What is this plant please? Will it hurt my cat?

There are quite a number of plants that are dangerous to cats - and humans. Cats tend to be aware of what is not good for them but one variety of plant in the house and garden that can cause a problem is the lily family. Although the leaves, flowers and even the water it sits in are toxic (very toxic) they tend to leave them alone - but the pollen on the stamens can be especially dangerous. A cat can, and usually does, ignore the plant but it's easy to brush past it and get the pollen on its fur. Then the cat cleans itself and it can be life threatening. If nothing else you should always cut the stamens off. Be careful with them as the colour can badly stain almost anything. Usually you should hold the stamens in some kitchen paper when cutting them off.

It's possible to become over protective of pets and children with regard to toxic plants. It's likely that anything up to 50% of plants in a garden are toxic to some extent or other but most pets and people wouldn't even think of tasting them. Babies are another matter. They tend to put most things in their mouths but almost all the plants in the garden will taste horrible and be spat out. What little they might take in might just make them a bit sick. All part of growing up.

Life can be dangerous but we survive. My parents used to tell me to go out and play with the busses but I'm still here