With that familiar feeling in the air at this time of year in Michigan, the thought of spring is on everyone's mind and there are all sorts of plants that are available on the shelves of local shops.

Whether you want to bring in a little but of green indoors to cheer your home, or if you're trying to decide on a hostess gift or an Easter plant to give, a little consideration is in order if you have cats.

Cats are ever-curious when it comes to things in their environment, especially plants. They love to chew on foliage and flowers, and will even ingest them. There are some plants like hyacinth and Gerbera daisy that are cat-safe, but one very popular Easter plant, the lily, should be off-limits.

In this week's Ask Your Local Expert segment, Dr. Laura O'Rourke, DVM details the issues surrounding felines and the dangers of lilies.

A veterinary doctor at Ann Arbor Animal Hospital specializing in internal medicine, Dr. O'Rourke also offers safe suggestions for plants to bring a little bit of spring into the house.

Check back each week for plenty of helpful ideas and answers to all things pet-related at AnnArbor.com's pet section.

Lorrie Shaw is lead pets blogger for AnnArbor.com. Follow her daily writing and pet-related adventures on Twitter or contact her by email.