{"title":"The 50 plants Americans Google most about cat safety","url":"https://verdapaw.com/guide/most-googled-plants-cat-safety","source":"Semrush, United States, keyword export 2026-08 (data/relevant_keywords_us_2026-08.csv)","method":"Cat-side keywords (containing cat/cats/kitten/kitty/feline) grouped by plant entity via an ordered alias table; monthly search volumes summed per entity; top 50 by volume. Grades are joined at build time from the published Verdapaw index, never stored here.","generated_at":"2026-09-22","license":"CC BY 4.0 — attribute Verdapaw with a link","rows":[{"rank":1,"plant":"Lily (true lily)","monthly_searches_us":45750,"keyword_count":675,"top_query":"are lilies toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S4","verdict":"Lily plants of the Lilium genus are life-threatening to cats (S4 Emergency): any amount of leaf, stem, flower, pollen, or even vase water can cause acute kidney failure, and death is possible without early treatment.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/lily/cats"},{"rank":2,"plant":"Orchid","monthly_searches_us":41810,"keyword_count":245,"top_query":"are orchids toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Orchids (Phalaenopsis, the common moth orchid) are non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe) according to the ASPCA.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/orchid/cats"},{"rank":3,"plant":"Tulip","monthly_searches_us":37460,"keyword_count":246,"top_query":"are tulips toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Tulips are toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): tulipalin A and B cause vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea, and the bulb — where the toxin is most concentrated — can cause persistent gastrointestinal distress and lethargy.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/tulip/cats"},{"rank":4,"plant":"Rose","monthly_searches_us":37190,"keyword_count":171,"top_query":"are roses toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Roses are non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists Rosa species as safe, with no toxic principles.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/rose/cats"},{"rank":5,"plant":"Lavender","monthly_searches_us":34500,"keyword_count":382,"top_query":"is lavender safe for cats","cat_grade":"S1","verdict":"Lavender is mildly toxic to cats (S1 Caution): its linalool and linalyl acetate can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, but serious poisoning from the plant is not reported by the ASPCA.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/lavender/cats"},{"rank":6,"plant":"Spider plant","monthly_searches_us":33830,"keyword_count":229,"top_query":"are spider plants toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Spider plants are non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists Chlorophytum comosum as safe, with no toxic principles on record.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/spider-plant/cats"},{"rank":7,"plant":"Pothos","monthly_searches_us":29310,"keyword_count":362,"top_query":"are pothos toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Pothos is toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause intense oral burning, drooling, and vomiting, but ingestion is rarely life-threatening.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/pothos/cats"},{"rank":8,"plant":"Peace lily","monthly_searches_us":28520,"keyword_count":231,"top_query":"are peace lilies toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Peace lily is toxic to cats (S2 Irritant), but it is not a true lily: its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause oral burning, drooling, and vomiting — it does not cause the kidney failure that true lilies (Lilium) do.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/peace-lily/cats"},{"rank":9,"plant":"Snake plant","monthly_searches_us":26990,"keyword_count":202,"top_query":"are snake plants toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S1","verdict":"Snake plant is mildly toxic to cats (S1 Caution): its saponins can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but serious poisoning is not reported by the ASPCA.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/snake-plant/cats"},{"rank":10,"plant":"Aloe vera","monthly_searches_us":23180,"keyword_count":48,"top_query":"is aloe plants poisonous to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Aloe vera is toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): its saponins and anthraquinones act as purgatives, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy — though the inner gel itself is considered edible.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/aloe-vera/cats"},{"rank":11,"plant":"Poinsettia","monthly_searches_us":21890,"keyword_count":46,"top_query":"are poinsettias poisonous to cats","cat_grade":"S1","verdict":"Poinsettia is only mildly toxic to cats (S1 Caution): its milky sap can cause drooling, vomiting, and skin irritation, but its reputation as a deadly plant is greatly exaggerated — signs are usually self-limiting.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/poinsettia/cats"},{"rank":12,"plant":"Monstera","monthly_searches_us":17290,"keyword_count":212,"top_query":"are monsteras toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Monstera is toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause intense oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting, but ingestion is rarely life-threatening.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/monstera/cats"},{"rank":13,"plant":"Dracaena","monthly_searches_us":15090,"keyword_count":383,"top_query":"dracaena toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Dracaena — including the plant sold as lucky bamboo — is toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): its saponins cause vomiting (occasionally with blood), drooling, and loss of appetite, with dilated pupils and a wobbly gait reported specifically in cats.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/dracaena/cats"},{"rank":14,"plant":"Succulents (unspecified)","monthly_searches_us":14520,"keyword_count":255,"top_query":"are succulents poisonous to cats","cat_grade":"varies by species","verdict":null,"verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/safe/succulents-safe-for-cats"},{"rank":15,"plant":"Philodendron","monthly_searches_us":13600,"keyword_count":243,"top_query":"philodendron toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Heartleaf philodendron is toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause oral pain, swelling, drooling, and vomiting, but ingestion is rarely life-threatening.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/philodendron/cats"},{"rank":16,"plant":"Fern (unspecified)","monthly_searches_us":12890,"keyword_count":431,"top_query":"are ferns toxic to cats","cat_grade":"varies by species","verdict":null,"verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/fern"},{"rank":17,"plant":"Money tree","monthly_searches_us":11630,"keyword_count":116,"top_query":"are money trees toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Money tree (Pachira aquatica) is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic with no toxic principles, noting only that nausea, vomiting, and loose stool can follow eating it.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/money-tree/cats"},{"rank":18,"plant":"Sunflower","monthly_searches_us":11110,"keyword_count":67,"top_query":"are sunflowers toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Sunflowers are non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists Helianthus as safe, so a sunflower bouquet on the table or sunflowers in the garden pose no poisoning risk.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/sunflower/cats"},{"rank":19,"plant":"Palm (unspecified)","monthly_searches_us":10420,"keyword_count":420,"top_query":"cat palm safe for cats","cat_grade":"varies by species","verdict":null,"verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/palm"},{"rank":20,"plant":"Bamboo","monthly_searches_us":8400,"keyword_count":120,"top_query":"is bamboo toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"True bamboo is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists Phyllostachys aurea as safe — but the plant sold as 'lucky bamboo' is a different, toxic plant (a Dracaena), not a real bamboo.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/bamboo/cats"},{"rank":21,"plant":"Rosemary","monthly_searches_us":7870,"keyword_count":7,"top_query":"is rosemary safe for cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Rosemary is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists Rosmarinus officinalis as safe for cats, dogs, and horses — unlike its windowsill neighbor mint, it carries no essential-oil warning.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/rosemary/cats"},{"rank":22,"plant":"Jade plant","monthly_searches_us":7630,"keyword_count":138,"top_query":"are jade plants toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Jade plants are toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): the ASPCA lists vomiting, depression, and incoordination as the signs — the toxin itself is unknown, which is a reason for caution, not comfort.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/jade/cats"},{"rank":23,"plant":"ZZ plant","monthly_searches_us":7490,"keyword_count":75,"top_query":"zz plant toxic to cats","cat_grade":"not yet graded","verdict":null,"verdict_url":null},{"rank":24,"plant":"Calathea","monthly_searches_us":6570,"keyword_count":60,"top_query":"calathea toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Calathea is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists the whole genus (Calathea spp.) as safe for cats, dogs, and horses — pattern varieties like rattlesnake and peacock plants included.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/calathea/cats"},{"rank":25,"plant":"Calla lily","monthly_searches_us":6540,"keyword_count":81,"top_query":"are calla lilies poisonous to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Calla lily (Zantedeschia, not a true lily) is an irritant to cats (S2 Irritant): its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause intense burning of the mouth, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing — the same mechanism as peace lily, not the kidney failure of true lilies.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/calla-lily/cats"},{"rank":26,"plant":"Rubber plant","monthly_searches_us":6170,"keyword_count":130,"top_query":"are rubber plants toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): the irritating sap in its leaves and stems causes oral irritation, drooling, and minor gastrointestinal distress, but ingestion is rarely dangerous — unlike the unrelated baby rubber plant (Peperomia), which is non-toxic.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/rubber-plant/cats"},{"rank":27,"plant":"Prayer plant (maranta)","monthly_searches_us":4680,"keyword_count":64,"top_query":"prayer plant toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Calathea is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists the whole genus (Calathea spp.) as safe for cats, dogs, and horses — pattern varieties like rattlesnake and peacock plants included.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/calathea/cats"},{"rank":28,"plant":"Boston fern","monthly_searches_us":4530,"keyword_count":92,"top_query":"boston fern toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Boston fern is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists Nephrolepis exaltata as safe for cats and dogs — a true fern with no toxin on record, unlike the asparagus 'fern' that mimics it.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/boston-fern/cats"},{"rank":29,"plant":"Fiddle leaf fig","monthly_searches_us":3990,"keyword_count":101,"top_query":"are fiddle leaf figs toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): its irritating sap causes mouth and stomach irritation with drooling and vomiting, and skin irritation on contact, but the ASPCA describes it as only mildly toxic — not life-threatening.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/fiddle-leaf-fig/cats"},{"rank":30,"plant":"Lilac","monthly_searches_us":3230,"keyword_count":12,"top_query":"are lilacs poisonous to cats","cat_grade":"S1","verdict":"Common lilac is low-risk for cats (S1 Caution): Pet Poison Helpline notes garden lilacs are not likely to cause severe symptoms, with large ingestions causing at most mild vomiting or diarrhea — but don't confuse it with Persian lilac (chinaberry), a different and seriously toxic tree.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/lilac/cats"},{"rank":31,"plant":"Hoya","monthly_searches_us":3000,"keyword_count":102,"top_query":"are hoyas toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Hoya is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists the wax plant (Hoya carnosa) as safe for cats and dogs — the milky sap looks suspicious but carries no toxin on record.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/hoya/cats"},{"rank":32,"plant":"Ficus (unspecified)","monthly_searches_us":2810,"keyword_count":70,"top_query":"ficus plant poisonous to cats","cat_grade":"varies by species","verdict":null,"verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/ficus"},{"rank":33,"plant":"Parlor palm","monthly_searches_us":2660,"keyword_count":96,"top_query":"parlor palm toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Parlor palm is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists Chamaedorea elegans — sold as both parlor palm and bamboo palm — as safe for cats, making it one of the few large-form houseplants a cat household can keep without a plan.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/parlor-palm/cats"},{"rank":34,"plant":"Ponytail palm","monthly_searches_us":2630,"keyword_count":10,"top_query":"are ponytail palms toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Ponytail palm is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists Beaucarnea recurvata as safe for cats, dogs, and horses — despite the name, it's actually a succulent, not a true palm.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/ponytail-palm/cats"},{"rank":35,"plant":"Peruvian lily (alstroemeria)","monthly_searches_us":2440,"keyword_count":11,"top_query":"are peruvian lilies toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S1","verdict":"Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria, not a true lily) is mildly toxic to cats (S1 Caution): the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic, but Pet Poison Helpline records irritant glycosides that cause mild vomiting and drooling — and states plainly that it does not cause the kidney damage true lilies do.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/peruvian-lily/cats"},{"rank":36,"plant":"Umbrella plant (schefflera)","monthly_searches_us":2320,"keyword_count":87,"top_query":"schefflera plant toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Umbrella plant (Schefflera, the umbrella tree) is an irritant to cats (S2 Irritant): its calcium oxalate crystals cause intense burning of the mouth, drooling, gagging, and vomiting when chewed — the same mechanism as pothos and peace lily, with throat swelling possible in rare cases.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/umbrella-plant/cats"},{"rank":37,"plant":"Areca palm","monthly_searches_us":2130,"keyword_count":103,"top_query":"areca palm safe for cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Areca palm is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists it as safe, making it a good large-plant alternative for cat households.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/areca-palm/cats"},{"rank":38,"plant":"Tomato plant","monthly_searches_us":1860,"keyword_count":46,"top_query":"are tomato plants toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S3","verdict":"Tomato plants are toxic to cats (S3 Toxic): the solanine in the leaves, stems, and green fruit can cause drooling, severe stomach upset, weakness, dilated pupils, and a slow heart rate — the ripe fruit is non-toxic on the ASPCA record.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/tomato-plant/cats"},{"rank":39,"plant":"Asparagus fern","monthly_searches_us":1850,"keyword_count":41,"top_query":"asparagus fern toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Asparagus fern is toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): the ASPCA lists repeated skin contact causing allergic dermatitis and berry ingestion causing vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea — and despite the name, it isn't a true fern at all.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/asparagus-fern/cats"},{"rank":40,"plant":"Chinese money plant (pilea)","monthly_searches_us":1770,"keyword_count":30,"top_query":"chinese money plant toxic to cats","cat_grade":"not yet graded","verdict":null,"verdict_url":null},{"rank":41,"plant":"Gardenia","monthly_searches_us":1700,"keyword_count":11,"top_query":"are gardenias poisonous to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Gardenia (cape jasmine) is an irritant to cats (S2 Irritant): the ASPCA lists geniposide and gardenoside as its toxic principles, with mild vomiting or diarrhea and hives as the signs on record.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/gardenia/cats"},{"rank":42,"plant":"Mint","monthly_searches_us":1540,"keyword_count":12,"top_query":"is mint plant safe for cats","cat_grade":"S1","verdict":"Mint is mildly toxic to cats (S1 Caution): the ASPCA lists garden mint (Mentha) with essential oils causing vomiting and diarrhea with large ingestions — a nibble is unlikely to matter, a feast can.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/mint/cats"},{"rank":43,"plant":"Jasmine","monthly_searches_us":1510,"keyword_count":45,"top_query":"are jasmine plants toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Jasmine (true jasmine, the genus Jasminum) is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe) according to the ASPCA — but several unrelated plants sold as jasmine are not, so check that the label says Jasminum.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/jasmine/cats"},{"rank":44,"plant":"Lemon tree","monthly_searches_us":1450,"keyword_count":40,"top_query":"are lemon trees toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S2","verdict":"Lemon trees are an irritant to cats (S2 Irritant): the essential oils and psoralens in the peel, leaves, and stems can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and possible dermatitis — the ASPCA notes the fruit itself is edible.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/lemon-tree/cats"},{"rank":45,"plant":"Bird's nest fern","monthly_searches_us":1430,"keyword_count":40,"top_query":"birds nest fern toxic to cats","cat_grade":"not yet graded","verdict":null,"verdict_url":null},{"rank":46,"plant":"Majesty palm","monthly_searches_us":1420,"keyword_count":7,"top_query":"are majesty palms toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Majesty palm is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists Ravenea rivularis as safe for cats, dogs, and horses, so a chewed frond is a plant problem rather than a vet problem.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/majesty-palm/cats"},{"rank":47,"plant":"Sago palm","monthly_searches_us":1400,"keyword_count":30,"top_query":"sago palm toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S4","verdict":"Sago palm is life-threatening to cats (S4 Emergency): every part of the plant — the seeds most of all — contains cycasin, and any amount can cause liver failure and death, with symptoms sometimes delayed for hours.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/sago-palm/cats"},{"rank":48,"plant":"English ivy","monthly_searches_us":1320,"keyword_count":28,"top_query":"is english ivy safe for cats","cat_grade":"S1","verdict":"English ivy is mildly toxic to cats (S1 Caution): its triterpenoid saponins cause vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, and diarrhea after ingestion, with the foliage more toxic than the berries — an upset stomach, not a systemic poisoning.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/english-ivy/cats"},{"rank":49,"plant":"Polka dot plant","monthly_searches_us":1320,"keyword_count":39,"top_query":"polka dot plant toxic to cats","cat_grade":"S0","verdict":"Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya, also sold as freckle face) is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic, noting only mild vomiting or diarrhea if it is eaten.","verdict_url":"https://verdapaw.com/plants/polka-dot-plant/cats"},{"rank":50,"plant":"Wax flower","monthly_searches_us":1280,"keyword_count":24,"top_query":"are wax flowers toxic to cats","cat_grade":"not yet graded","verdict":null,"verdict_url":null}]}