If your pet chews a houseplant, the immediate priority is to identify whether the plant is toxic and, if so, to contact your vet promptly.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking veterinary advice if you suspect a toxic plant has been ingested, many plant toxins cause symptoms that progress quickly, and early veterinary intervention produces significantly better outcomes.
If you know the plant is non-toxic, monitor your pet for any unusual behaviour and contact your vet if you are concerned. Keep the plant out of reach to prevent further access.
How to Identify Whether the Plant Is Toxic
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) maintains a comprehensive online database of toxic and non-toxic plants, searchable by Latin name. The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) in the UK also provides guidance through veterinary practices.
If you do not know the name of the plant, photograph it clearly and use a plant identification app, or take a sample to a local garden centre or nursery for identification.
Do not assume a plant is safe based on its appearance or common name alone. See our guide to houseplants safe for pets for the most common UK houseplants and their toxicity status.
If the Plant Is Toxic: Contact Your Vet Immediately
Do not wait for symptoms. Contact your vet or an emergency veterinary practice and explain what has happened, which plant, how much was ingested (an estimate is fine), and the weight and age of your pet. Your vet can advise whether the exposure warrants an emergency visit or monitoring at home. Bring the plant or a clear photograph to the appointment to confirm identification.
The most dangerous houseplants commonly kept in UK homes for cats include Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species, which cause acute kidney failure in cats), Dieffenbachias, Peace Lilies, and Philodendrons (cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation). For dogs, Sago Palms and Autumn Crocus are among the most dangerous, alongside many of the same species that are toxic to cats. Even plants classified as causing only "mild" toxicity can cause significant discomfort, vomiting, and drooling in pets.
Preventing Future Incidents
The most effective prevention is to keep toxic plants out of reach entirely, on high shelves, in rooms pets do not access, or behind closed doors. Cats in particular are persistent climbers, so "high shelf" needs to be genuinely inaccessible. For households with pets, replacing toxic plants with non-toxic alternatives is the safest long-term approach. See our guide on how to stop cats from eating houseplants for deterrent strategies.
Browse our pet safe houseplants today.