Best non-toxic outdoor plants for cat owners

Cats that access outdoor gardens will chew on plants. Unlike dogs, who tend to consume larger quantities, cats often nibble selectively -- but this does not reduce toxicological risk. Some plants toxic to cats cause acute kidney failure at small exposures: true lilies (*Lilium* spp. and.

Cats that access outdoor gardens will chew on plants. Unlike dogs, who tend to consume larger quantities, cats often nibble selectively — but this does not reduce toxicological risk. Some plants toxic to cats cause acute kidney failure at small exposures: true lilies (Lilium spp. and Hemerocallis spp.) are capable of causing fatal nephrotoxicity in cats from very small ingestion amounts.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center maintains the most comprehensive and veterinary-reviewed plant toxicity database for cats. Per ASPCA, cat toxicity profiles differ significantly from dogs — several plants toxic to cats are non-toxic to dogs, and vice versa. Use species-specific toxicity data, not generic "pet-safe" lists.

The lily problem

Per ASPCA, the following are toxic lilies for cats:

• Lilium spp. (true lilies: Easter lily, tiger lily, Asiatic and Oriental hybrids) — acute nephrotoxicity
• Hemerocallis spp. (daylilies) — nephrotoxicity; potentially fatal

Per Cornell University's veterinary toxicology program, exposure to even pollen falling on fur that a cat subsequently grooms can cause toxicity. These are high-priority removal items in any cat-accessible garden.

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