So I've recently become a plant-parent, and you know you dogs and cats are very curious creatures so it's important to be aware what plants are safe around your pet. Before buying any plant always do some research on how to care for it as well as how safe it is.
From my own research and experience plants can be categorized into 3 separate categories for their safety around pets.
1) Pet-friendly (non-toxic/non-harmful). These plants won't make your pet sick (or worse), and they don't have spines/spikes or are an irritant.
Examples - Orchids, Calathea, Catnip, Echeveria, Ponytail palm, Christmas Cactus, String of hearts, Air plants, African Violets, Bromeliads, Fittionia, Roses, Hawthoria, Fishbone cactus, Chinese money plant, Banana tree, Pineapple plant, Pachira aquatica
2. Caution (irritant or unsafe potential). These plants might have spikes/spines, or be an irritant. They may irritate the mouth and throat if eaten and in rare instances cause anaphylaxis. Keep these plants out of your pet's reach.
Examples - Monstera, Cati, Dracaena
3) Toxic. These plants contain harmful chemicals which may cause your pet to become unwell after ingested. With veterinary treatment ingestion of some toxic plants may result in death.
Examples - Lilies, Philodendron, Crassula, Daffodils, Amaryllis, Aloe, Tulips, Ivy, Yew, Kalanchoe, Holly, Chrysanthemum, Iris, Mistletoe, Snowdrops, Bluebells, Asparagus fern, Hyacinth, Begonia,
These are examples based on my research, I would suggest you do your own and make your own choice. If you believe your cat has eaten a toxic plant or is showing any symptoms after eating a plant of unknown toxicity urgent veterinary treatment is needed.
Symptoms of plant toxicity:
Vomiting
Pawing at mouth
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Increased thirst
Pale gums
Twitching/ seizures
Drooling
Collapse
Not eating
Rashes
Breathing difficulties
Note: some plants that aren't poisonous to dogs may be poisonous to cats and vice versa.
Useful websites to check to see if your plants are toxic to your pets:
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/poisonous-plants
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/dangerous-plants
https://animalemergencyservice.com.au/blog/flowers-plants-toxic-dogs-cats/
https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/basics/top-10-plants-poisonous-to-pets/
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/plants-poisonous-to-dogs
Happy Planting
"As soon as I started collecting houseplants, I couldn't stop. Honestly, I can never have enough." - Connor Franta