Pet emergency
My cat ate Amorphophallus decus-silvae — what to do
Step by step
- Take amorphophallus decus-silvae away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate amorphophallus decus-silvae — FAQ
Is amorphophallus decus-silvae poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Amorphophallus decus-silvae (Amorphophallus decus-silvae) as toxic to cats. Amorphophallus decus-silvae, like all members of the genus and the Araceae family, contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides throughout its tissues. The species is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies directly-listed aroids (e.g. jack-in-the-pulpit, Arisaema) as toxic via insoluble calcium oxalates; treat it as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion causes severe oral pain, drooling, swelling and vomiting. Keep away from pets and consult a vet if chewed.
How serious is it if my cat ate amorphophallus decus-silvae?
Amorphophallus decus-silvae is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Amorphophallus decus-silvae, like all members of the genus and the Araceae family, contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides throughout its tissues. The species is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies directly-listed aroids (e.g. jack-in-the-pulpit, Arisaema) as toxic via insoluble calcium oxalates; treat it as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion causes severe oral pain, drooling, swelling and vomiting. Keep away from pets and consult a vet if chewed. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep amorphophallus decus-silvae well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is amorphophallus decus-silvae toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Amorphophallus decus-silvae and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide