Animal safety
Cats are more sensitive to many plants than dogs. Although they are obligate carnivores, many cats regularly nibble grasses, leaves, or houseplants. Because small amounts of some plants can already be problematic, indoor and garden planting should be chosen carefully.
Quick help
Search for the plant first. The exact plant part, amount eaten, time of ingestion, possible symptoms, and the animal's weight are important for the next step.
Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional specifically tells you to do so.
Practical guidance
This animal page helps you assess garden plants by urgency, plant part, and evidence level. For possible exposure, start with the action guidance. For garden planning, focus on critical plant parts and access control.
The rating helps with initial orientation, but it cannot replace an individual assessment. Amount, plant part, spoiled material, chemical residues, age, weight, and existing health conditions may all matter.
Cats reach raised planters, windowsills, and sheltered garden corners. Plan for climbing routes, containers, and cut flowers within reach, not only ground-level beds.
The list shows which plants and plant parts are more suitable, restricted, or critical for cat. It is not a feeding plan and does not replace individual ration advice.
Cat
Cards start with the practical decision. Expand symptoms, reasoning, and evidence when needed.
180 plants visible
No matching plants found.
How to read the assessment: Status describes general suitability, urgency describes the recommended response after possible ingestion, and evidence describes confidence in the assessment. Low evidence is not the same as low risk.
Cat
These plants or plant parts should not be fed. Depending on the animal, access control in the garden may also be advisable.
38 Plants
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: All parts of the plant
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, ataxia, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, icterus, dark urine
Especially relevant: Ingestion of any plant part
Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) belongs to the Allium genus, which is toxic to cats and can cause hemolytic anemia. All parts of the plant are toxic.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Stems, Leaves, Seeds (Apricot stone)
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, Dilated pupils, Difficulty breathing, Panting, Shock
Especially relevant: Ingestion of stems, leaves, or seeds (especially wilted material), Animal curiosity
Specifically, stems, leaves, and seeds (apricot stones) contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can lead to cyanide poisoning if ingested. The fruit flesh itself does not contain these toxins...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Stems, Leaves, Seeds
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: leaves, stems
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis
Especially relevant: long-term consumption, excessive consumption
Borage contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be hepatotoxic. Young leaves and flowers are considered safe for human consumption, but for cats there is risk from alkaloids and irritants...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Flowers
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal upset, Hemolytic anemia, Weakness, Blood in urine
Especially relevant: Consuming large quantities, Sensitivity to Allium compounds
Chives contain N-propyl disulfide, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and hemolytic anemia in cats. All parts of the plant are considered toxic.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Stomach upset
Especially relevant: Large amounts
Lemon verbena contains essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation in cats. Small amounts used in cooking as a flavoring are considered safe.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: All parts, especially Pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium), concentrated essential oils
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Large amounts, Essential oil
Mint contains essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats when ingested in larger amounts. Common culinary mints like peppermint or spearmint are usually harmless in very...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Bulb, Green shoots (leaves), Flowers
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), Blood in urine, Weakness, High heart rate, Panting
Especially relevant: All onion species are toxic, Even small amounts can be dangerous
Onion (Allium cepa) contains N-propyl disulfide, which causes hemolytic anemia in cats. All plant parts are toxic, including raw, cooked, or dried onion. No safe feeding amount known. Seek...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Flowers, Young shoot tips
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Ingestion of plant parts
Symptoms are usually mild and self-limiting.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: entire plant (especially during flowering)
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Photosensitization (sunburn, dermatitis)
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities, Plant during flowering stage
Parsley is toxic to cats, especially during the flowering stage when apiol content is highest. Large quantities can cause photosensitization.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits, Calyx (husk)
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea), Lethargy, Weakness, Drooling, Dilated pupils, Slow heart rate
Especially relevant: Access to plant parts
Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) belongs to the nightshade family and contains alkaloids in leaves, stems, and unripe fruits that can be toxic to cats. All plant parts except ripe...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaf blades, Leaf stalks (petioles)
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Kidney failure, tremors, salivation
Especially relevant: All plant parts contain soluble calcium oxalates, Oxalic acid levels increase significantly after late June
Rhubarb is toxic to cats due to soluble calcium oxalates in all plant parts. Ingestion can lead to kidney failure.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Bulb, Leaves
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal irritation, Anemia
Shallots belong to the Allium genus and contain disulfides and thiosulfates that can cause hemolytic anemia in cats. While specific studies on shallots in cats are lacking, toxicity is...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Stems
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: GI upset, Weakness, Muscle fasciculations, Seizures, Arrhythmias, Renal injury
Especially relevant: Large amounts, Chronic ingestion
Sorrel contains soluble oxalates, which are toxic to cats. Small amounts may cause GI upset; very large amounts can lead to weakness, muscle fasciculations, seizures, and potential renal...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Young shoots
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Amount of plant ingested, Individual sensitivity
Tarragon contains essential oils and estragole, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation in cats. Although toxicity is low, ingestion should be avoided. Contact a veterinarian if...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Bulb base
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal irritation, Hemolytic anemia, Weakness, Lethargy
Especially relevant: All parts of the plant contain sulfur compounds toxic to cats., Even small amounts can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells.
All parts of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum) contain sulfur compounds such as disulfides and thiosulfates that are toxic to cats and can cause hemolytic anemia. Even small amounts can cause...
Cat
Plant part, amount, maturity, and the animal's individual situation can all matter here.
31 Plants
Suitable: Fruit flesh (without seeds), Peel (for untreated fruit)
Critical: Seeds, Stems, Leaves, Wilted or decaying plant parts
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, Dilated pupils, Difficulty breathing, Panting, Shock
Especially relevant: Ingestion of seeds, stems, or leaves, Ingestion of wilted plant parts
Apple fruit flesh is considered safe for cats in small quantities. However, seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic. Wilted plant parts are particularly...
Suitable: Fruit
Critical: Stems, Leaves, Seeds
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: Fruit flesh
Critical: Seeds, Rind
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset from excessive consumption of seeds or rind
Especially relevant: Consumption of unripe parts, Consumption of seeds in large amounts
The ripe fruit flesh of muskmelon is safe for cats in small amounts as a treat. Seeds and rind should be avoided as they are difficult to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset if...
Suitable: Fruit flesh, Skin
Critical: Pit (contains amygdalin), Leaves, Stems
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, Dilated pupils, Brick red mucous membranes, Panting, Shock
Especially relevant: Consumption of wilted leaves, Chewing or swallowing pits
Peach fruit flesh is generally safe in small amounts as a treat, but pits, leaves, and stems contain amygdalin, which can hydrolyze to hydrogen cyanide. Wilted foliage is particularly...
Suitable: Flesh (ripe)
Critical: Stems, Leaves, Seeds
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
Possible symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, Dilated pupils, Difficulty breathing, Panting, Shock
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: Flesh (cooked/baked)
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Raw flesh in large quantities, Seeds (unprocessed)
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption of raw parts, Access to leaves or stems
Cooked or baked acorn squash flesh is suitable for cats in small amounts as an occasional treat. Leaves, stems, and raw parts may cause gastrointestinal upset due to cucurbitacins and...
Suitable: Ripe fruits (in very small quantities)
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
Especially relevant: Overconsumption of plant material (fruits, leaves, stems, seeds)
Aronia is considered non-toxic for cats. However, ingestion of plant material (especially leaves, stems, seeds, but also large quantities of fruits) may cause mild gastrointestinal upset...
Suitable: Flesh (fully ripe)
Critical: Seeds, Unripe fruits
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Nausea, Vomiting, Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Ingestion of seeds, Ingestion of unripe fruits
The flesh of ripe pawpaw fruit is considered safe, but should only be offered to cats in very small amounts as an occasional treat. The seeds are toxic and contain alkaloids that can cause...
Suitable: ripe fruit (syconium)
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: Fruit flesh, Fruit skin
Critical: Seed/pit (contains cyanogenic glycosides), Leaves, Bark
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain
Especially relevant: Consumption of pits, leaves, or bark, Unripe fruit
The fruit flesh of the damson plum is safe for cats in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and bark contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when acted upon by enzymes and may lead...
Suitable: Ripe flesh
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits, Green plant parts
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (if green plant parts or unripe fruit are consumed)
Especially relevant: Consumption of green plant parts or unripe fruit
Ripe eggplant flesh can be fed in small amounts as a treat. Green plant parts and unripe fruits contain solanine and are toxic. Consumption of plant material can generally cause...
Suitable: Fruit flesh, Skin
Critical: Seeds (pit), Leaves, Bark
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain
Especially relevant: Consumption of pits, leaves, or bark, Cyanide release from amygdalin
The flesh and skin of plums are safe for cats in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and bark contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide and lead to poisoning symptoms. If hazardous...
Cat
These plants or plant parts are generally considered suitable based on the reviewed data. They are not a substitute for a balanced diet.
91 Plants
Suitable: Bulb, Leaves, Seeds, Stems
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Fennel is safe for cats in normal amounts. All edible parts (bulb, leaves, seeds, stems, pollen) can be fed as treats. Concentrated fennel oil should be avoided.
Suitable: Fruits
Critical: Stems, Leaves, Seeds
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Strawberries are non-toxic to cats and can be fed as an occasional treat. The fruits are safe, while other plant parts such as leaves and stems are less suitable and not recommended.
Suitable: Leaves, Seeds, Flowers, Tender stems
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Especially relevant: Phototoxicity from sap contact with UV light (rare)
Contact with plant sap and sunlight may rarely cause phototoxicity. Young leaves and seeds are edible and occasionally consumed by cats. No known poisoning cases with normal feeding...
Suitable: Fruits, Leaves
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Fruits and leaves are edible, but consumption should be limited to occasional treats to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Suitable: Leaves, Flowers, Young seed pods
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset
Arugula is non-toxic for cats and can be fed in moderation as an occasional treat. Overconsumption may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. As cats are obligate carnivores, arugula should...
Suitable: Young shoots (asparagus spears)
Critical: Berries, Woody ends of spears, Mature fronds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Consumption of berries or mature plant parts, Overconsumption of young shoots
Young asparagus spears are safe for cats in small amounts as an occasional treat. Berries and mature plant parts contain saponins and can cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a...
Suitable: Root (taproot), Young leaves (in moderation)
Critical: Large quantities of mature leaves
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) if consumed in excess
Especially relevant: Overconsumption, especially of leaves
Beetroot is generally considered non-toxic for cats by major pet safety organizations. However, due to their carnivorous diet, it should only be offered as an occasional treat. The leaves...
Suitable: Fruits
Critical: No critical parts listed
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset with excessive consumption
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset due to high fiber and acid content., Intensely pigmented fruits may temporarily stain mouth and teeth blue.
Berries are safe for cats in small amounts as an occasional treat. Leaves can be used for tea but are not a natural part of feline diet. When foraging wild, be aware of potential...
Suitable: flower buds, tender stems, young leaves
Critical: No critical parts listed
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause gas or gastrointestinal upset., Only feed fresh, unspoiled parts.
Broccoli is suitable for cats in small amounts as a treat. The edible parts (flower buds, tender stems, young leaves) are non-toxic and nutritious. Overconsumption may cause gas or...
Suitable: Buds (sprouts), Young leaves
Critical: No critical parts listed
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset with overconsumption
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause gas or diarrhea.
Brussels sprouts are suitable for cats in small amounts as a treat. Young sprouts and leaves are edible and non-toxic, but overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. Stems and tough...
Suitable: Leaves
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption
Buck's-horn plantain (Plantago coronopus) is not known to be toxic to cats. The leaves are edible and can be occasionally fed as a treat, but consumption should be moderated to avoid...
Suitable: Young leaf stalks, Young leaves, Flower buds
Critical: Older, fibrous leaf stalks, Thorns on leaves and stalks
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with excessive consumption or consumption of older, fibrous parts)
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption, Consumption of older, fibrous leaf stalks
Young, tender parts are safe in moderation; older, fibrous parts and thorns should be avoided.
Cat
The available evidence for this plant-animal combination is currently insufficient.
20 Plants
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
Leaves, seedlings, and flowers are safe for cats in normal amounts and can be offered as occasional greens. Seeds should be avoided due to higher mustard oil glycoside concentrations...
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FAQ
The overview shows which plants are rated as suitable, restricted, critical, or unclear for cat. Always check the specific plant part, such as fruit, leaves, stems, seeds, or tubers.
Restricted means that the plant or certain plant parts are not automatically unsafe, but may only be suitable for cat in appropriate amounts, under control, or with extra caution.
Critical means the plant or certain plant parts should not be fed. Depending on the plant, access control in the garden may also be useful.
No. The information helps with garden safety decisions, but it does not replace veterinary advice. If risky plant parts were ingested, symptoms appear, or behavior changes, contact a veterinarian.
