It is necessary for every cat parent to know about the houseplants that are poisonous for their feline companions. Vets in our country treat thousands of cases of plant poisoning every year. Cats can experience mild to severe plant toxicity that can lead to anything from vomiting to blood in stool, depending on the intensity of the toxin. If you have any of the following houseplants, then consider replacing it as it can be highly toxic to your cat.

Autumn crocus
Autumn crocus is also known as meadow saffron. It is ornamental in nature, with all of its parts being toxic to cats. This is because the plant contains a toxic alkaloid called colchicine. Cats ingesting this plant have been reported to exhibit symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, vomiting, kidney and liver damage, and even coma in severe cases. Make sure to replace this houseplant with a non-toxic one or keep the plant out of your cat’s reach.

Azaleas and rhododendrons
These are flowering shrubs that are typically used as decorative houseplants. However, they are highly dangerous for cats. Your feline friends can get poisoned from the grayanotoxins present in these flowering plants. Accidental ingestion of azaleas and rhododendrons can result in weakness, lack of appetite, drooling, vomiting, heart arrhythmia, tremors, and seizures.

Cyclamen
Alternatively known as sowbread, cyclamen is a decorative houseplant that has more than 20 species. Though each part of the plant is toxic, botanists suggest that it is the tubers and roots that are the most harmful. Cyclamen contains irritants known as saponins which, when ingested by cats, can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe conditions also include abnormal heart rates and seizures.

Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is a succulent flowering houseplant that is also referred to as “widow’s-thrill”. It is highly unsafe for cats as it contains toxins known as bufadienolides which can cause seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and gastrointestinal problems such as drooling and diarrhea.

Lilies
A lily plant, in its entirety, poses a grave threat to cats. However, some species can be more harmful than the others. Japanese lilies, Asiatic lilies, rubrum lilies, Easter lilies, daylilies, and more are especially dangerous for cats. Cats licking the pollen off these flowers, or even drinking the water from the vase in which the plant is kept, can experience kidney failure and even fatality in some cases.

Narcissus
Narcissus is a genus under which flowering plants such as daffodils fall. Many plants belonging to this category contain a poisonous agent known as lycorine. When cats consume these plants, they can face breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, and other gastrointestinal complications. Ensure that you keep your cat away from these plants.