Houseplants add a touch of freshness and color to the space and definitely promote better in-house air quality. The bad news, however, is that cat lovers who want to bring these plants home have to be highly cautious. This is because the flora might have toxic properties that can affect the cat’s health. Felines are prone to chewing on things and if they accidentally ingest leaves, flowers, or stems of these plants, it can be fatal.

4 houseplants that are toxic for cats

1. Peace lilies
This is a popular choice in many homes especially during the Easter season due to its beautiful flowers. The white flowers look stunning in contrast to the dark leaves, and they do not cost much for an added décor element. But, this is a highly risky plant for cats because of the calcium oxalates that it contains. Cats can end up vomiting, drooling, and facing irritation in the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract. In some felines, it can even have a severe reaction and impact their breathing and swallowing. This is mainly dangerous only if the cats end up ingesting any bit of the plant.

2. Aloe vera
This is one of the most common house plants and has been a favorite for several reasons. Its leaves and gel also have mdecinial properties and help improve the skin’s quality. While it is highly beneficial for human use, it contains anthraquinones and saponins, which are toxic to cats. These ingredients, when ingested by cats, can end up causing severe vomiting and diarrhea and also lead to chronic lethargy.

3. Monstera deliciosa

This plant has a mind of its own and is a beloved among home déco enthusiasts. It is commonly known as split-leaf philodendrons or Swiss cheese plants due to the striking tropical foliage that it contains. They are a preferred addition due to their low cost for maintenance. However, for cats, this is a highly toxic houseplant as it is composed of insoluble calcium oxalates. This can end up causing oral swelling, a burning sensation in the lips and mouth, vomiting, and excessive amounts of drooling.

4. Pothos
This is a favored choice of houseplant among both beginners and expert plant owners due to it being highly attractive and yet low maintenance. If you are looking to ramp up your home décor on a low budget, this is one of the go-to plants recommended by plant experts. Unfortunately for pet ownsers, it is also one of the houseplants that are toxic for cars as it contains calcium oxalates in insoluble amounts. This can lead to major swelling in the oral region, including the mouth and lips, along with vomiting.

The thing about owning cats is that you cannot control their chewing habits, especially when you leave them unsupervised for long. You must check in on the details of each houseplant that you own or intend to buy to ensure that you do not end up affecting the health of your cat even accidentally.