Fall is just around the corner, and I am very excited to dive into Halloween topics. One that I have in mind is the deadly plant wolfsbane. But I realized that before we talk about that, there’s another toxic plant (and animal!) much nearer to home.

So far, I’ve written about belladonna, which is very deadly to humans, and carnivorous plants, which are only deadly to humans in scifi horror films. Today is all about lilies and other plants deadly to cats.

Mostly this is a PSA, because over the summer my cat went on an adventure that began with some lilies and ended with a three-night stay at the vet. But human readers without cats to worry about shouldn’t feel too smug: lilies might still be out to get you! (Well, okay, technically it’s lily of the valley that’s toxic to humans, and that plant is actually part of the asparagus family. But still, if my research has taught me anything, it’s that you can’t be too careful.)

Here’s a rundown of some cat-hating plants:

  • Lilies! (I know, big surprise, right?) All parts of lilies are dangerous for cats. Within a day or two, lily ingestion can cause kidney failure and death in kitties, and unfortunately there isn’t any surefire antidote or cure. When my cat had his misadventure, the best we could do was make sure he threw up everything and keep him on fluids until any danger had passed.
  • Daffodils and tulips. More pretty plants with a hidden dark side! The bulbs are the real villains here: they have several toxins which can combine to cause heart problems and behavioral problems, too.
  • Aloe. This is one of those plants that can heal and harm. It’s useful to people, but if cats ingest it, the saponins can cause irritation in their mouths and even paralysis.
  • Kalanchoe. A popular blooming succulent, this plant can also cause heart damage when eaten.

For a much, much longer list designed to keep pet lovers up at night, check out the ASPCA’s site. They don’t give details (unless you click on the name for more info), but they do include familiar favorites like garlic, gardenia, and yuccas.

Oh, and about lily of the valley — rumor in the English countryside has it that if you plant a bed of them, death is sure to visit within a year.

On that note, have a lovely weekend! 🙂

Selected Sources

Inkwright, Fez. Botanical Curses and Poisons: The Shadow-Lives of Plants. Liminal 11: 2021.

Stewart, Amy. Wicked Plants: the Weed that Killed Lincoln’s Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill: 2009.