1) Toxic plants
20 plants toxic for cats
Some plants contain substances that can cause digestive, neurological, or cardiac problems in cats. If you share your home with a feline, it’s best to avoid these plants to prevent any risk of poisoning.
However, if your cat shows no interest in them at all, you can keep certain plants as long as you place them out of reach—e.g., in a terrarium or in rooms the cat can’t access.
It’s about weighing the risk–benefit ratio, especially since other dangers exist in the environment: medicines left within paw’s reach, chewed electrical cables, or toxic objects scattered around the house.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of popular plants that are toxic for our whiskered companions.
Note that each plant family appears in many forms; even if the specimen shown in a photo is dangerous, it’s not the only one.
1. Lily
The lily is certainly one of the most dangerous plants for cats.
Ingestion can cause acute kidney failure, often fatal without quick treatment.
It’s therefore preferable not to keep this flower at home if you have a cat.
2. Oleander
Particularly common in the south, oleander is toxic in all its parts. Poisoning usually occurs after ingestion or chewing, but also through contact with sap, drinking contaminated water, or inhaling smoke from burning the plant.
In cats and dogs, symptoms may appear several days after ingestion.
Without treatment, poisoning is often fatal. To prevent any risk, it’s essential to keep animals away from the plant.
3. Lily of the valley
Lily of the valley is extremely toxic for cats—including the water in the vase and even when the plant is dried.
Unlike other plants that cause mild discomfort, ingestion can be fatal.
A single sprig can be enough to trigger symptoms in a small animal. In case of ingestion, an emergency vet visit is essential. If you’re given lily of the valley on May 1st, keep it out of your cat’s reach!
4. Cycad (Sago palm)
This small palm is easy to find in gardens or as a potted houseplant.
Its leaves and seeds are extremely toxic.
If you suspect your cat has ingested cycad, immediate veterinary care is essential, as just a few seeds can poison a cat.
5. Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is a very popular houseplant, but very dangerous for our feline friends.
It contains latex made up of calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe irritation.
6. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Spathiphyllum, also called “peace lily,” also contains calcium oxalate crystals.
Its sap can cause oral, ocular, and digestive inflammation, and in serious cases, ulcers or perforations of the stomach and esophagus.
In dogs, complications are rare, but in cats, respiratory, neurological, and kidney issues can appear for up to two weeks after ingestion.
If your cat has chewed a Spathiphyllum, giving a little milk or lime juice may help reduce oxalate absorption and limit lesions. It’s also advisable to consult your vet, especially if symptoms persist.
7. Kalanchoe
A popular succulent, Kalanchoe contains toxic substances—especially in its flowers. Even small amounts can cause digestive, cardiac, and neurological problems. Cardiac arrest is possible within 4–5 days.
If ingested, consult a veterinarian immediately.
8. Hydrangea
Loved for its beautiful blooms, hydrangea hides a notable toxicity for cats. All parts are toxic, but the leaves and flower buds are the most problematic.
There is no antidote; treatment focuses only on managing symptoms. While the risk of death is low, it’s essential to consult a vet quickly if your cat has eaten hydrangea.
9. Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum)
Despite its cute name and appearance, Jerusalem cherry is toxic to cats and dogs—especially its berries.
Although rarely fatal, poisoning requires immediate veterinary attention for appropriate treatment.
10. Monstera
The Monstera genus is considered toxic for cats because of the latex it contains. The most frequently reported variety is Monstera deliciosa.
While not as dangerous as lilies or certain medications, it can nevertheless cause irritation and digestive upset if ingested. Stay vigilant, especially if your cat persistently nibbles on leaves.
11. Yucca
Often used as a houseplant, yucca is toxic to cats.
Although yucca poisoning is rarely fatal, you should consult a vet if your cat has consumed it, especially in large quantities.
12. Ficus
Ficus is very common in our homes. Yet its many varieties pose a significant danger to cats.
If ingested, contact a veterinarian quickly. If sap has gotten into the eye, rinse thoroughly with saline solution before the visit.
13. Dracaena
Whatever the species, Dracaena can be toxic to cats because it contains saponin. Its bitter taste often limits ingestion to small amounts, but even a low dose can cause digestive irritation and alter certain blood cells.
Not all varieties are equally toxic, as saponin concentration varies by species. The most dangerous include Dracaena marginata, Dracaena fragrans and its sub-varieties like Dracaena massangeana—ironically, also the most common in our homes.
14. Poinsettia
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), also called the Christmas Star, is very popular in winter.
While considered potentially toxic, the danger is moderate and severe cases are rare. Still, it’s best to keep your cat from getting interested in it.
Note that other plants in the same family, such as Croton, are also dangerous.
15. Alocasia
As elegant as it is popular, Alocasia contains toxic latex that can cause irritation in cats on contact or ingestion. However, this plant is often grown in terrariums, so you can keep it as long as it remains inaccessible to your cat.
16. Schefflera
Native to tropical regions, Schefflera—often used as a houseplant—is toxic to animals.
Although severe cases are rare, it’s best to limit access to avoid risk.
17. Philodendron
Like many houseplants, Philodendron is toxic to cats. Ingestion or contact with the skin and mucous membranes can cause oral and skin irritation and digestive problems (vomiting, diarrhea). Keep it out of reach of curious faces.
18. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
A hardy, easy-care vine, Pothos also contains calcium oxalates, which cause oral irritation, pain, and drooling. If you want one at home, keep it out of reach.
19. Avocado
Not among the most toxic, but still one to watch—especially since it’s common in homes.
Main symptoms appear within hours of ingestion and include digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite). In some cases, respiratory difficulties and cardiovascular problems may occur, showing as edema or effusions.
Although fatal cases are rare, poisoning is uncomfortable and may require veterinary care.
20. Aloe vera
While Aloe vera is known for its medicinal benefits, in large amounts it is harmful to cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Though not as life-threatening as lilies or lily of the valley, it’s still a plant to avoid—especially in large quantities—because it can cause notable discomfort.
Non-toxic houseplants for cats
Fortunately, many decorative plants pose no danger to felines. Here are some safe alternatives:
- Calathea: Good news—there are many species with varied looks, and they’re easy to care for.
- Areca palm: Non-toxic and perfect for a tropical touch at home.
- Boston fern (Nephrolepis): Purifies the air and is safe for cats—just be sure to choose this specific fern, as some others are toxic.
- Chlorophytum (spider plant): Easy to care for and harmless to cats.
- Bamboo: Adds a zen vibe and is totally safe for cats.
- Maranta (prayer plant): Very decorative and safe.
- Peperomia: A hardy, easy-care plant, non-toxic for pets.
- African violet (Saintpaulia): A very cute flowering plant and safe.
- Orchid: Finally, a flower you can gift without risk! Orchids are harmless to our four-legged friends.
- Pachira: Non-toxic and great for decorating.
- Pilea: This small green plant is cat-friendly.
If you like flower bouquets, here are some harmless flowers:
- Mimosa
- Lisianthus
- Rose
- Gerbera
- Zinnia
- Freesia
What should I do if my cat ate a toxic plant?
If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant, act quickly. Steps to follow:
- Remove the plant from the cat’s mouth if it’s still chewing. Take care not to get bitten.
- Call your veterinarian as soon as possible for instructions—especially for lily of the valley or lilies. They may advise rinsing or inducing vomiting (using a precise dilution of hydrogen peroxide), but do not improvise. Some “remedies” like milk or activated charcoal can be ineffective or even dangerous depending on the toxin. Unless you’re sure it’s recommended, avoid them.
- Follow the vet’s recommendations: Prompt treatment can save your pet’s life. It may include IV fluids, medication, or hospitalization in severe poisoning.
Preventing poisoning risks
To avoid accidents, apply these tips:
- Avoid bringing toxic plants into your home. Doing research beforehand helps; note down dangerous plants before a garden-center impulse buy.
- Place plants out of reach—on high shelves or in rooms off-limits to cats. You can also create mini indoor greenhouses or choose closed terrariums, which are growing in popularity.
- Train your cat by offering alternatives like cat grass or suitable toys to divert attention.
- Be vigilant with bouquets that may contain lilies, tulips, or daffodils, which are often toxic. Make friends and family aware if they might gift you flowers. As you’ve seen, many seasonal gift plants are among the most toxic.
Conclusion
Plants are a staple of home décor, but some pose a real danger to cats. Knowing which plants are toxic and choosing safe alternatives is essential to keep your four-legged companion safe. If ingestion is suspected, quick action is crucial to avoid serious complications. Don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian with any question or suspicion of poisoning.
2) Cat stress
All living beings experience emotions. When those emotions are upsetting, we humans use all kinds of ways to regain peace: we go for a walk, we shout, we eat (or devour) a piece of fruit, we smash a plate, etc.
A cat in nature can also vent frustrations and feel better. However, a cat who is a human companion doesn’t always have the chance to act as it would like.
Stress is not the result of a genetic disease, but of an environmental imbalance (housing conditions, a poorly maintained litter box or one too close to food, difficult cohabitation with other animals, loneliness, lack of activity, constantly moving objects or furniture, lack of private areas, shrill noises that prevent rest, lack of hiding spots to watch without being seen, moving house, etc.).
What’s important—and sometimes hard—to remember is that stress underlies unpleasant behaviors and even many illnesses. Three-quarters of feline behavioral issues are partly due to stress. The skin is the first organ affected in case of stress.
Cats are very clean animals. So why do they sometimes pee or poop outside the litter box? Maybe they don’t like the color of the tray or the scent of the litter, or they’re stressed for other reasons. The most common way for a cat to unload stress is inappropriate elimination. Never accuse a cat of being “dirty.” Instead, look for what doesn’t suit it and what’s causing stress.
Stress can cause cardiovascular issues, poor hair growth, chronic colic, and—most seriously—suppression of immune function, which can lead to death.
Stress can also cause aggression in a cat. A female who is naturally cuddly can become aggressive if you harm (intentionally or not) a kitten—even if it isn’t hers.
Even if you love your cat, you won’t let it do absolutely everything, right? Still, if you want to “punish” your cat, you must react at the exact moment of the act—not a second later. Since cats don’t connect the two events (the misbehavior and your punishment), the cat won’t know why you’re reprimanding it and will see your action as inexplicable aggression. And stress quickly follows.
To help a cat out of a stressed state, you can turn to Zylkene, a dietary supplement that reduces anxiety, and/or Feliway, composed of calming pheromones.
Important: It’s a good idea to plug in a Feliway diffuser 24 hours, or even several days, before your kitten’s first arrival at home. The kitten will be very stressed due to separation from its familiar environment: mother, siblings, caretakers, home, different routines, travel, etc. Add to that the welcome (not always friendly) from the resident cat who may see an intruder. It’s best to create a peaceful atmosphere with Feliway.
Provide a cat tree where it can scratch and, above all, climb very high.
Provide kibble available at will so it doesn’t fear running out and feel compelled to gorge when you feed it. Cats like to eat little and very often.
Avoid punishing as much as possible; speak gently and pet your cat often.
3) Grooming
Brushing a Maine Coon
Long, dense, and silky, the Maine Coon’s coat adds to its natural charm. To care for it properly and prevent mats, you need to brush at least once a week with a suitable tool. To find the ideal tool, we invite you to check our dedicated guide by clicking here.
During shedding season, brushing becomes more frequent. To remove dead hair and prevent your companion from swallowing too much of it, give a thorough daily brush.
Besides ensuring your beloved feline’s good health, enhancing its coat, and helping it feel good in its paws, brushing creates a special bonding moment and strengthens your relationship.
Bathing a Maine Coon
Like other cats, the Maine Coon grooms itself by licking its fur. However, to clean it more thoroughly, you can bathe your pet 3–4 times a year (skip it if you feel the animal doesn’t need it). Did you know some cats of this breed particularly enjoy water?
To bathe your cat, wet it thoroughly, then apply a small amount of mild shampoo designed specifically for cats. There are plenty of products on the market that bring out the beauty of its coat.
Next, gently massage the whole body, avoiding the eyes and ears. After circular motions, rinse thoroughly to remove all shampoo. Finally, dry with a towel and make sure it doesn’t catch a chill.
Cleaning eyes and ears
Among the routine care tasks is cleaning the eyes. The pretty eyes of your Maine Coon can get dirty around the edges. To spare it any infection or other ocular problem, soak a compress with saline solution and gently clean the inner corners.
Also take time to check the condition of the ears. Tall and wide, they deserve special attention, especially if your cat roams outdoors. To clean them, put 1–2 drops of ear-cleaning solution into the ear canal. Massage gently to bring out impurities, which you’ll remove with a compress.
If your feline partner scratches its ears a lot, make an appointment with the vet to ensure ear mites haven’t taken hold.
Trimming claws
In general, our adorable whiskered friends naturally wear down their claws thanks to a scratching post and outdoor activity (for outdoor cats).
If sedentary, the claws tend to grow excessively. When too long, they can hinder movement, cause injury, or open the door to infections. Use a claw clipper to tip the ends, avoiding the pink area supplied with blood vessels. Don’t hesitate to ask a veterinarian or groomer for advice to learn the right technique.
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