Veterinary-sourced reference database

Plant Toxicity Database for Dogs & Cats

A comprehensive, peer-reviewed reference of plant toxicity data for companion animals. Cross-referenced from ASPCA Poison Control, Pet Poison Helpline, and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Veterinary-sourced data
ASPCA verified sources
Updated monthly
100% free forever
30 Plants in database
20 Toxic species identified
10 Verified pet-safe
6 Can be fatal

What this database provides

Toxicity classification

Each plant rated by severity (safe, mild, moderate, severe) with separate assessments for dogs and cats. Includes toxic compounds, affected plant parts, and onset timing.

Clinical symptoms

Species-specific symptom profiles with expected onset times. Distinguishes between dogs and cats where toxicity differs (e.g. Lilies: fatal to cats, mild GI upset in dogs).

Treatment protocols

First-response guidance and emergency triage steps. Identifies which exposures require immediate veterinary care versus home monitoring.

Search our plant database

Type any plant name to instantly check if it's safe for your dog or cat.

Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa
Swiss Cheese Plant, Split-Leaf Philodendron, Hurricane Plant
Dogs: moderate Cats: moderate
Snake Plant

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata
Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Sansevieria, Dracaena trifasciata
Dogs: mild Cats: mild
Pothos

Pothos

Epipremnum aureum
Devil's Ivy, Golden Pothos, Epipremnum
Dogs: mild Cats: moderate
Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Ficus lyrata
Ficus lyrata, Banjo Fig
Dogs: mild Cats: mild
Peace Lily

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum spp.
Spathiphyllum, White Sails, Closet Plant
Dogs: moderate Cats: moderate
Orchid

Orchid

Phalaenopsis spp.
Phalaenopsis, Moth Orchid, Dendrobium
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe
Philodendron

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.
Heartleaf Philodendron, Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron, Elephant Ear Philodendron
Dogs: moderate Cats: moderate
Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

Aloe barbadensis miller
Aloe, Burn Plant, Medicine Plant
Dogs: mild Cats: mild
Spider Plant

Spider Plant

Chlorophytum comosum
Chlorophytum, Airplane Plant, Ribbon Plant
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe
ZZ Plant

ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Zamioculcas, Zanzibar Gem, Eternity Plant
Dogs: mild Cats: mild
True Lily

True Lily

Lilium spp.
Emergency
Easter Lily, Tiger Lily, Asiatic Lily
Dogs: mild Cats: severe
Calathea

Calathea

Goeppertia orbifolia
Prayer Plant (family), Calathea Orbifolia, Rattlesnake Plant
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe
Rubber Plant

Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica
Rubber Fig, Rubber Tree, Ficus elastica
Dogs: mild Cats: mild
Tulip

Tulip

Tulipa spp.
Tulipa
Dogs: moderate Cats: moderate
Peperomia

Peperomia

Peperomia spp.
Radiator Plant, Baby Rubber Plant, Watermelon Peperomia
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe
Jade Plant

Jade Plant

Crassula ovata
Crassula, Money Plant, Lucky Plant
Dogs: mild Cats: mild
Daffodil

Daffodil

Narcissus spp.
Narcissus, Jonquil, Paper White
Dogs: moderate Cats: moderate
Boston Fern

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata
Sword Fern, Nephrolepis
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe
English Ivy

English Ivy

Hedera helix
Common Ivy, Hedera, Branching Ivy
Dogs: moderate Cats: moderate
Prayer Plant

Prayer Plant

Maranta leuconeura
Maranta, Herringbone Plant
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe
Parlor Palm

Parlor Palm

Chamaedorea elegans
Neanthe Bella Palm, Chamaedorea
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe
Azalea

Azalea

Rhododendron spp.
Emergency
Rhododendron, Rosebay
Dogs: severe Cats: severe
Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus

Schlumbergera spp.
Schlumbergera, Holiday Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe
Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia spp.
Dumb Cane, Leopard Lily, Tropic Snow
Dogs: moderate Cats: moderate
Sago Palm

Sago Palm

Cycas revoluta
Emergency
Cycas, Coontie Palm, Japanese Sago
Dogs: severe Cats: severe
African Violet

African Violet

Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia
Saintpaulia
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe
Cast Iron Plant

Cast Iron Plant

Aspidistra elatior
Aspidistra, Bar Room Plant
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe
Oleander

Oleander

Nerium oleander
Emergency
Nerium, Rose Bay, Jericho Rose
Dogs: severe Cats: severe
Foxglove

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea
Emergency
Digitalis, Dead Man's Bells, Fairy Gloves
Dogs: severe Cats: severe
Autumn Crocus

Autumn Crocus

Colchicum autumnale
Emergency
Meadow Saffron, Colchicum, Naked Lady
Dogs: severe Cats: severe

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my pet eats a toxic plant?

Stay calm and act quickly. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian. Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Take a photo of the plant for identification.

Are all parts of a toxic plant equally dangerous?

No. Toxicity varies by plant part. For example, Tulip and Daffodil bulbs are far more toxic than their flowers or leaves. Sago Palm seeds are the most dangerous part. Our database specifies which parts are toxic for each plant.

Can a plant be safe for dogs but toxic to cats?

Yes. True Lilies (Lilium species) are extremely toxic to cats — causing fatal kidney failure — but only cause mild stomach upset in dogs. Our database shows toxicity levels separately for dogs and cats.

How accurate is this database?

All toxicity data is compiled from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, Veterinary Information Network (VIN), and the Merck Veterinary Manual. We cross-reference multiple sources and update monthly. However, this database does not replace professional veterinary advice.

What are the safest plants for homes with pets?

Some of the best pet-safe houseplants include Boston Ferns, Spider Plants, Calathea, Parlor Palms, African Violets, Peperomia, and Orchids. These are all verified non-toxic to both dogs and cats. See our full safe plants list.

Our Sources

All toxicity data is compiled from peer-reviewed veterinary references and official poison control databases:

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Primary toxicity classifications and symptom data
Pet Poison Helpline Treatment protocols and severity assessments
Veterinary Information Network (VIN) Clinical case data and onset timing
Merck Veterinary Manual Toxic compound identification and mechanisms

Plant images sourced from Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licenses. This database is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice.