Yes—common flowers and plants can seriously poison pets. For cats, true lilies in the Lilium group and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are an especially urgent danger: even pollen exposure can lead to kidney failure or death. Keep them out of homes with cats, and contact a veterinarian promptly if you suspect exposure.
Which flowers and plants are toxic to pets?
The examples below are important hazards, not a complete inventory. ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database says its coverage is not all-inclusive. Check the exact plant identity—common names can refer to different plants—and remember that any plant material may upset a pet’s stomach.
| Plant | Animals at risk and key exposure | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| True lilies (Lilium spp.) and daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) | Cats; exposure can involve pollen as well as chewing plant material. | Potentially lethal kidney injury. ASPCA names Easter, Japanese, Oriental, Stargazer, Casa Blanca, and tiger lilies, as well as daylilies, as concerns for cats. |
| Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) | Dogs and cats; all parts are toxic, and seeds are particularly dangerous. | Severe poisoning can involve liver damage, low blood sugar, bleeding problems, seizures, and death. ASPCA warns that even small exposures can have serious consequences. |
| Tulip (Tulipa spp.) | Dogs, cats, and horses; the bulb contains the highest toxin concentration. | ASPCA Poison Control identifies tulipalin A and B. Signs can include vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and excessive salivation; larger exposures may be more serious. See the ASPCA tulip entry. |
| Daffodil (Narcissus spp.) | Dogs, cats, and horses; the bulb is the most poisonous part. | Lycorine and other alkaloids can cause gastrointestinal signs, with more serious effects possible after a large exposure. See the ASPCA daffodil entry. |
| Oleander (Nerium oleander) | Dogs, cats, and horses. | Can cause life-threatening heart effects, including abnormal heart rhythms and low blood pressure. Signs may be delayed. |
| Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) | Pets that ingest the plant. | Can cause serious gastrointestinal, cardiac, liver, kidney, blood-clotting, and bone-marrow effects. |
| Hyacinth and iris | Pets that chew the plants; bulbs are especially concentrated hazards. | These spring bulbs can cause stomach upset. Daffodil, tulip, or hyacinth bulbs may also raise concern for an obstruction if a large bulb is swallowed. |
Are lilies toxic to cats?
Yes. The most urgent lily warning applies to true lilies in the genus Lilium and daylilies in the genus Hemerocallis. Cats may be exposed by chewing a leaf or flower, or by getting pollen on their coat and ingesting it while grooming. Because even a small exposure can have severe consequences, do not bring these lilies into a home with cats. A bouquet’s label may not identify every flower, so ask for exact plant names.
Not every plant called a “lily” is the same
A common name alone does not establish the plant’s identity or its risk. For example, ASPCA lists calla lily as an irritant associated with insoluble calcium oxalates; that is different from the kidney risk posed by true lilies to cats. Confirm the scientific name rather than applying the true-lily warning—or assuming safety—to every plant with “lily” in its name.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- LIVE INDOOR HOUSEPLANTS: Includes a rotating assortment of 6 popular indoor plants in 2 in. grower pots, ranging in height by variety - approximately 4 - 6 in. tall
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: Features Pothos, Peperomia, Spider Plants, Croton, Ficus, Syngonium, Begonia, and more
- COMPACT SIZE, BIG IMPACT: Small but striking, this pack is perfect for event decor, grouped planters, and DIY projects
- GROWN WITH CARE: Our hand-selected assortment rotates monthly to ensure every pack is a delightful surprise
- FRESH FROM THE FARM: Grown with love and shipped with care directly from our team of passionate horticulturists
Why bulbs and plant identity matter
For tulips and daffodils, the bulb is the most concentrated or poisonous part, so a pet digging up or chewing a bulb can face a different level of exposure than one that briefly mouths a flower. ASPCA’s gardening guidance also flags hyacinths and irises, with bulbs especially concentrated. Autumn crocus is another important naming distinction: it is not the same as spring crocus. ASPCA describes autumn crocus as highly toxic, while spring crocus is associated with a generally less severe gastrointestinal risk.
When checking a plant, use its precise common and scientific names where available. A label that says only “lily” or “crocus” may not tell you enough to distinguish plants with different effects.
Rank #2
- FARM-DIRECT PACKAGING & ARRIVAL: Each Money Tree is hand-selected at the greenhouse and secured in breathable, reinforced transit-safe materials. This direct-from-nursery process maintains plant integrity and soil moisture, providing a healthy houseplant ready for immediate indoor display
- VERSATILE 12-16 INCH TABLETOP ACCENT: Instantly refresh your desk, shelf, or side table with Pachira aquatica's beautifully braided trunk and a vibrant, hand-shaped canopy. This medium-sized house plant arrives pre-potted in a stylish decorative planter, offering a sophisticated "designer look" that fits perfectly in smaller spaces with absolutely no messy repotting required
- PET-FRIENDLY HOUSEPLANT: Money Tree is safe for homes with cats and dogs according to ASPCA guidelines. Its upright growth habit naturally keeps foliage elevated, reducing accidental pet contact and making it a functional, worry-free botanical choice for pet-loving households
- SYMBOL OF LUCK & PROSPERITY: A staple of Feng Shui tradition, the Money Tree is believed to "trap" fortune in its braided trunk. It is the perfect, meaningful gift for housewarmings, new jobs, or birthdays, offering a living, growing alternative to temporary flowers
- 100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE: We want your new plants to succeed. If plants arrive stressed, water and rest them in indirect light for 24 hours to revive. If any arrive beyond saving, reach out immediately for a refund. We are here to help!
Flowers and plants ASPCA lists as non-toxic
ASPCA lists these examples as non-toxic to pets:
- Roses (Rosa spp.)
- Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)
- Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
- Gerber daisies (Gerbera spp.)
- Snapdragons (Antirrhinum spp.)
- Orchids (Orchidaceae)
- Petunia, Easter cactus, hens and chicks, Boston fern, spider plant, and zebra haworthia
“Non-toxic” is not a guarantee that every plant, cultivar, or quantity is harmless. ASPCA says its database is not comprehensive, and any plant material can cause stomach upset. Verify the identity of the specific plant before bringing it home or placing it within reach.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Air Purifying Rattlesnake Calathea: Perfect addition to your living room decor, office decor, or garden decor. This live Calathea Rattlesnake plant not only brings color but also acts as an air purifier.
Rank #4
- REAL PLANTS: Our plant pack contains 3 Calathea in 4" plant pots. Types may vary. Our decorative plants liven any space as an office plant, desk plant, or as a beloved houseplant.
- AIR PURIFIER: These houseplants live indoor easily, removing toxins from the air. Growing air purifying plants indoor has benefits beyond their cleansing powers — they complement other green plants and low light house plants in your indoor garden.
- PLANT DECOR: Our potted plants live & thrive with minimal care, making indoor plant growing easy. Plant indoor in a plant stand or hanging planter & enjoy the beauty of living plants. Our small house plants are also easy to display as shelf plants.
- NON-TOXIC: If you have furry companions, you’ll be thrilled to learn that calathea is non-toxic to cats and dogs! Your furry friend will not be harmed by rubbing on, eating, or otherwise interacting with them — the only thing that may be compromised is the beauty of your plants, so we recommend displaying your new calathea out of reach of curious, high energy animals.
- ABOUT US: We love animals as much as we love plants — a portion of every purchase is directed to our mission to help place shelter animals in happy homes
Rank #3
- HOUSE PLANT BOX: Includes a rotating assortment of 4 greenhouse-grown, low-maintenance plants in 4.25" nursery pots
- POPULAR VARIETIES IN EVERY PACK: Features popular plants like Philodendron, Pothos, Syngonium, Aralia, Ficus, and pet-safe plants like Peperomia, Calathea, and Ferns
- PLANT LOVER GIFTS: Gift with cute plant pots or ceramic planters for indoor plants to make these the perfect gifts for plant lovers
- FRESH FROM THE FARM: Grown with love and shipped with care directly from our team of passionate horticulturists
- ABOUT US: We love animals as much as we love plants. That's why a portion of every purchase is directed to our mission to help place shelter animals in happy homes.
What to do if your pet may have been exposed
- Contact a veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control promptly. ASPCA lists its Poison Control hotline as (888) 426-4435. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking professional advice.
- Identify the plant if you can. Use its label or exact common and scientific name; tell the veterinary professional what part was involved and whether the exposure may have been chewing, swallowing, or pollen contact.
- Follow professional instructions. Do not try home treatment unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional tells you to.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
