Fall Plants That Are Toxic to Cats: Mums, Autumn Crocus & More

Fall decorating season is one of my favorites.

Pumpkins start showing up everywhere. The summer flowers get replaced with mums. Fall bouquets appear at the grocery store, and suddenly every front porch looks like it belongs in a fall catalog.

Unfortunately, cats don’t care whether something is seasonal decor.

If it’s new, Ellie and Jinx need to investigate it.

They need to smell it.

They need to walk around it.

And depending on the plant, apparently someone may decide it needs to be tasted too.

That’s where fall decorating can become a problem for cat owners.

Several plants commonly sold or displayed during the fall can be harmful to cats, and some—particularly certain lilies and autumn crocus—can cause extremely serious poisoning.

So before you bring home that beautiful fall arrangement, it’s worth checking exactly what’s in it.

Here are some fall plants that are toxic to cats, along with safer ways to decorate your home this season.

Are Mums Toxic to Cats?

Yes. Chrysanthemums, commonly called mums, are toxic to cats.

And that’s particularly frustrating because mums are everywhere during fall.

They’re on porches.

They’re outside grocery stores.

They’re at garden centers.

They’re basically the unofficial flower of September and October.

Chrysanthemums contain several substances that can cause problems for cats if they’re ingested.

Symptoms may include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Drooling
Loss of coordination
Skin irritation in some cases

The severity can depend on how much your cat consumes.

If you have a cat who completely ignores plants, you may decide to keep mums outdoors somewhere your cat can’t access them.

But I wouldn’t bring a pot of mums inside and assume your cat won’t touch it.

Because that’s exactly when your cat will suddenly develop a lifelong passion for gardening.

Is Autumn Crocus Toxic to Cats?

Yes, and autumn crocus can be extremely dangerous to cats.

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) contains colchicine, a highly toxic compound.

Ingestion can cause severe symptoms including:

Drooling
Vomiting
Bloody diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Weakness
Difficulty breathing
Seizures
Organ damage

Symptoms may sometimes be delayed.

If you believe your cat has eaten any part of an autumn crocus, treat it as an emergency and contact your veterinarian, an emergency veterinary hospital or a pet poison control service immediately.

Don’t wait to see whether your cat becomes sick.

It’s also important not to confuse autumn crocus with spring crocus plants. They’re different plants with different toxicities.

When you’re dealing with an unknown plant, accurate identification matters.

Are Lilies Toxic to Cats?

This is one every cat owner should know.

True lilies and daylilies are extremely dangerous to cats.

Certain lilies can cause acute kidney failure in cats after very small exposures.

Dangerous lilies include species in the Lilium and Hemerocallis genera, such as:

Easter lilies
Tiger lilies
Asiatic lilies
Stargazer lilies
Oriental lilies
Daylilies

And your cat doesn’t necessarily have to sit down and eat an entire flower.

Exposure to the petals, leaves, stems and pollen can be dangerous.

Even drinking water from a vase containing certain lilies can be a concern.

A cat can brush against pollen, get it on their fur and later ingest it while grooming.

Because of how serious lily toxicity can be, I simply wouldn’t keep true lilies or daylilies anywhere in a home with cats.

If you suspect your cat has been exposed to one, seek veterinary care immediately.

Why Are Fall Bouquets Risky for Cats?

Mixed bouquets can be tricky because you may not know exactly which plants are included.

A beautiful grocery store arrangement may contain several different flowers, greenery and decorative berries.

Unless every plant in the arrangement has been positively identified as cat-safe, you don’t really know what you’re bringing into your home.

This is especially important with lilies.

You may buy an arrangement because you like the sunflowers or fall colors without realizing a dangerous lily is mixed in.

Before purchasing a bouquet, check the label or ask the florist exactly which flowers it contains.

When in doubt, leave it at the store.

There will always be another bouquet.

Are Daisies Toxic to Cats?

The word “daisy” is used for many different plants, which makes this question surprisingly complicated.

Some plants commonly called daisies can cause gastrointestinal upset or other symptoms in cats.

Chrysanthemums are even part of the daisy family.

Instead of relying on a common name, identify the specific plant species before bringing it somewhere your cat can access.

This is good advice for essentially any plant.

Common names can vary dramatically depending on where you live.

Are Cyclamen Toxic to Cats?

Yes.

Cyclamen are often sold as indoor flowering plants during the cooler months.

They contain compounds called saponins.

If a cat chews on cyclamen, symptoms can include:

Drooling
Vomiting
Diarrhea

The highest concentration of toxic compounds is generally found in the roots or tubers.

Large ingestions can potentially cause much more serious problems, including abnormal heart rhythms, seizures and death.

Cyclamen should be kept away from cats.

Are Amaryllis Toxic to Cats?

Amaryllis becomes especially popular later in fall as stores begin transitioning into holiday plants.

It is toxic to cats.

Possible symptoms include:

Vomiting
Drooling
Diarrhea
Abdominal discomfort
Decreased appetite
Tremors

The bulb contains a higher concentration of toxic compounds than some other parts of the plant.

If you’re already starting your holiday decorating in late fall, this is one plant to keep off your cat-friendly shopping list.

Are Hydrangeas Toxic to Cats?

Hydrangeas can continue blooming well into fall and frequently appear in dried floral arrangements.

They are considered toxic to cats.

Eating hydrangea plant material can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Severe poisoning isn’t the most common outcome, but that doesn’t make hydrangeas an appropriate plant for cats to chew.

Dried plants aren’t automatically safe either.

If a plant is toxic when fresh, don’t assume drying it makes it a safe decoration.

Are Fall Berries Safe for Cats?

Decorative fall arrangements often contain colorful berries.

But identifying berries can be difficult, and some plants that produce attractive berries are toxic.

This becomes even more complicated with artificial decorations because fake berries may break off and become choking hazards or gastrointestinal foreign bodies.

If you’re decorating with branches or berries, know exactly what plant you’re using and keep small decorative pieces away from cats who like to chew.

Are Pumpkins Safe for Cats?

Finally, some good news.

Plain pumpkin itself is generally considered safe for cats in appropriate amounts.

That doesn’t mean your cat needs to eat your porch pumpkin.

But an intact pumpkin used as fall decor isn’t in the same category as lilies or autumn crocus.

The bigger concerns come when pumpkins begin to rot or develop mold.

Jack-o’-lanterns can also create hazards if they contain lit candles.

And decorative pumpkins covered in paint, glitter, glue or other materials obviously aren’t something your cat should chew.

If you use pumpkins indoors, keep them fresh and discard them when they begin deteriorating.

Are Sunflowers Safe for Cats?

Sunflowers are generally considered non-toxic to cats.

That makes them a great option for fall decorating.

A vase of sunflowers can give you those warm autumn colors without bringing one of the more dangerous seasonal flowers into your home.

However, eating a significant amount of any plant material can still cause stomach upset.

Non-toxic doesn’t necessarily mean “cat snack.”

I’d still discourage Ellie or Jinx from eating the centerpiece.

What Fall Flowers Are Safer for Cats?

If you love fresh flowers, you don’t have to give them up completely just because you have cats.

Depending on the specific variety, cat-friendlier options can include:

Sunflowers
Roses
Orchids
Gerbera daisies
Snapdragons

Always verify the exact plant before purchasing it.

The ASPCA maintains a searchable database of plants that are toxic and non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, which can be incredibly useful when you’re standing in a garden center wondering whether something is safe.

And don’t rely entirely on the store label saying something is “pet friendly.”

Look up the actual plant.

What About Artificial Fall Plants?

Artificial plants eliminate the poisoning risk associated with toxic plant compounds, but they aren’t completely risk-free.

Cats may chew on:

Plastic leaves
Fabric petals
Fake berries
Wire stems
Ribbon
Raffia
Floral foam

Swallowing pieces of decorations can create choking or intestinal blockage hazards.

So if you have a cat who thinks artificial plants are food, you’ll still need to keep them out of reach.

Cats have a remarkable ability to turn basically anything into a veterinary bill.

How Do I Keep My Cat Away From Fall Plants?

The safest solution for highly toxic plants is simple:

Don’t bring them into your home.

Putting a lily on a high shelf isn’t enough protection for a cat who can jump onto the shelf.

And fallen petals or pollen can end up somewhere your cat can reach.

For plants that aren’t highly toxic but you simply don’t want your cat chewing, you can try placing them in genuinely inaccessible locations.

You can also provide cat-safe alternatives such as cat grass.

But when it comes to something as dangerous as a true lily, avoidance is far safer than trying to supervise access.

What Should I Do If My Cat Eats a Toxic Plant?

Remove your cat from the plant and prevent further exposure.

If possible, identify the plant.

Take a photo or bring a sample with you if you’re heading to the veterinarian.

Then contact:

Your veterinarian
An emergency veterinary hospital
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Pet Poison Helpline

Don’t induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so.

And don’t wait for symptoms if you know your cat was exposed to something highly toxic.

With certain poisons, including lilies, getting treatment quickly can make an enormous difference.

Signs of Plant Poisoning in Cats

Symptoms vary depending on the plant.

Watch for:

Drooling
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Weakness
Tremors
Difficulty walking
Difficulty breathing
Changes in thirst
Changes in urination
Abnormal heart rate
Seizures
Collapse

But remember: your cat doesn’t need to show symptoms before you call for help.

If you know they’ve eaten a dangerous plant, contact a veterinarian immediately.

You Can Still Have a Beautiful Cat-Safe Fall Home

Having cats doesn’t mean your house can’t look like fall exploded inside of it.

You just have to choose your decorations carefully.

Pumpkins.

Sunflowers.

Cozy blankets.

Fall pillows.

Cat-safe flowers.

Artificial leaves kept away from enthusiastic chewers.

There are plenty of ways to decorate without putting your cat at risk.

And personally, Ellie already comes in black, orange and white.

She’s basically a walking fall decoration.

I don’t even need the mums.

So before bringing home that gorgeous fall plant, take 30 seconds and look it up.

Your cat may completely ignore it.

Or they may decide at 2 a.m. that the new centerpiece looks delicious.

I’d rather not find out which one.

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