Free tool
Toxic Plant Checker for Cats & Dogs (NZ)
Bringing home a new plant, or wondering what's growing in the garden? Search a plant to see whether it's toxic to your cat or dog and how serious it is — 93 plants, each with a toxicity source you can check.
- AppleHighly toxicaka Crabapple, Malus sylvestrisSource ↗
Apple stems, leaves and seeds can affect breathing and cause shock.
- ApricotHighly toxicaka Prunus armeniacaSource ↗
Apricot stems, leaves and seeds can affect breathing and cause shock.
- AzaleaHighly toxicaka Rosebay, Rhododendron, Rhododendron spp.Source ↗
Azalea can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and cardiac failure.
- Black NightshadeHighly toxicaka Nightshade, Deadly Nightshade, Solanum nigrumSource ↗
Black nightshade can cause salivation, severe stomach upset, drowsiness, weakness and slow heart rate.
- Castor Bean PlantHighly toxicaka Castor Oil Plant, Mole Bean Plant, African Wonder Tree, Ricinus communisSource ↗
Castor bean plant can cause mouth burning, vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney failure and convulsions.
- CherryHighly toxicaka Prunus spp.Source ↗
Cherry stems, leaves and seeds can affect breathing and cause shock.
- ChivesHighly toxicaka Allium schoenoprasumSource ↗
Chives can damage red blood cells and cause vomiting, weakness, fast heart rate and panting.
- Clivia LilyHighly toxicaka Kaffir Lily, Cape Clivia, Clivia spp.Source ↗
Clivia lily can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, tremors and heart rhythm problems.
- CyclamenHighly toxicaka Sowbread, Cyclamen spp.Source ↗
Cyclamen can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures and heart rhythm problems.
- DaffodilHighly toxicaka Narcissus, Jonquil, Paper White, Narcissus spp.Source ↗
Daffodils can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, tremors and heart rhythm problems.
- Desert RoseHighly toxicaka Desert Azalea, Impala Lily, Kudu Lily, Mock Azalea, Adenium obesumSource ↗
Desert rose can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, appetite loss, depression, irregular heartbeat and death.
- FoxgloveHighly toxicaka Digitalis purpureaSource ↗
Foxglove can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, heart rhythm problems and death.
- GarlicHighly toxicaka Stinking Rose, Rocambole, Allium sativumSource ↗
Garlic can damage red blood cells and cause vomiting, weakness, fast heart rate and panting.
- Gloriosa LilyHighly toxicaka Glory Lily, Climbing Lily, Superb Lily, Gloriosa superbaSource ↗
Gloriosa lily can cause salivation, bloody vomiting or diarrhoea, shock, kidney failure and liver damage.
- Heavenly BambooHighly toxicaka Sacred Bamboo, Nandina, Nandina domesticaSource ↗
Heavenly bamboo can cause weakness, incoordination, seizures, coma and respiratory failure.
- Jerusalem CherryHighly toxicaka Natal Cherry, Winter Cherry, Solanum pseudocapsicumSource ↗
Jerusalem cherry can cause stomach disturbance, seizures, respiratory depression and shock.
- LantanaHighly toxicaka Shrub Verbena, Yellow Sage, Red Sage, Lantana camaraSource ↗
Lantana can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, laboured breathing, weakness and liver failure.
- LarkspurHighly toxicaka Delphinium speciesSource ↗
Larkspur can cause tremors, stiffness, weakness, convulsions, cardiac failure and respiratory paralysis.
- LeekHighly toxicaka Elephant Garlic, Allium ampeloprasumSource ↗
Leek can damage red blood cells and cause vomiting, weakness, fast heart rate and panting.
- LilyHighly toxicaka Lilium speciesSource ↗
Lilium species can cause kidney failure in cats; treat any access as urgent.
- Lily of the ValleyHighly toxicaka Convallaria majalisSource ↗
Lily of the valley can cause vomiting, irregular heartbeat, disorientation, coma and seizures.
- MarijuanaHighly toxicaka Cannabis, Indian Hemp, Hashish, Cannabis sativaSource ↗
Marijuana can cause prolonged depression, vomiting, incoordination, low blood pressure, seizures and coma.
- MilkweedHighly toxicaka Asclepias speciesSource ↗
Milkweed can cause vomiting, depression, weakness, seizures, breathing difficulty, organ failure and coma.
- OleanderHighly toxicaka Rose-Bay, Nerium oleanderSource ↗
Oleander can cause drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, depression and death.
- OnionHighly toxicaka Allium cepaSource ↗
Onion can damage red blood cells and cause vomiting, weakness, fast heart rate and panting.
- PeachHighly toxicaka Prunus persicaSource ↗
Peach stems, leaves and seeds can affect breathing and cause shock.
- PeriwinkleHighly toxicaka Running Myrtle, Vinca, Vinca roseaSource ↗
Periwinkle can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, tremors, seizures, coma and death.
- PlumHighly toxicaka Prunus domesticaSource ↗
Plum stems, leaves and seeds can affect breathing and cause shock.
- Poison HemlockHighly toxicaka Poison Parsley, Spotted Hemlock, Deadly Hemlock, Conium maculatumSource ↗
Poison hemlock can cause agitation, tremors, drooling, diarrhoea, paralysis and death.
- RagwortHighly toxicaka Golden Ragwort, Tansy, Senecio speciesSource ↗
Ragwort can cause liver damage, depression, appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and ataxia.
- RhododendronHighly toxicaka Rosebay, Azalea, Rhododendron spp.Source ↗
Rhododendron can cause severe stomach upset, weakness, collapse and death.
- RhubarbHighly toxicaka Pie Plant, Rheum rhabarbarumSource ↗
Rhubarb can cause salivation, tremors and kidney failure.
- Rosary PeaHighly toxicaka Abrus precatoriusSource ↗
Rosary pea can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, fever, shock and death.
- Sago PalmHighly toxicaka Coontie Palm, Cardboard Palm, Cycads, Zamias, Cycas revolutaSource ↗
Sago palm can cause severe stomach signs, liver failure and death in cats and dogs.
- Water HemlockHighly toxicaka Cowbane, Poison Parsnip, Cicuta maculataSource ↗
Water hemlock can cause diarrhoea, seizures, tremors, severe stomach pain and respiratory depression.
- YewHighly toxicaka Japanese Yew, Taxus spp.Source ↗
Yew can cause tremors, breathing difficulty, seizures and sudden cardiac failure.
- AlocasiaToxicaka Elephant's Ear, Alocasia spp.Source ↗
Alocasia can cause oral irritation, swelling, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
- AloeToxicaka Aloe Vera, Aloe veraSource ↗
Aloe can cause vomiting, lethargy and diarrhoea in cats and dogs.
- AmaryllisToxicaka Belladonna Lily, Saint Joseph Lily, Cape Belladonna, Naked Lady, Amaryllis spp.Source ↗
Amaryllis can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, drooling and tremors.
- Arum LilyToxicaka Calla Lily, Pig Lily, White Arum, Trumpet Lily, Zantedeschia aethiopicaSource ↗
Arum lily can cause oral irritation, swelling, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
- BegoniaToxicaka Begonia spp.Source ↗
Begonia can cause vomiting and salivation in cats and dogs; underground parts are a particular risk.
- BoxwoodToxicaka Buxus spp.Source ↗
Boxwood can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs.
- ButtercupToxicaka Butter Cress, Figwort, Ranunculus spp.Source ↗
Buttercup can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, salivation, mouth ulcers and a wobbly gait.
- CaladiumToxicaka Malanga, Elephant's Ears, Angel-Wings, Caladium hortulanumSource ↗
Caladium can cause oral irritation, swelling, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
- ChrysanthemumToxicaka Daisy, Mum, Chrysanthemum spp.Source ↗
Chrysanthemum can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, incoordination and dermatitis.
- ClematisToxicaka Virgin's Bower, Leatherflower, Clematis spp.Source ↗
Clematis can cause salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Corn PlantToxicaka Cornstalk Plant, Dracaena, Dragon Tree, Ribbon Plant, Dracaena fragransSource ↗
Corn plant can cause vomiting, depression, appetite loss, drooling and dilated pupils in cats.
- DieffenbachiaToxicaka Dumb Cane, Tropic Snow, Exotica, DieffenbachiaSource ↗
Dieffenbachia can cause intense mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
- DracaenaToxicaka Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Dragon Tree, Ribbon Plant, Dracaena spp.Source ↗
Dracaena can cause vomiting, depression, appetite loss, drooling and dilated pupils in cats.
- Elephant EarsToxicaka Caladium, Malanga, Colocasia esculentaSource ↗
Elephant ears can cause oral irritation, swelling, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
- English IvyToxicaka Branching Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, Hedera helixSource ↗
English ivy can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling and diarrhoea.
- EucalyptusToxicaka Eucalyptus speciesSource ↗
Eucalyptus can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and weakness.
- GeraniumToxicaka Pelargonium speciesSource ↗
Geranium can cause vomiting, appetite loss, depression and dermatitis.
- GladiolaToxicaka Gladiolus speciesSource ↗
Gladiola can cause salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy and diarrhoea.
- Golden PothosToxicaka Pothos, Devil's Ivy, Taro Vine, Ivy Arum, Epipremnum aureumSource ↗
Golden pothos can cause intense mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
- Heartleaf PhilodendronToxicaka Cordatum, Sweetheart Plant, Philodendron hederaceumSource ↗
Heartleaf philodendron can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
- HostaToxicaka Plantain Lily, Funkia, Hosta plantagineaSource ↗
Hosta can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and depression.
- HyacinthToxicaka Hyacinthus orientalisSource ↗
Hyacinth can cause intense vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and tremors.
- HydrangeaToxicaka Hortensia, Hills of Snow, Seven Bark, Hydrangea arborescensSource ↗
Hydrangea can cause vomiting, depression and diarrhoea.
- IrisToxicaka Flag, Snake Lily, Water Flag, Iris speciesSource ↗
Iris can cause salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy and diarrhoea.
- Jade PlantToxicaka Baby Jade, Dwarf Rubber Plant, Jade Tree, Crassula argenteaSource ↗
Jade plant can cause vomiting, depression and incoordination.
- KalanchoeToxicaka Mother-In-Law-Plant, Devil's Backbone, Chandelier Plant, Mother of Millions, Kalanchoe spp.Source ↗
Kalanchoe can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abnormal heart rhythm.
- Madagascar Dragon TreeToxicaka Dracaena marginataSource ↗
Madagascar dragon tree can cause vomiting, depression, appetite loss, drooling and dilated pupils in cats.
- Morning GloryToxicaka Ipomoea spp.Source ↗
Morning glory can cause vomiting and neurological signs from seed exposure.
- Mother of MillionsToxicaka Mother-In-Law-Plant, Kalanchoe, Devil's Backbone, Chandelier Plant, Kalanchoe tubifloraSource ↗
Mother of Millions can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abnormal heart rhythm.
- Peace LilyToxicaka Mauna Loa Peace Lily, SpathiphyllumSource ↗
Peace lily can cause intense mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
- PeonyToxicaka Paeonia officinalisSource ↗
Peony can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and depression.
- PrivetToxicaka Amur, Wax-Leaf, Common Privet, Ligustrum japonicumSource ↗
Privet can cause stomach upset, incoordination and increased heart rate.
- ScheffleraToxicaka Umbrella Tree, Australian Ivy Palm, Octopus Tree, StarleafSource ↗
Schefflera can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
- Swiss Cheese PlantToxicaka Monstera, Cutleaf Philodendron, Ceriman, Monstera deliciosaSource ↗
Swiss cheese plant can cause intense mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
- Tomato PlantToxicaka Lycopersicon spp.Source ↗
Green tomato plant material can cause salivation, severe stomach upset, weakness and slow heart rate.
- TulipToxicaka Tulipa spp.Source ↗
Tulips can cause vomiting, depression and drooling; bulbs are a particular risk.
- WisteriaToxicaka Wisteria spp.Source ↗
Wisteria can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and depression.
- YarrowToxicaka Milfoil, Dog Daisy, Devil's Nettle, Achillea millefoliumSource ↗
Yarrow can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, appetite loss, dermatitis and depression.
- Asparagus FernMildly toxicaka Emerald Fern, Sprengeri Fern, Plumosa Fern, Lace Fern, Asparagus densiflorusSource ↗
Asparagus fern can cause allergic dermatitis and stomach upset from berries.
- Bird of Paradise FlowerMildly toxicaka Crane Flower, Bird's Tongue Flower, Strelitzia reginaeSource ↗
Bird of paradise flower can cause mild nausea, vomiting and drowsiness.
- CarnationMildly toxicaka Pinks, Wild Carnation, Sweet William, Dianthus caryophyllusSource ↗
Carnation can cause mild stomach upset and mild dermatitis.
- DahliaMildly toxicaka Dahlia speciesSource ↗
Dahlia can cause mild stomach upset and mild dermatitis.
- GardeniaMildly toxicaka Cape Jasmine, Gardenia jasminoidesSource ↗
Gardenia can cause mild vomiting, diarrhoea and hives.
- HollyMildly toxicaka English Holly, European Holly, Oregon Holly, Inkberry, Winterberry, Ilex opacaSource ↗
Holly can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and depression.
- Inch PlantMildly toxicaka Speedy Henry, Tradescantia fluminensisSource ↗
Inch plant can cause dermatitis.
- LavenderMildly toxicaka Common Lavender, English Lavender, Lavandula angustifoliaSource ↗
Lavender can cause nausea, vomiting and appetite loss.
- Pencil CactusMildly toxicaka Sticks of Fire, Euphorbia tirucalliSource ↗
Pencil cactus can irritate the mouth and stomach and may cause vomiting.
- PoinsettiaMildly toxicaka Euphorbia pulcherrimaSource ↗
Poinsettia can irritate the mouth and stomach and may cause vomiting.
- PrimroseMildly toxicaka Primula vulgarisSource ↗
Primrose can cause mild vomiting.
- Snake PlantMildly toxicaka Golden Bird's Nest, Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Good Luck Plant, Sansevieria trifasciataSource ↗
Snake plant can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Weeping FigMildly toxicaka Fig, Indian Rubber Plant, Ficus sp.Source ↗
ASPCA lists weeping fig as toxic to cats and dogs due to ficin and ficusin.
- YuccaMildly toxicaka Yucca spp.Source ↗
Yucca can cause vomiting in cats and dogs.
Quick reference of plants with a confirmed toxicity source (ASPCA / SPCA). A plant not listed here is notautomatically safe. If your pet has eaten any part of a plant and may be unwell, contact a NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or the Pet Poison Helpline — don't wait for symptoms.
If your pet ate a plant
Contact your NZ vet or nearest after-hours emergency clinicimmediately — with plants like lilies (for cats) every hour matters. Don't wait for symptoms and don't try home remedies. If you can, take a photo or a piece of the plant so the vet can identify it quickly.
Keep reading
FAQ
What plants are toxic to cats in NZ?
Lilies are the most dangerous — many true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis) can cause fatal kidney failure in cats, and even pollen or vase water is a risk. Others include sago palm, tulip and daffodil bulbs, oleander, azalea, and common houseplants like monstera, philodendron and peace lily. Search the checker for the full list.
What plants are toxic to dogs in NZ?
Common ones include sago palm, oleander, azalea, tulip and daffodil bulbs, foxglove, and the leaves of rhubarb and tomato plants. Many garden and indoor plants cause vomiting or worse — use the checker and keep risky plants out of reach.
My cat brushed against a lily — is that dangerous?
For true lilies, yes — cats can be poisoned just by grooming pollen off their coat or drinking vase water. Treat any lily exposure in a cat as an emergency and contact a vet immediately.
What should I do if my pet ate a toxic plant?
Contact your NZ vet or after-hours emergency clinic straight away — don't wait for symptoms, and don't try home remedies. If you can, take a photo or sample of the plant so the vet can identify it.
The plant I'm worried about isn't listed — is it safe?
No — our list only includes plants with a confirmed toxicity source, so it isn't a complete list of every safe plant. If you're unsure about a plant your pet has access to, check with your vet before assuming it's safe.
Important: this checker lists plants with a confirmed toxicity source (ASPCA, SPCA) — it is not a complete list and a plant not shown is not automatically safe. It is general information, not emergency advice. If your pet has eaten a plant or seems unwell, contact a NZ vet or after-hours emergency clinic immediately.
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- Cat FoodStart with food that matches your cat's life stage — change brands slowly over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset.
- Cat ToysA small rotation of toys (feather wand, puzzle feeder, and comfort toy) usually works better than buying many at once.
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- Dog FoodStart with food that matches your dog's life stage and activity level — and change brands slowly over 7–10 days.
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