Common Houseplants That Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs
by
Pet Care Store Canada Team
20 Jul 2026
Written by Pet Care Store Canada Team * Ships from Canada * CAD pricing * 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Many of the most popular Canadian houseplants are dangerous to cats or dogs. Some are merely unpleasant; some are deadly. Here's the list.
Highly toxic (remove immediately)
- Lilies (cats -- kidney failure from any part, even pollen)
- Sago palm
- Oleander
- Azalea / Rhododendron
- Castor bean
Moderately toxic
- Pothos
- Philodendron
- Dieffenbachia
- Aloe vera
- English ivy
- Tulip / daffodil / hyacinth bulbs
Pet-safe alternatives
- Spider plant
- Boston fern
- Cat grass
- African violet
- Calathea
- Most succulents (haworthia, echeveria)
If your pet ingested a plant
Call Pet Poison Helpline Canada: 1-855-764-7661, or your vet. Don't induce vomiting unless directed. Bring a sample of the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the smell of lilies enough to harm a cat?
Skin contact + grooming can transfer toxic pollen. Remove from any cat household.
Are succulents safe?
Most are -- avoid jade plant and aloe. Haworthia and echeveria are safe.
Will a few licks of pothos hurt?
Yes -- expect mouth/throat irritation and vomiting. Vet visit recommended.
Is grass safe?
Yes -- cat grass and pet grass are designed for nibbling.
Ships pet-safe gear across Canada?
Yes -- CAD, tracked CA shipping.
Shop the picks from this guide:
Make your home pet-safe with our health & wellness and cat supplies picks.
Make your home pet-safe with our health & wellness and cat supplies picks.
About the author: The Pet Care Store Canada team is a small group of Canadian pet parents, vet techs, and trainers who curate, test and write everything you see at petcarestore.ca. Tracked Canadian shipping. CAD pricing. 30-day guarantee.
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