Feel like adding a touch of greenery to your home? You can always add a few potted plants to up the decor and freshen the air. Most of them are easy to care for, but you must pick the right plants, especially if you have a cat at home. It’s best to steer clear of the following houseplants that are toxic to cats:
- Lilies
There are over 90 varieties of this plant, including Easter lilies, lily of the valley, peace lilies, and Asiatic lily, and all of them are listed among the houseplants that are toxic to cats. If your cat ingests even a small quantity of any part of this plant, it can cause kidney failure. - Pothos
Commonly known as money plant, this houseplant is very easy to care for and is a popular choice among people with little or no experience in caring for plants. Plus, it’s quite affordable, which makes it a good option to enhance the appearance of your home without overshooting your budget. Although the pathos plant does not cause any harm when touched, your cat will experience vomiting, oral swelling, and a burning sensation on its lips and mouth if it ingests it. - Mistletoe
You might be considering getting a mistletoe plant to decorate your home during the holiday season. Think again if you have a feline at home, as it is also on the list of the houseplants that are toxic to cats. Slight nibbling on this plant can cause your pet to experience serious health issues like cardiovascular problems. Other holiday plants like amaryllis, holly berries, and poinsettia are also toxic to cats. - Aloe vera
This plant is among the most popular indoor plants because of the gel in its leaves, which can be used in home remedies to treat various health conditions. That said, this plant is dangerous for cats as it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if ingested. - Snake plants
These are perfect indoor plants as they thrive in low-light conditions. They are also much sought-after as it is known to improve air quality, but reports by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) say that it is toxic to both canines and felines. It can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea if your furry friend. - Monstera Deliciosa
The stunning split leaves of this tropical plant has made it a top choice for home décor. It is also easy to maintain, which adds to the convenience of having it. However, this plant is extremely toxic to cats and can lead to a burning sensation in the mouth and on the lips, vomiting, drooling, and oral swelling if your pet ingests its leaves. This is caused by the insoluble calcium oxalates this plant contains.
Houseplants that are toxic to cats can trigger a range of health issues ranging from mild to severe. So, keep your feline at a safe distance from them to ensure that they are healthy and happy.
