lobelia, Indian Pink

Toxin(s): Lobeline

Symptoms: Depression, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, heart rhythm disturbances.

 

Name(s): Carnation, Pinks, Wild Carnation, Sweet William

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal signs, mild dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, dermatitis, weakness

 

Name(s): Castor Bean Plant, Castor Oil Plant, Mole Bean Plant, African Wonder Tree

Toxin(s): Ricin

Symptoms: Loss of appetite, excessive thirst, colic, trembling, sweating, loss of coordination, difficulty breathing, depression, bloody diarrhea, seizures, inflammation, painful or itchy skin in affected areas, skin redness, swelling of eyes, oral irritation, dehydration with sunken eyes, dilated pupils, dyspnea, fever, hallucinations, burning of mouth and throat, kidney failure, drooling, muscle twitching, tremors, vomiting, weakness, blue tint to skin and mucous membranes, chest pain, cough, fast heart rate, nausea, respiratory failure, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, coma, convulsions, death.

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Name(s): Catnip, Catswort, Catmint

Toxin(s): Nepetalactone

Symptoms: Vomiting and diarrhea. While catnip generally is not toxic to cats, too much can overstimulate the central nervous system. 

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Name(s): Chamomile, Manzanilla, Garden Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, True Chamomile, Corn Feverfew, Barnyard Daisy, Ground-apple, Turkey-weed

Toxin(s): Volatile oil, bisabolol, chamazulene, anthemic acid, tannic acid

Symptoms: Contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, allergic reactions 

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Name(s): Chandelier Plant, Mother-In-Law-Plant, Kalanchoe, Devils Backbone, Mother of Millions

Toxin(s): Bufodienolides

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm (rare), lethargy, weakness, high potassium levels, nausea, drooling, dilated pupils, tremors, seizures

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Name(s): Cherry Tree, Black Cherry, Sweet Cherry, Cherry laurel, Choke cherry, Prunus, Wild cherry, Ground cherry, Domestic cherry (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Cyanogenic glycosides aka cyanide which is found in the stems, leaves, and seeds/pits. It is particularly toxic when wilting.

Symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. All parts of the cherry plant other than the ripe fruit are considered toxic to cats, including the seeds, blossoms, stems, leaves and pits. 

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Name(s): Chinese Evergreen

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, liver and kidney damage. 
 

Name(s): Chinese Jade, Silver Jade Plant, Silver Dollar

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, drunkenness, tremors, nausea, retching

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Name(s): Chives (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): N-propyl disulfide

Symptoms: Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells, blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting. 

 

Name(s): Christmas Rose, Easter Rose, Hellebore, Lenten Rose

Toxin(s): Cardiac glycosides, saponins, bufadienolide, glycosides, veratrin, protoanemonin

Symptoms: Drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, depression, gastrointestinal symptoms, vomiting, tingling in mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, irritation of the skin, irregular pulse, cardiac arrhythmias, delirium, convulsions, aggressive behavior, paralysis, collapse, death. 

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Name(s): Chrysanthemum, Mum or Daisy

Toxin(s): Sesquiterpene, lactones, pyrethrins 

Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, dermatitis

 

Name(s): Clematis, Virgin’s Bower, Leatherflower

Toxin(s): Irritant glycoside (Protoanemonin)

Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea
 

Name(s): Climbing Nightshade, European Bittersweet, Deadly Nightshade, Violet Bloom, Blue Nightshade, Soda Apple, Poisonous Nightshade, Felonwort, Devil's Apple, Scarlet Berry, Woody Nightshade, Blue Blindweed

Toxin(s): Solanine, dulcamarine

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, low blood pressure, low heart rate, salivation, weakness, increased heart rate, loss of coordination, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, convulsions.

 

Name(s): Clivia Lily, Kaffir Lily, Clivies, Caffre Lily, Cape Clivia, Klivia

Toxin(s): Lycorine and other alkaloids

Symptoms: Vomiting, salvation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, cardiac arrhythmias. Bulbs are the most poisonous part.

 

Name(s): Coffee Tree, Wild Coffee, Geranium-Leaf Aralia

Toxin(s): Saponin

Symptoms: Contact dermatitis, vomiting, anorexia, depression. 

 

Name(s): Common Privet, Privet, Amur, Wax-leaf

Toxin(s): Cardiac glycosides, terpenoid glycosides, saponins, protoanemonin

Symptoms: Drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, depression

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Name(s): Cordatum, Fiddle-Leaf, Horsehead Philodendron, Heartleaf Philodendron, Panda Plant, Fruit Salad Plant, Red Emerald, Red Princess, Saddle Leaf

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

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Name(s): Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Dracaena, Dragon Tree, Ribbon Plant

Toxin(s): Saponins

Symptoms: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils 

 

Name(s): Cow parsnip, Giant hogweed

Toxin(s): Furanocoumarins

Symptoms: Photosensitization (sunburn, dermatitis) All parts of the cow parsnip plant are toxic to cats, especially the seeds. 

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Name(s): Cowbane, Water Hemlock, Poison Parsnip

Toxin(s): Cicutoxin (the roots contain the highest concentration)

Symptoms: Diarrhea, seizures, tremors, extreme stomach pain, dilated pupils, fever, bloat, respiratory depression, cardiac dysfunction, death, panting. 

 

Name(s): Cyclamen, Sowbread, Persian Violet

Toxin(s): terpenoid saponins, and when any part of the plant (especially the tubers or roots)

Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation, cardiac problems (abnormal heart rate and rhythm), seizures and death.

 

Name(s): Daffodil, Narcissus, Jonquil, Paper White

Toxin(s): Lycorine and other alkaloids

Symptoms: Oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, convulsions, cardiac arrhythmias, extremely low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, convulsions, salvation, tremors, gastrointestinal irritation, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, and cardiac abnormalities.

Bulbs are the most poisonous part.

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Name(s): Dahlia

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal signs, mild dermatitis, nausea, refusal to eat, vomiting, lethargy, unstable gait, loss of coordination, skin irritation

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Name(s): Desert Azalea, Desert Rose, Mock Azalea, Sabi Star, Impala Lily, Kudu Lily

Toxin(s): Cardiac glycosides 

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, dizziness, drooling, perspiration, depression, irregular heart rate, death

 

Name(s): Dieffenbachia, Charming Dieffenbachia, Gold Dieffenbachia, Giant Dumb Cane, Tropic Snow, Dumbcane, Exotica, Spotted Dumb Cane, Exotica Perfection

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates, proteolytic enzyme

Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

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Name(s): Dog Daisy, Dog Fennel

Toxin(s): Achilleine and alkaloids

Symptoms: Increased urination, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis.

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Name(s): Easter Lily

Toxin(s): Unknown. The entire lily plant (leaf, flower, and pollen) is poisonous to them.

Symptoms: Vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, kidney failure, and death is possible. Even the smallest amount is dangerous. 

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Name(s): Eastern Star

Toxin(s): GI and skin irritants, toxic triterpenoid saponins

Symptoms: Vomiting, dermatitis, skin and oral irritation, gastrointestinal upset (for large amounts)

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Name(s): Epazote, Wormseed, Jusuit's Tea, Mexican Tea, Paico

Toxin(s): Essential oils: ascaridole, limonene, p-cymene

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea

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Name(s): Eucalyptus

Toxin(s): Eucalyptol essential oil

Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, weakness, seizures, confusion. Dried or fresh eucalyptus is dangerous for your cat.

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Name(s): Fetterbush, Staggerberry, Maleberry

Toxin(s): Grayanotoxins

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, unconsciousness, coma.

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Name(s): Fig, Weeping Fig, Indian Rubber Plant

Toxin(s): Proteolytic enzyme (ficin), psoralen (ficusin)

Symptoms: Gastrointestinal and dermal irritation, dermatitis from skin contact with the plant, oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, trouble swallowing, pawing at the mouth, lack of appetite.

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Name(s): Flamingo Flower, Flamingo Lily, Tail Flower, Oilcloth Flower, Pigtail Plant, Painter's Pallet

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

 

Name(s): Fleabane, Showy Daisy, Horseweed, Seaside Daisy, Aspen Fleabane, Garden Fleabane, Showy Fleabane

Toxin(s): Nonspecific irritant

Symptoms: Mild vomiting, diarrhea, mild dermatitis

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Name(s): Florida Beauty, Gold Dust Dracaena, Spotted Dracaena

Toxin(s): Saponins

Symptoms: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, drooling, lack of appetite, incoordination, weakness

 

Name(s): Foxgrove

Toxin(s): Cardiac glycosides

Symptoms: Cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, death

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Name(s): Gardenia, Cape Jasmine

Toxin(s): Genioposide, gardenoside

Symptoms: Mild vomiting, diarrhea, hives

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Name(s): Garlic, Stinking Rose, Rustic Treacle, Camphor of the Poor, Nectar of the Gods, Serpent Garlic, Rocambole (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): N-propyl disulfide

Symptoms: Vomiting, blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting (depending on dose). 

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Name(s): Geranium, Scented Geranium

Toxin(s): Geraniol, linalool

Symptoms: Vomiting, anorexia, depression, dermatitis ataxia, muscle weakness, hypothermia

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Name(s): Gladolia

Toxin(s): Unknown. Bulbs are the most toxic.

Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea

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Name(s): Gloriosa Lily, Glory Lily, Climbing Lily, Superb Lily

Toxin(s): Colchicine related alkaloids

Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting (bloody), diarrhea (bloody), shock, kidney failure, liver damage, bone marrow suppression

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Name(s): Grapefruit (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Essential oils, psoralens

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, dermatitis, photosensitivity. 

 

Name(s): Grass Palm, Palm Lily

Toxin(s): Saponins

Symptoms: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils 

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Name(s): Holly, American Holly, English Holly, European Holly, Oregon Holly, Inkberry, Winterberry

Toxin(s): Saponins, cyanogen, methylxanthines, theobromine alkaloids

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, excessive head shaking, excessive drooling, lip smacking, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, head shaking.

 

Name(s): Hosta, Plantain Lily, Funkia

Toxin(s): Saponins

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression

 

Name(s): Hurricane Plant, Cutleaf Philodendron, Swiss Cheese Plant, Ceriman, Mexican Breadfruit, Philodendron Pertusum, Split Leaf Philodendron

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, red and swollen mouth, throat swelling, possible suffocation

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Name(s): Hyacinth, Garden Hyacinth

Toxin(s): Narcissus-like alkaloids, Tulipalin A, Tulipalin B. Bulb are the most toxic.

Symptoms: Intense vomiting, diarrhea (occasionally with blood), depression, tremors, drooling

 

Name(s): Hydrangea, Hortensia, Hills of Snow, Seven Bark

Toxin(s): Cyanide

Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, ataxia, seizures, rapid breathing.

 

Name(s): Iris, Flag, Snake Lily, Water Flag

Toxin(s): Pentacylic terpenoids (zeorin, missourin and missouriensin)

Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin irritation, ulcers of the mouth 

​

Name(s): Iron Cross Begonia

Toxin(s): Soluble calcium oxalates. Most toxic part is underground.

Symptoms: Vomiting, salivation. 

​

Name(s): Jack-in-the-pulpit, Three-leaved Indian turnip, Devil's dear, Wake robin, Starch wort, Wild turnip, Dragon root, Bog onion, Pepper turnip, Brown dragon, Memory root

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

​

Name(s): Jade Plant, Baby Jade, Dwarf rubber plant, Jade tree, Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, incoordination

​

Name(s): Japanese Show Lily

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, kidney failure, death.

​

Name(s): Jerusalem Cherry, Natal Cherry, Winter Cherry, Ornamental Pepper (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Solanine

Symptoms: Gastrointestinal disturbances, possible ulceration of the gastrointestinal system, seizures, depression, shock. 

​

Name(s): Lacy Tree Philodendron

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

 

Name(s): Lambkill, Sheep Laurel

Toxin(s): Grayanotoxin

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure

 

Name(s): Lantana, Shrub Verbena, Yellow Sage, Red Sage

Toxin(s): Pentacyclic triterpenoids

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, weakness, possibly liver failure

 

Name(s): Larkspur

Toxin(s): Diterpene alkaloids

Symptoms: Constipation, colic, increased salivation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, recumbency (lying down, unable to rise or change positions), convulsions, cardiac failure, respiratory paralysis, death

​

Name(s): Laurel, Mountain laurel, Spoonwood, Mountain Ivy, Calico Bush, Ivy Bush

Toxin(s): Grayanotoxins

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure

​

Name(s): Lavender, Common Lavender, English Lavender

Toxin(s): Linlool, linalyl acetate

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite

 

Name(s): Leek, Elephant Garlic

Toxin(s): N-propyl disulfide 

Symptoms: Vomiting, blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting

​

Name(s): Lemon Tree (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Essential oils, linalool, limonene, psoralens

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, potential dermatitis, photosensitivity. 

 

Name(s): Lemon Grass, Oil Grass

Toxin(s): Essential oils, cyanogenic glycosides

Symptoms: Stomach upset. When made into an essential oil, lemongrass is potentially deadly for your cat.

 

Name(s): Lemon Verbena, Lemon Beebrush

Toxin(s): Essential Oils

Symptoms: Stomach upset, colic

​

Name(s): Lily

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Kidney failure. Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies contain oxalate crystals that cause minor signs. The more dangerous, potentially fatal lilies are Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies.

 

Name(s): Lily of the Valley

Toxin(s): Cardenolides (convallarin, and others)

Symptoms: Vomiting, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, disorientation, coma, seizures, weakness, diarrhea

​

Name(s): Lily of the Valley Bush, Andromeda Japonica, Pieris

Toxin(s): Grayanotoxins

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, cardiovascular collapse, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, low blood pressure, death.

​

Name(s): Lime (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Essential oils and psoralens

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, potential dermatitis, depressed central nervous system functioning, photosensitivity, hypothermia, ataxia. 

​

Name(s): Locust

Toxin(s): Toxalbumins: phasin, robin and robitin. Leaves are the most toxic.

Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, anorexia, weakness, difficulty breathing, diarrhea (bloody), death.

​

Name(s): Lovage, Maggi Plant, Smellage

Toxin(s): Volatile oils, especially phthalide lactones

Symptoms: Diuretic, increased urination.

​

Name(s): Madagascar Dragon Tree

Toxin(s): Saponins

Symptoms: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, weakness, incoordination.

​

Name(s): Marble Queen, Golden Pothos

Toxin(s): Calcium oxalate crystals

Symptoms: Intense burning sensation of the mouth, throat, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, choking and swelling of the throat, inability or difficulty swallowing

 

Name(s): Marijuana, Hashish

Toxin(s): Delta-9-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

Symptoms: Prolonged depression, vomiting, incoordination, sleepiness, or excitation, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, low body temperature, seizure, coma, death (rare), diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate. Cats can be poisoned from smoke exposure or from eating any type of marijuana/THC plant or laced baked foods.

​

Name(s): Marjoram, Knotted Marjoram, Pot Marjoram

Toxin(s): Gastrointestinal irritants

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, mouth irritation, excessive drooling

​

Name(s): Mayweed, Poison Daisy, Stinking Chamomile

Toxin(s): Volatile oil; bisabolol, chamazulene, anthemic acid, tannic acid

Symptoms: Contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, allergic reactions, bleeding, loss of appetite, nausea.

​

Name(s): Milkweed

Toxin(s): Some species contain cardiotoxins and other species contain neurotoxins.

Symptoms: Vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia, and diarrhea, seizures, difficulty breathing, rapid, weak pulse, dilated pupils, kidney or liver failure, coma, respiratory paralysis, death.

​

Name(s): Mint, Garden Mint (also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Essential oils

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea. 

​

Name(s): Mistletoe, American Mistletoe

Toxin(s): Toxalbumin, pharatoxin viscumin, polysaccharides, lectins

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure (rare), difficulty breathing, low heart rate 

​

Name(s): Morning Glory

Toxin(s): Indole alkaloids: lysergic acid, lysergamide, elymoclavine, chanoclavine

Symptoms: Vomiting, large amounts of seeds may cause hallucinations

​

Name(s): Moss Rose, Wild Portulaca, Rock Moss, Purslane, Pigwee, Pusley

Toxin(s): Soluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Kidney failure (rare in dogs/cats), tremors, salivation.

​

Name(s): Mother-in-Law

Toxin(s): Calcium oxalate crystals

Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing

​

Name(s): Nandina, Sacred Bamboo, Heavenly Bamboo

Toxin(s): Cyanide

Symptoms: Weakness, incoordination, seizures, coma, respiratory failure, death (rare)

​

Name(s): Nightshade, Black Nightshade, Deadly Nightshade

Toxin(s): Solanine, saponins, atropine like substances

Symptoms: Hypersalivation, lack of appetite, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, depression of the central nervous system, confusion, behavioral change, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate.

 

Name(s): Oleander, Rose-bay, Nerium oleander, White oleander

Toxin(s): Cardiac glycosides

Symptoms: Drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, depression, gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia, severe vomiting, death, incoordination, tremors, seizures. Even the water in the vase can be toxic.

​

Name(s): Onion (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): N-propyl disulfide

Symptoms: Vomiting, blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting. 

 

Name(s): Orange, Calamondin Orange, Bergamot Orange, Bergamot, Citrus bergamia (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Essential oils, psoralens

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, skin irritation, nausea, sensitivity to light, potential photosensitivity (dermatitis), lethargy, rash, blisters, seizures, stomach distress, and weakness. 

 

Name(s): Oregano, Greek Oregano (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Gastrointestinal irritants, essential oils

Symptoms: Mild vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage. 

​

Name(s): Parsley, Italian Parsley, Hamburg Parsley, Turnip-rooted Parsley (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Furanocoumarins

Symptoms: Photosensitization (sunburn, dermatitis). 

 

Name(s): Peace Lily, Mauna Loa Peace Lily

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

 

Name(s): Peach, Plum (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Cyanide which is found in the stems, leaves, and seeds/pits. It is particularly toxic when wilting.

Symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, vomiting, heavy panting, respiratory issues, bright red colored gums and eventual shock or death. 

​

Name(s): Pencil Cactus, Sticks of Fire

Toxin(s): Irritant Sap (latex)

Symptoms: Irritation to the mouth and stomach, vomiting, serious intestinal and skin injury.

​

Name(s): Peony

Toxin(s): Paeonol

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression

​

Name(s): Periwinkle, Running Myrtle, Vinca

Toxin(s): Alkaloids

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, incoordination, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, coma, death.

 

Name(s): Poinsettia

Toxin(s): Irritant sap

Symptoms: Irritating to the mouth and stomach, vomiting, nausea 

 

Name(s): Poison Hemlock, Spotted Hemlock, Winter Fern, California Fern, Nebraska Fern, Deadly Hemlock

Toxin(s): Various alkaloids

Symptoms: Agitation, tremors, drooling, diarrhea, paralysis, death

 

Name(s): Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, Ceylon creeper, Money plant, hunter's robe, Golden Pothos, Taro Vine, Ivy Arum

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates, raphides

Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, skin irritation, choking and swelling of the throat

 

Name(s): Prayer Bean, Rosary Pea, Buddhist Rosary Bead, Indian Bead, Indian Licorice, Love Bean, Lucky Bean, Seminole Bead, Weather Plant, Precatory Bean

Toxin(s): Abrin, abric acid 

Symptoms: Severe vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), tremors, high heart rate, fever, shock, death

​

Name(s): Primrose

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Mild vomiting

 

Name(s): Privet, Common privet, Wax-leaf, Amur

Toxin(s): Terpenoid glycosides

Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, incoordination, increased heart rate, death (rare), diarrhea, refusal of food, vomiting.

 

Name(s): Ragwort, Golden Ragwort, Groundsel

Toxin(s): Pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Symptoms: Weight loss, weakness, sleepiness, yawning, incoordination, yellowish discoloration to mucous membranes, aimless walking, chewing motions, head pressing, liver damage, depression, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia.

 

Name(s): Ranger’s Button, White Heads

Toxin(s): Furanocoumarins

Symptoms: Photosensitization, eye damage, skin irritation, depression 

 

Name(s): Red Lily, Wood Lily

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, halitosis, kidney failure and death is possible

​

Name(s): Red-Marginated Dracaena, Straight-Marginated Dracaena

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Dilated pupils, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, vomiting, depression, lack of appetite, drooling, incoordination, weakness, loss of appetite, staggering. 

​

Name(s): Rhubarb, Pie Plant (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Soluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Kidney failure, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, irritation of the mouth, increased salivation/drooling, pawing at mouth. 

​

Name(s): Rubrum Lily

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, kidney failure, dehydration, halitosis, hiding, death.

​

Name(s): Sago Palm, Coontie Palm, Cardboard Palm, Cycads, Zamias

Toxin(s): Cycasin

Symptoms: Vomiting, melena, icterus, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage/failure, diarrhea, depression, seizures, drooling, lack of appetite, weakness, ataxia, seizures, tremors, black, tarry-looking stool, bruising, lethargy, and death. All parts of the Sago Palm are poisonous, but the seeds (nuts) are the most toxic to pets and are easier for them to eat than the prickly fronds.

​

Name(s): Satin Pothos, Silk Pothos

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing 

​

Name(s): Shamrock Plant, Good Luck Plant, Purple Shamrock, Love Plant

Toxin(s): Soluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Kidney failure, tremors, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite

​

Name(s): Skunk Cabbage, Skunk Weed, Polecat Weed, Meadow Cabbage, Swamp Cabbage

Toxin(s): Insoluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, dyspnea

​

Name(s): Snake Plant, Golden Bird's Nest, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

Toxin(s): Saponins

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

​

Name(s): Sorrel, Common Sorrel, Spinach-Dock, Narrow-leaved Dock, 

Garden sorrel

Toxin(s): Soluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Kidney failure (rare), tremors, salivation, burning sensation in the throat, weakness, muscle twitches, seizures, depression, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, hypocalcemia, labored breathing, nausea, rapid breathing, renal failure, twitching, vomiting

 

Name(s): Spring Parsley

Toxin(s): Furanocoumarins

Symptoms: Photosensitization (sunburn, dermatitis)

​

Name(s): St. John’s Wort, Klamath Weed

Toxin(s): Hypericin

Symptoms: Photosensitization (ulcerative and exudative dermatitis), increased heart rate, skin ulcers, blistering, boils, depression, drooling, open sores, weakness

 

Name(s): Stargazer Lily

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, kidney failure and death is possible

 

Name(s): Star Fruit (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Soluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Sudden drop in calcium, which can lead to acute renal failure. Both the plant and the fruit are toxic to cats. 

​

Name(s): Striped Dracaena, Warneckii, Janet Craig plant

Toxin(s): Saponins

Symptoms: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, lack of appetite, drooling, incoordination, weakness, dilated pupils.

​

Name(s): Sweet Pea, Perennial Pea, Everlasting Pea

Toxin(s): Aminoproprionitrite

Symptoms: Weakness, lethargy, pacing, head pressing, tremors, seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, possibly death.

​

Name(s): Tahitian Bridal Veil, Gibasis Geniculata

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal signs, choking, dermatitis, excessive urination, loss of appetite, pawing at mouth. 

 

Name(s): Tarragon, French Tarragon, Estragon

Toxin(s): Essential Oils

Symptoms: Mild vomiting and diarrhea 

 

Name(s): Tiger Lily

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, kidney failure, possibly death. All parts of the lily - including the stem, leaves, petals, stamens, and pollen - are poisonous to cats. 

​

Name(s): Tobacco, Nicotiana, Tree Tobacco, Mustard Tree

Toxin(s): Pyridine and piperidine alkaloids (nicotine) and anabasine

Symptoms: Hyperexcitability, depression, vomiting, incoordination, initial low heart and respiratory rates, overstimulation, uncontrolled urination/defecation, tremors, seizures, paralysis, death is possible. A cat can be poisoned by consuming wild growing tree tobacco or cultivated tobacco.

​

Name(s): Tomato Plant, Green Tomatoes (Also listed in Toxic Foods)

Toxin(s): Solanine

Symptoms: Hypersalivation, lack of appetite, severe gastrointestinal upset, depression, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

 

Name(s): Tree Philodendron

Toxin(s): Calcium oxalate crystals, known as raphites.

Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.

​

Name(s): Tulip

Toxin(s): Tulipalin A and tulipalin B 

Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, oral irritation, excessive drooling, nausea, tremors, gastrointestinal irritation, loss of appetite, convulsions, cardiac abnormalities. The toxic principle of these plants is very concentrated in the bulbs.

​

Name(s): Variable Dieffenbachia

Toxin(s): Calcium oxalate crystals

Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, pawing in the mouth and vomiting. Like any other Dieffenbachia, its sap is the most toxic.

​

Name(s): Wandering Jew, Speedy Henry, Variegated Wandering Jew

Toxin(s): Unknown. The sap within the stems will bother your cat's digestive tract.

Symptoms: Dermatitis. 

​

Name(s): Wisteria

Toxin(s): Lectin, wisterin glycoside

Symptoms: Vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, depression

​

Name(s): Yarrow, Milfoil

Toxin(s): Achilleine and alkaloids

Symptoms: Increased urination, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, anorexia, depression, excessive drooling, skin irritation

​

Name(s): Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, Morning-Noon-and-Night, Kiss-Me-Quick, Lady-of-the-Night, Fransiscan Rain Tree, Brunfelsia

Toxin(s): Brunfelsamidine

Symptoms: Tremors, seizures (for several days), diarrhea, vomiting, excessive drooling, lethargy, incoordination, coughing, disorientation, inability to regulate body temperature, seizures.

​

Name(s): Yew, American Yew, Canada Yew, Canadian Yew, English Yew, Western Yew, Pacific Yew, Japanese Yew, Anglo-Japanese Yew

Toxin(s): Taxine A and B, Volatile oil

Symptoms: Excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, weakness, seizures, tremors, losing consciousness, and (in severe cases) cardiac failure or sudden death.

​

Name(s): Yew Pine, Buddhist Pine

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Severe vomiting, diarrhea, enlarged pupil, seizures, tremors.

 

Name(s): Yucca

Toxin(s): Saponins

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, lack of coordination. 

 

Toxic Medicines

 

Name(s): ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin-converting enzyme), Zestril, and Altace

Effect(s): Low blood pressure and weakness but these effects are generally mild and resolve on their own unless your cat has kidney failure or heart disease.

 

Name(s): ADD/ADHD medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine

Effect(s): Increased heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature; agitation, seizures, anxiety, disorientation, and distress. Adderall appeals to cats’ taste buds more than any other drug and a single 20mg pill can kill the average-sized cat.

 

Name(s): Anti-anxiety/anti-depressant medications such as Xanax, Klonopin, Cymbalta, Effexor, Prozac, and Valium

Effect(s): Low blood pressure, weakness, collapse, agitation, vocalization, tremors, lack of coordination or trouble standing, high heart rate, aggression, seizures, liver failure, and possibly death.

 

Name(s): Beta-blockers such as Tenormin, Toprol, and Coreg

Effect(s): Decreases in blood pressure and low heart rate.

 

Name(s): Birth Control Pills

Effect(s): Bone marrow suppression with life-threatening consequences

 

Name(s): Cholesterol medications such as Lipitor and Zocor

Effect(s): Mild side effects are seen, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

 

Name(s): Cold, flu, and allergy medications

Effect(s): Vomiting, pale gums, disorientation and confusion, diarrhea, collapse.

 

Name(s): Diabetes medicines such as Glipizide, Glyburide, and Micronase

Effect(s): Low blood sugar resulting in wobbliness, confusion, seizures, death.

 

Name(s): NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox)

Effect(s): Stomach and intestine ulcers, kidney failure, gastrointestinal/stomach problems 

 

Name(s): Pseudoephedrine such as Sudafed Congestion, Tylenol Cold, and Theraflu Flu

Effect(s): Increased heart rate, agitation, increased blood pressure, hyperthermia (high body temperature)

 

Name(s): Sleep Aids such as benzodiazepines, Xanax, Lunesta, and Ambien 

Effect(s): Severe sedation, severe agitation, hyperactivity, aggression, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, walking drunk, tremors, hyperthermia, and respiratory or cardiovascular depression.

 

Name(s): Thyroid medications such as Armour and Synthroid

Effect(s): Muscle tremors, nervousness, panting, a rapid heart rate and aggression.

 

Name(s): Tylenol, Excedrin

Effect(s): Liver failure, damage to red blood cells, prevent oxygen from reaching their brain

 

Name(s): Vitamin D

Effect(s): Excessive thirst, excessive urination, refusal to eat, depression, internal bleeding, vomiting, nausea.

Toxic Foods

 

Name(s): Alcohol

Toxin(s): Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) 

Symptoms: Alcohol poisoning

Alcohol has the same effect on a cat's liver and brain that it has on humans, but it takes far less time. Two teaspoons of whiskey can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat, and one more teaspoon could kill it.

 

Name(s): Apple (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Cyanide, which is found in the stems, leaves, and seeds/pits. It is particularly toxic when wilting.

Symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, vomiting, heavy panting, respiratory issues, bright red colored gums and eventual shock or death. 

 

Name(s): Apricot (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Cyanide, which is found in the stems, leaves, and seeds/pits. It is particularly toxic when wilting.

Symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, vomiting, heavy panting, respiratory issues, bright red colored gums and eventual shock or death. 

 

Name(s): Avocado

Toxin(s): Persin (located in the skin and pit), the pit is also a choking hazard.

Symptoms: Gastrointestinal distress including upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Cats should never eat guacamole because guacamole typically contains garlic and onions.

 

Name(s): Bone/fat scraps

Toxin(s): Bones can splinter or cut the inside of your cat's digestive system. Cooked and uncooked fat can cause intestinal upset. 

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, choking.

 

Name(s): Bread Dough

Toxin(s): Yeast

Symptoms: Unbaked bread dough will swell inside your cat’s stomach, stretching the abdomen and causing severe pain.

 

Name(s): Cherry Tree, Black Cherry, Sweet Cherry, Cherry laurel, Choke cherry, Prunus, Wild cherry, Ground cherry, Domestic cherry (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Cyanide, which is found in the stems, leaves, and seeds/pits. It is particularly toxic when wilting.

Symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. All parts of the cherry plant other than the ripe fruit are considered toxic to cats, including the seeds, blossoms, stems, leaves and pits. 

 

Name(s): Chives (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): N-propyl disulfide

Symptoms: Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells, blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting.

 

Name(s): Chocolate

Toxin(s): Theobromine, methylxanthines (relative to caffeine)

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, high body temperatures, muscle tremors, seizures, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.

The most toxic kinds are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous.

 

Name(s): Coffee, Tea, Soda

Toxin(s): Caffeine

Symptoms: Include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits and bleeding, often leading to death.

 

Name(s): Dairy especially milk and ice cream

Toxin(s): Lactose. Most cats are lactose intolerant.

Symptoms: Cats’ digestive system cannot process dairy foods, which results in digestive upset with diarrhea.

 

Name(s): Garlic (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): N-propyl disulfide

Symptoms: Vomiting, blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting (depending on dose). 

 

Name(s): Grapefruit (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Essential oils, psoralens

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, dermatitis, photosensitivity. 

 

Name(s): Grapes/raisins

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Kidney failure, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, reduced appetite, abdominal pain, decreased urination, abdominal pain, hyperactivity. 

 

Name(s): Gum such as Trident, Orbit, Ice Breaker

Toxin(s): Xylitol

Symptoms: Vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking, tremors, seizures, drop in blood sugar, and, with large amounts, liver failure.

Xylitol is also used in candies, mints, flavored multi-vitamins, desserts, and baked goods.

 

Name(s): Jerusalem Cherry, Natal Cherry, Winter Cherry, Ornamental Pepper (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Solanine

Symptoms: Gastrointestinal disturbances, possible ulceration of the gastrointestinal system, seizures, depression, shock. 

 

Name(s): Lemon Tree (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Essential oils, linalool, limonene, psoralens

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, potential dermatitis, photosensitivity. 

 

Name(s): Lime (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Essential oils and psoralens

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, potential dermatitis, depressed central nervous system functioning, photosensitivity, hypothermia, ataxia. 

 

Name(s): Liver

Toxin(s): Vitamin A toxicity that affects your cat's bones.

Symptoms: Deformed bones, bone growths on the elbows and spine, osteoporosis, even death.

 

Name(s): Mint (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Essential oils

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea. 

 

Name(s): Mushrooms

Toxin(s): Unknown

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, depression, tremors, seizures, Extreme sensitivity to light and sound, seeming to sway or display unsteady balance, yellowing of the eyes and skin, liver and kidney damage.

It is hard to tell which species are toxic to pets. Typically, store-bought mushrooms are safe for cats and all wild mushrooms are toxic.

 

Name(s): Nuts such as macadamia, walnut, almond, and pecan

Toxin(s): Oils and fats that are hard for your cat’s digestive system to process.

Symptoms: Lethargy, vomiting, hyperthermia and tremors, diarrhea, and possibly pancreatitis.

 

Name(s): Onions (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): N-propyl disulfide

Symptoms: Vomiting, blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting, anemia, lethargy, reduced appetite, pale gums, and orange to dark red urine. 

Any form of onions (powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated) is toxic to cats. 

 

Name(s): Orange, Calamondin Orange, Bergamot Orange, Bergamot, Citrus bergamia (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Essential oils, psoralens

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, skin irritation, nausea, sensitivity to light, potential photosensitivity (dermatitis), lethargy, rash, blisters, seizures, stomach distress, and weakness.

Oranges are full of sugar and acids that cause distress to cat’s digestive systems. Oranges also contain essential oils in the fruit and peel that causes problems in a cat’s nervous system. Psoralens cause photosensitivity. 

 

Name(s): Oregano (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Gastrointestinal irritants, essential oils

Symptoms: Mild vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage.

 

Name(s): Parsley (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Furanocoumarins

Symptoms: Photosensitization (sunburn, dermatitis). 

 

Name(s): Peach (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Cyanide which is found in the stems, leaves, and seeds/pits. It is particularly toxic when wilting.

Symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, vomiting, heavy panting, respiratory issues, bright red colored gums and eventual shock or death. 

 

Name(s): Plum (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Cyanide which is found in the stems, leaves, and seeds/pits. It is particularly toxic when wilting.

Symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, vomiting, heavy panting, respiratory issues, bright red colored gums and eventual shock or death. 

 

Name(s): Potatoes

Toxin(s): Solanine

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea. Raw potatoes can be lethal.

Mashed, baked, or boiled potato meals are safe for your pet to eat, but should not be served as a substitute for vitamin supplements. Cooked potatoes are safe unless they contain harmful spices and herbs, artificial additives, or toppings. Sweet potatoes do not have solanine and are safe, in small amounts, raw or cooked.

 

Name(s): Raw eggs, meat, and fish

Toxin(s): In raw eggs: avidin (interferes with the absorption of biotin) and bacteria. In raw meat: bacteria. In raw fish: bacteria and an enzyme that destroys thiamine (an essential B vitamin for your cat).

Symptoms: Food poisoning, neurological problems, convulsions, coma.

 

Name(s): Rhubarb (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Soluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Kidney failure, tremors, increased drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, irritation of the mouth, pawing at mouth. 

 

Name(s): Salt, road salt/de-icing salt

Toxin(s): Potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium carbonate or calcium magnesium acetate

Symptoms: Hypersalivating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures, elevated body temperatures restlessness, increase in the blood’s electrolyte levels, weakness, lethargy, moderate irritation to the oral and gastrointestinal system, tremors and even death. De-icing salts can also cause burns, cracks, and skin irritations on paw pads.

 

Name(s): Star Fruit (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Soluble calcium oxalates

Symptoms: Sudden drop in calcium, which can lead to acute renal failure. Both the plant and the fruit are toxic to cats. 

 

Name(s): Tomatoes, Green Tomatoes (Also listed in Toxic Plants)

Toxin(s): Solanine (found in the green parts of the tomato plant), nicotine (in unripe tomatoes which decreases in quantity as the fruit ripens)  

Symptoms: Gastrointestinal discomfort including diarrhea or vomiting, drooling, lack of appetite, severe gastrointestinal upset, depression, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate, lethargy, confusion.

The stem and leaves of the tomato plant are the most toxic as they belong to the poisonous nightshade family. 

 

Name(s): Tuna

Toxin(s): Eating too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.

Symptoms: Blindness, ataxia, incoordination, tremors, abnormal behavior, hypermetria, nystagmus, and tonic-clonic convulsions.

Other Household Toxins

 

Name(s): Anti-freeze

Toxin(s): Ethylene glycol

Symptoms: Irreversible kidney damage

As little as half a teaspoon of antifreeze can kill an average-sized cat.

 

Name(s): Dog food

Toxin(s): Dog food is not toxic to cats in small amounts, but dog food is not a substitute for cat food. Cat food is formulated with more protein, vitamins, and fatty acids needed for a cat’s health.

Symptoms: A steady diet of dog food can cause your cat to be severely malnourished.

 

Name(s): Essential Oils such as wintergreen, oil of sweet birch, citrus oils (bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, tangerine, orange), basil oi, pine oil, ylang ylang oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, pennyroyal oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, fennel oil, melaleuca oil, thyme oil, oregano oil

Toxin(s): Phenols and phenolic compounds. Essential oils are absorbed rapidly into cats’ skin and enter the bloodstream, and cats cannot efficiently metabolize the toxins.

Symptoms: Watery nose or eyes, redness of the lips, gums, or skin, vomiting, drooling, difficulty breathing, panting, coughing, wheezing, lethargy, tremors or wobbliness, low heart rate, low body temperature, serious liver damage, liver failure, respiratory failure, seizures, and even death.

Do not apply or feed essential oils directly to cats or leave oils in areas where they may come in direct contact. If your cat has asthma, allergies, or another respiratory conditions, avoid all use of essential oils. Keep cats out of rooms with a high concentration of essential oils. Kittens, elderly cats, or cats who have liver or respiratory problems should be kept out of any room where essential oil diffusers are used. 

 

Name(s): Fertilizer 

Toxin(s): Herbicides, organophosphates, carbamates

Symptoms: Basic gastrointestinal irritants, drooling, watery eyes, urination, defecation, seizures, difficulty breathing, fever, and even death.

 

Name(s): Topical Flea Medicine

Toxin(s): d’Limonene, Pyrethrin, essential oils

Effect(s): Hair loss, skin irritation, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, trembling, and respiratory problems.

Flea medicine should be applied behind your cat’s head/at the base of their neck so that they cannot lick the medicine off their fur. 

 

Name(s): Glow sticks

Toxin(s): Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)

Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, skin and eye irritation, and a burning or stinging sensation. 

 

Name(s): Household Cleaning Products such as bleach, detergent, various cleaners

Toxin(s): Various chemicals including insecticides, chlorine, Formaldehyde, and ammonia.

Symptoms: Cancer, liver failure, anemia, tremors, kidney failure, lymphoma, neurological disorders, and irritation to skin, eyes, or other membranes. 

Ammonia is found in oven cleaners and window cleaning formulations. Chlorine is a toxic respiratory irritant found in all-purpose cleaners, automatic dishwashing detergents, tile scrubs, disinfecting wipes, toilet-bowl cleaners, laundry detergents, and mildew removers. Laundry detergent residue left behind on clothes and pet blankets can be harmful to your cat. Formaldehyde emissions are highest from new pressed wood furniture, drapery, and unwashed new fabrics but will gradually subside over time. New furnishings or fabrics that contain formaldehyde should be set outdoors for a few days, washed, or set in well-ventilated rooms. 

 

Name(s): Mothballs

Toxin(s): Naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene

Symptoms: Exposure to fumes can cause headaches, respiratory distress, and eye irritation. Ingestion can cause vomiting, severe abdominal pain, tremors, weakness, possible kidney or liver failure, severe abnormality of red blood cells, respiratory failure, seizures, heart arrhythmia, and possibly death. Repeated inhalation of fumes or ingestion of a few mothballs can be fatal. 

 

Name(s): Pest Control Products such as rodent, snail, and slug baits

Toxin(s): Rodenticides such as brodifacoum, possibly bran or molasses

Symptoms: Rodent baits typically result in blood clotting disorders, brain swelling, or kidney failure. Snail and slug baits result in severe tremors or seizures.

Cats can also be poisoned if they eat a rodent that has been poisoned.

 

Name(s): Tinsel, string, or hair ties

Toxin(s): These objects do not pose a poisoning risk but can cause severe damage to a cat’s intestinal tract if swallowed.

Symptoms: Severe injury or rupture of intestines. Treatment involves expensive abdominal surgery.