Are plants toxic to pets? Identify first, then check
Many popular houseplants irritate pets if chewed; a few (especially true lilies for cats) are emergencies. Use PlantID to confirm the species, then use this guide and each plant’s toxicity notes before you place a new plant in a pet home.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian or pet poison hotline immediately and share the scientific name.
How to use this guide
Identify unknown plants from a photo, open the species page for toxicity detail, keep high-risk plants out of reach, and never assume “non-toxic” means safe to eat. When shopping, search the scientific name—not only the nursery nickname.
Common plants to double-check around pets
These indexable PlantID care guides include toxicity notes. Severity varies by species and animal — always read the full plant page.
| Plant | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Garden Lily Lilium | True lilies are extremely toxic to cats; ingestion can cause kidney failure. Treat as an emergency. |
| Daffodil Narcissus | Narcissus bulbs and sap are toxic if eaten and can irritate skin. Keep bulbs away from pets and children; wear gloves when handling if sensitive. |
| Dahlia Dahlia | Dahlia tubers and plants can cause mild stomach upset if chewed; keep pets from digging and eating tubers. |
| Garden Rose Rosa | Roses are generally considered low-toxicity, but thorns and stomach upset from chewing can still cause problems for pets. |
| Moth Orchid Phalaenopsis | Moth orchids are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, though chewing can still upset stomachs. |
| Garden Mum Chrysanthemum morifolium | Chrysanthemums contain compounds that can cause skin irritation and GI upset in pets. |
| Cape Jasmine Gardenia jasminoides | Gardenia is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs by major pet-poison references, but chewing any ornamental can upset stomachs — discourage browsing. |
| Hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is commonly listed as non-toxic to pets, but individual animals may still get mild stomach upset — keep plants out of heavy chewing range. |
- Tulip — Tulip bulbs contain toxins that can cause drooling, vomiting, and more serious symptoms if eaten by pets.
- Sunflower — Sunflowers are generally non-toxic to cats and dogs; monitor salted or chemically treated seeds.
- English Lavender — Lavender can cause mild GI upset in pets; concentrated oils are more hazardous than garden plants.
- Bigleaf Hydrangea — Hydrangeas are toxic if ingested; keep away from curious pets and children.
- Garden Peony — Peonies may cause vomiting or diarrhea if pets eat significant amounts.
- Gerbera Daisy — Gerberas are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- Camellia — Camellia japonica is generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but discourage chewing of ornamental shrubs.