8 Unexpected Flowers That Are Harmful to Cats

Having fresh flowers in your home is always a lovely touch, but before you grab that impulse bouquet next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, pause for a moment. Many common flowers found around the house can actually pose a danger to your pets. Since cats can easily jump onto most surfaces, they often find themselves snacking on flowers that may not be safe (and let’s face it, they’re always getting into mischief!).

We reached out to veterinarian Dr. Becca Boronat of Best Friends Animal Society to identify eight blooms that can be quite harmful. If you have a curious cat, be sure to keep these flowers out of your home. And if you're craving some greenery, consider opting for one of these cat-friendly plants instead.

Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis)

Lilies are highly toxic to cats, even in small quantities. Eating any part of the plant (leaves, petals, or pollen) can lead to acute kidney failure. Immediate veterinary intervention is essential! Watch for signs like vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and kidney failure.

Tulips

Be cautious of the bulbs! That’s where the toxic compounds are mainly found. If cats chew or ingest any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, they can experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and in severe cases, central nervous system depression.

Foxglove (Digitalis Species)

This plant contains cardiac glycosides, which can interfere with heart function, making any ingestion potentially fatal without prompt veterinary care. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heart rhythms, and even cardiac arrest.

Daffodils (Narcissus Species)

These lovely yellow flowers are unfortunately off-limits if you have a cat at home. They contain toxins that cause gastrointestinal issues in small doses, and in larger amounts, they can impact the nervous system and heart. Eating any part of the flower, especially the bulb, could be life-threatening. Keep an eye out for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, tremors, and in severe cases, irregular heart rhythms.

Chrysanthemums

It's unfortunate, but yes, these fall favorites are also dangerous for cats, though their effects are less severe than some others on the list. If eaten in large quantities (or if cats come into direct contact), they may experience drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, and skin irritation.

Azaleas are beautiful, but they can pose a danger to your pets if ingested.

If your cat eats any part of the azalea, the consequences could range from mild symptoms to severe health issues. Keep an eye out for symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, a slow heart rate, and potentially life-threatening heart problems.

Cyclamen is another plant that can be harmful to cats if ingested.

The danger lies in the root of the cyclamen, where the toxins are most concentrated. Eating any part of this plant could be deadly for your cat. If you suspect your cat has ingested some, be on the lookout for symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, seizures and heart problems may also occur.

Hyacinth is another plant that can be harmful to cats.

The primary danger in hyacinth flowers comes from calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to tissues. These crystals are most concentrated in the bulbs. Ingesting the plant typically causes mild to moderate symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, but larger amounts may lead to more serious issues, including respiratory problems.