There is no telling your cat what they should and shouldn’t be doing. There’s no point because your kitty is most likely to not pay any heed to it and shall continue doing what they very well please. In such a scenario it is only obvious that, as a parent, you are extra-vigilant about their whereabouts. This also includes you keeping an eye out on what they’re eating or sniffing. A lot of our feline companions find it a fun activity to nibble on plants unbeknownst to the fact that they can be harmful.

To keep your feline companions safe from accidentally harming themselves out of curiosity, here is a list of decorative plants that are dangerous to cats

• Mistletoe

We bet you never noticed how your Christmas staple can in fact be harmful to the feline member of the family! That’s true, everyone’s favorite mistletoe is one of those decorative plants that prove dangerous for cats. So much that it can affect the cat’s breathing and beating rate. Therefore next time you stock up on Christmas supplies plan well to maintain a safe distance between the cats and the mistletoes.

• Hydrangea

We are all aware of how toxic and dangerous cyanide is. Since the hydrangea plant contains cyanogenic glycosides that are similar to this potent chemical, cat parents must be watchful that their felines don’t go near this hazardous plant.

• Lily

We all have at least one variety of lilies that we absolutely love. To be fair, lilies are a perfect example of understated elegance. But one more thing that they are understated for is their place in the category of decorative plants that are dangerous to cats. We aren’t saying all lily varieties should be shunned from households that have cats. But pet parents, special those who are parenting felines need to be careful of this. Some lilies do no harm, some can cause irritation of the skin and nasal passage, while some others can affect vital organs. Lilies that belong to the latter category include Tiger, Asiatic, and Day, among others.

• Aloe vera

Aloe vera has found its place as an important plant in our day to day lives. Right from hair loss to skin inflammation and rashes, the leaf of this plant is highly versatile when it comes to home remedies. But, another aspect where the plant has found its place is in the decorative plants that are dangerous for cats list. Aloe vera gel if ingested by cats and dogs can lead to nausea and vomiting. Considering how sick it makes your cats, you would expect them to stay away from it, but no, they got to gnaw and nibble mindlessly at those leaves.

• Autumn crocus

Colchicum autumnale, or what is commonly known as autumn crocus is yet another of decorative plants that are toxic for cats. It is a commonly used ornamental plant and can be found both indoors and outdoors. Your cat is obviously going to do what it’s not supposed to, it is your job to keep an eye out for any symptoms of exposure to the plant. These depend on the extent to exposure to it, which can include gastrointestinal bleeding, vomiting, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory failure.