Decorating with plants and flowers is a great way to beautify your home and garden, but some of your favourite foliage can also be toxic to your cat. Before adding new greenery to your home or garden, it’s important to read up on what plants are poisonous to cats so that you can keep your cat or kitten safe.

Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats

From houseplants to garden plants, including vegetables and herbs, here is a selection of plants and flowers that are toxic to cats.

1. Lilies

People tend to use "lily" as an all-encompassing term, but there are about 90 species in all, including the Asiatic lily, Easter lily and lily of the valley. What do they have in common other than a name? They're all poisonous plants to cats. In fact, they're one of the most toxic plants for your feline friend; ingestion can lead to immediate kidney failure.

2. Eucalyptus

Though rich in fibre, eucalyptus isn't part of a healthy diet. The leaves are toxic to most animals, except koalas and a few wild bird species.

3. Jade

Succulents, like jade, are the perfect option for those who don't have a green thumb because they're low-maintenance and beautiful. Unfortunately, jade is also one of several succulents that are poisonous to cats.

4. Milkweed

Planting common milkweed in gardens has become a popular way to support monarch butterfly populations. However, the fruit of the milkweed plant is toxic to both animals and humans.

5. Onion

Onions are a staple of dinner tables around the globe, especially in China and India, the top two onion-producing countries. But onions, as well as garlic, leeks, scallions, chives and shallots, are toxic to many animals, including cats and dogs.

6. Tomatoes

The fruit of the tomato is harmless to your cat, but its stem and leaves can be toxic. Add this to your list of human food not to give your cat.

7. Daffodils 

These popular springtime annuals, with their deep yellow and white colouring, look terrific bunched together. But don't let their beauty deceive you. According to a study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal, daffodil flowers, leaves and bulbs can all be poisonous to cats.

8. Hyacinth

Sweet-smelling hyacinth flowers are native to the eastern Mediterranean. Close relatives include water hyacinths and tulips. Despite their beauty, these bulb flowers contain alkaloids that can be dangerous for your cat.

9. Mistletoe

The practice of kissing under the mistletoe dates back to the 18th century. For cats, though, these plants lead not to everlasting love but to serious health issues, including cardiovascular shutdown. Other festive plants, like amaryllis, also pose problems for your cat's health and should be kept out of the house.

10. Mandrake 

The flowering mandrake shrub originated in the Mediterranean region and has had a mythical reputation for centuries. But its toxicity isn't just folklore. The mandrake root is highly poisonous to cats (and to humans).

11. Azaleas 

Part of the rhododendron family, an azalea is a small, deciduous species that is poisonous to cats, who can suffer gastrointestinal, cardiovascular or central nervous system issues.

Other common plants that are toxic to cats include:

• Croton (Joseph's Coat)

• Caladium (Elephant Ear)

• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

• Ficus (rubber plants, weeping and variegated fig plants)

• Philodendron

• Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)

• Oleander

• Poinsettia

• Christmas cherry

• Holly berries

Toxicity can vary based on the type of plant and how much is ingested. For instance, poinsettias are mildly toxic to most cats. However, some cats are especially susceptible and can experience clinical signs severe enough for medical treatment, even in smaller amounts.