Check whether a houseplant or garden plant is toxic to cats, dogs or horses. This free tool draws from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control database of over 1,000 plants. Type a common name or botanical name to see the toxicity verdict, symptoms and pet safe alternatives. No app or account needed.
Start by typing a plant name into the search box above. The tool accepts common names like "Pothos" or "Snake Plant" as well as botanical names like Epipremnum aureum. As you type, matching plants appear in a dropdown. Select one to see the full toxicity report.
Each result shows whether the plant is toxic or safe for cats, dogs and horses. If the plant is toxic, you will see the clinical signs to watch for, the toxic compound responsible and a severity rating. The data comes from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, which maintains the most widely referenced plant toxicity database in the United States.
Cats are curious animals that often chew on leaves and flowers. Several common houseplants pose real danger to them. True lilies are the biggest threat. Even a small amount of pollen or leaf from an Easter lily, tiger lily or Asiatic lily can cause acute kidney failure in cats.
Sago palm is another severe risk. All parts of the plant are toxic, and the seeds contain the highest concentration of cycasin. Tulip bulbs contain allergenic lactones that cause vomiting and depression. Oleander contains cardiac glycosides that affect the heart.
Other plants toxic to cats include pothos, dieffenbachia, peace lily, philodendron and English ivy. Most of these cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms. Use the checker above to verify any plant before placing it where a cat can reach it.
Dogs tend to chew and swallow plant material more readily than cats. Sago palm is one of the most dangerous plants for dogs. Ingesting even a small piece can lead to liver failure. The seeds are especially toxic.
Azaleas and rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins that can cause vomiting, weakness and cardiac failure. Autumn crocus contains colchicine, which can trigger multi-organ damage. Tulip and daffodil bulbs cause gastrointestinal upset and can lead to cardiac arrhythmias if eaten in quantity.
Keep in mind that a plant listed as safe for cats may still be toxic to dogs and the reverse is also true. Lilies, for example, are extremely toxic to cats but not to dogs. Always check toxicity for each type of pet separately.
Horses are exposed to different plant risks because they graze in pastures. Red maple is highly toxic to horses. Wilted or dried leaves can cause severe red blood cell damage and death. Yew, oleander, sago palm and black locust are also dangerous to horses.
Ragwort causes cumulative liver damage over time. Bracken fern leads to thiamine deficiency and blindness in horses. Pasture management is the best prevention.
Not every plant is a risk. The ASPCA lists hundreds of plants as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Here are some popular choices for pet-friendly homes.
Use the checker to confirm any plant before you buy it. Search the name and look for the green "Safe" badge.
Symptoms depend on the plant and the amount eaten. Some plants cause immediate oral irritation while others take hours or days to show effects. Common signs to watch for include the following.
Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats within 24 to 72 hours. Sago palm can trigger liver failure in dogs within days. Some plants like oleander and foxglove affect the heart and can be fatal quickly. Early treatment is critical.
Act quickly. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth if you can do so safely. Do not try to induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to.
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for expert guidance.
Try to identify the plant your pet ate. Take a photo or bring a sample to the vet. Knowing the plant helps the veterinarian choose the right treatment faster.
The toxicity data in this tool comes from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The ASPCA maintains the largest and most widely referenced database of toxic and non-toxic plants for companion animals in the United States. It covers over 1,000 plant species.
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control - Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Data reviewed by ASPCA veterinary toxicologists. Plants Findr updates this dataset periodically to reflect additions to the ASPCA list.
Type the plant name into the search box at the top of this page. The tool matches your input against the ASPCA database and shows you whether the plant is toxic to cats, dogs or horses. You will also see the symptoms to watch for and the toxic compound involved.
True lilies (Lilium species) are the most dangerous. Even small amounts of pollen, leaf or flower can cause kidney failure in cats. Sago palm, oleander and autumn crocus are also severe risks. Always verify a plant with this checker before placing it in a room with cats.
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline at 888-426-4435 right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. If possible, keep a sample of the plant so the vet can identify it and choose the correct treatment.
Not all plants called "lily" are equally dangerous. True lilies in the Lilium and Hemerocallis genera cause kidney failure in cats. Peace lilies cause milder mouth irritation but are far less dangerous. The botanical name is the most reliable way to tell them apart.
Spider plants, Boston ferns, areca palms, calathea, peperomia and prayer plants are all listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. These make excellent choices for pet owners. Search any plant in the tool above to confirm its safety status.
Yes. Lilies are the most notable example. They are extremely toxic to cats but are not considered toxic to dogs. This tool shows the toxicity status for each animal separately so you can make informed decisions for your specific pets.