Articles by Lena Castillo
Is peppermint oil safe for cats? No. Peppermint oil is toxic to cats, absorbed through skin and inhalation, with no safe dose. Symptoms, fleas, and safe swaps.
Jun 24, 2026
Is lavender safe for dogs? The plant is mildly toxic per the ASPCA, and concentrated oil is the real caution, though lavender is not among the worst dog oils.
Jun 18, 2026
Is eucalyptus safe for cats? No. The ASPCA lists eucalyptus as toxic to cats, and the essential oil is worse. Symptoms, the shower question, and safe swaps.
Jun 17, 2026
Are carnations toxic to cats? Yes. The ASPCA lists carnations as toxic to cats, despite many guides calling them safe. Symptoms, severity, and safe swaps.
Jun 11, 2026
Is lavender safe for cats? The ASPCA lists the plant as mildly toxic, but lavender essential oil is the bigger danger. Here is what's safe and what's not.
Jun 7, 2026
Are sunflowers toxic to cats? No, the ASPCA lists sunflowers as non-toxic to cats, pollen and all. Unlike its toxic cousin the chrysanthemum, it is safe.
Jun 6, 2026
Are chrysanthemums toxic to cats? Yes, via pyrethrins, but eating the plant usually causes only mild stomach upset. The calibrated, vet-sourced answer.
Jun 5, 2026
Is Cebu Blue pothos toxic to cats? Yes, same calcium oxalate as regular pothos. Satin (Scindapsus) is toxic too. Which pothos you own, and what to do.
Jun 5, 2026
Are succulents toxic to cats? Some are, most cause only mild stomach upset, but kalanchoe is the dangerous exception. The ASPCA-sourced safe and toxic list.
Jun 4, 2026
Are peace lilies toxic to dogs? Yes, but not like true lilies. The calcium oxalate crystals cause mouth pain, not the kidney failure true lilies cause.
Jun 3, 2026
Are lilies toxic to dogs? Most, including the ones that kill cats, only upset a dog's stomach. Lily of the valley and glory lily are the real dangers.
Jun 2, 2026
Are poinsettia plants poisonous for dogs? Only mildly. ASPCA calls the toxicity over-rated, and the deadly-poinsettia story is a debunked 1919 myth.
Jun 1, 2026
Are tulips toxic to cats? Yes, ASPCA confirms tulipalin (bulb most toxic). But it causes stomach upset, not the kidney failure true lilies cause.
May 29, 2026
Are orchids poisonous to cats? No. ASPCA classifies the Phalaenopsis orchid as non-toxic. The real risks are potting bark, pesticides, and mild GI upset.
May 28, 2026
Are roses toxic to cats? No. ASPCA classifies all Rosa species as non-toxic. The real risks are thorns, pesticides, and 5 'false roses' that ARE toxic.
May 26, 2026
Are philodendron toxic to cats? Yes, via insoluble calcium oxalate (same as pothos). ASPCA confirms; PPH notes airway swelling is VERY rare. Calibrated guide.
May 25, 2026
Is hydrangea toxic to cats? Yes, via cyanogenic glycosides. ASPCA says cyanide intoxication is rare; most cases are mild GI signs that resolve in 24 hours.
May 21, 2026
Are peonies poisonous to cats? Yes, mildly. ASPCA confirms toxic via paeonol; symptoms are GI-only and usually resolve at home in 12 to 24 hours. Calibrated.
May 20, 2026
Are poinsettias poisonous to cats? Yes, mildly. The famous holiday-plant scare is widely exaggerated. Here's what ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline actually say.
May 18, 2026
Cat-safe flowers sourced to ASPCA: rose, sunflower, gerber daisy, zinnia, alstroemeria, petunia, orchid, African violet. Plus the carnation correction.
May 16, 2026
Snake plants are toxic to cats per the ASPCA. Saponins cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, rarely an emergency. Symptoms timeline and phone numbers.
May 15, 2026
Aloe vera is toxic to cats per the ASPCA. The yellow latex layer contains the toxins, not the gel. Symptoms, sourced veterinary timeline, alternatives.
May 15, 2026
True lilies (Lilium, Hemerocallis) cause fatal kidney failure in cats within 72 hours. Five other plants called lily are not as bad. ASPCA + FDA cited.
May 13, 2026
Monstera is toxic to cats per the ASPCA. Calcium oxalate crystals cause oral irritation and drooling, but rarely an emergency. Symptoms timeline inside.
May 12, 2026
Pothos is toxic to cats but rarely an emergency. The calcium oxalate crystals cause oral irritation and mild GI upset. ASPCA-cited guide with phone numbers.
May 11, 2026
Cat-safe houseplants, curated by use case (low-light, hanging, statement, easy-care, edible). Every plant cross-checked against the ASPCA non-toxic list.
May 11, 2026
Are peace lilies toxic to cats? Yes, but not a true lily, so no kidney failure. ASPCA-cited guide: symptoms, what part is poisonous, and what to do.
May 11, 2026
Spider plants are non-toxic to cats per the ASPCA. They contain mild compounds that affect cats like a weaker catnip, which is why yours keeps chewing it.
May 11, 2026