Pet emergency
My cat ate Double Pink Oleander — what to do
Step by step
- Take double pink oleander 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 double pink oleander — FAQ
Is double pink oleander poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Double Pink Oleander (Nerium oleander 'Mrs. Roeding') as toxic to cats. Nerium oleander is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All plant parts — leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and roots — contain cardiac glycosides (oleandrin, neriine, digitoxigenin) that inhibit sodium/potassium ATPase, causing life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, bradycardia, and electrolyte disturbances. Ingestion of even small quantities can be fatal in pets and children. Smoke from burning plant material is also toxic. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my cat ate double pink oleander?
Double Pink Oleander 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. Nerium oleander is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All plant parts — leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and roots — contain cardiac glycosides (oleandrin, neriine, digitoxigenin) that inhibit sodium/potassium ATPase, causing life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, bradycardia, and electrolyte disturbances. Ingestion of even small quantities can be fatal in pets and children. Smoke from burning plant material is also toxic. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 double pink oleander well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is double pink oleander toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Double Pink Oleander and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide