Is Your Home Safe for Your Cat?
Cats are curious by nature—and while we love that about them, it also means they can easily come into contact with things that aren’t safe. In 2021 alone, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center helped over 401,500 animals that had been exposed to poisonous substances.
What many cat guardians don’t realize is that common household items—like pain medications, plants, and even recreational drugs—can pose a serious risk to feline health. Here's what you need to know to keep your home safe.
Medications – Human and Pet
Even a small dose of human medications like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be fatal to cats. Some antidepressants also seem to have coatings that smell or taste appealing to them.
Always store prescriptions securely. If your cat ingests medication not prescribed to them, contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic right away.
Flea and Tick Products for Dogs
Many over-the-counter flea treatments for dogs contain permethrin, a chemical that is extremely toxic to cats. Poisoning often happens when:
A cat is mistakenly treated with a dog-only product.
A cat comes into close contact with a dog who was recently treated.
Symptoms include twitching, drooling, and seizures. Only use treatments approved for cats, and ask your vet before using any new flea or tick product.
Toxic Plants and Flowers
It might come as a surprise, but many common houseplants and flowers are dangerous for cats. Lilies are among the most toxic—just a few bites of a petal, or even drinking the water from a vase, can lead to sudden kidney failure in cats. Other harmful plants include sago palms, azaleas, tulips, and philodendrons.
But why do cats eat plants at all?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they don't need plant matter to survive. However, many cats chew on leaves and flowers out of boredom, curiosity, or even to aid digestion and help with hairball elimination. Some plants have appealing smells or textures that mimic grass, which wild cats often nibble on.
Unfortunately, a curious nibble can turn into a serious emergency. Symptoms of plant poisoning can range from vomiting and lethargy to seizures and even death—so it's crucial to cat-proof your greenery.
Watch Out for Gift Bouquets
Even if you don’t keep plants at home, guests might bring floral arrangements that contain toxic flowers. Always double-check bouquets and remove harmful blooms before placing them where your cat can reach.
Safer Plant Choices
Not all plants are off-limits! There are many beautiful and cat-safe plants you can bring into your home, such as:
Spider Plant
Areca Palm
Calathea
Prayer Plant
Bamboo Palm
Boston Fern
African Violet
Catnip and catmint (they love these!)
Always double-check with a reliable resource like the ASPCA’s full list of toxic plants before bringing a new plant into your space.
Why Cat Grass is a Great Solution
If your cat is drawn to chewing greenery, cat grass is one of the best and safest options. Usually a mix of oat, wheat, barley, or rye grasses, cat grass is easy to grow indoors and provides a safe outlet for your cat’s chewing instincts.
Cat grass can:
Satisfy the urge to munch without risk
Aid digestion and help move hairballs
Provide enrichment and reduce boredom
Keep your houseplants safe from feline teeth!
You can find pre-grown cat grass at most local pet stores and farmer’s markets, or purchase DIY growing kits online that let you sprout a fresh batch at home in just a few days. Kits often include organic seeds and a growing tray, and they make a fun project for both adults and kids.
Offering safe greenery like cat grass can keep your cat happy while protecting them from the dangers of toxic plants. It’s a simple, affordable step that makes a big difference in your home’s cat-friendliness.
Household and Garden Chemicals
From lawn treatments to cleaning sprays, chemicals are everywhere—and many are harmful to cats. Exposure can happen if they walk through treated areas or groom themselves after contact with toxic surfaces.
Watch out for:
Lawn and garden pesticides
Bleach and drain cleaners
Carpet deodorizers
Oven and toilet bowl cleaners
Use pet-safe alternatives when possible, and keep all chemicals out of reach.
Marijuana and Recreational Drugs
With more people using marijuana and cannabis edibles at home, accidental pet poisonings have risen. Cats can be exposed through:
Ingesting dried cannabis
Eating THC-infused edibles
Inhaling secondhand smoke
Signs of marijuana toxicity in cats include lethargy, loss of coordination, vomiting, low body temperature, and in serious cases, seizures or coma.
Other recreational or illicit drugs (like cocaine, methamphetamines, and opioids) can be highly toxic and often fatal even in very small amounts. Never leave these substances in places your cat can reach, and be mindful of any residue on surfaces or clothing.
Glow Sticks, Potpourri, and Antifreeze
Not-so-obvious hazards include:
Glow sticks and jewelry: Contain a bitter liquid that causes drooling and mouth irritation.
Liquid potpourri: A few licks can result in chemical burns or organ damage.
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol): Has a sweet taste cats may be drawn to. A teaspoon can be fatal.
Always clean up spills, store these products away securely, and avoid leaving scented oils in areas your cat can access.
What to Do If You Suspect Poisoning
If you think your cat has come into contact with something dangerous, don’t wait.
Call your vet or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Final Thoughts
Creating a safe home for your cat starts with awareness. From cleaning products to cannabis, there are more toxins in the average home than we often realize. But with a few simple changes—like switching to pet-safe products, storing medications securely, and checking plant labels—you can drastically reduce the risk.
