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If your cat ate dracontium gigas — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Dracontium gigas is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Dracontium gigas — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take dracontium gigas away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 dracontium gigas — FAQ

Is dracontium gigas poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Dracontium gigas (Dracontium gigas) as toxic to cats. Like all Araceae aroids, Dracontium gigas contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides throughout its tissues. This species is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies its directly-listed aroid relatives (e.g. Arisaema/jack-in-the-pulpit) as toxic via insoluble calcium oxalates; treat it as toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes oral pain, intense drooling, swelling of the mouth and lips, and vomiting. Keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs.

How serious is it if my cat ate dracontium gigas?

Dracontium gigas 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. Like all Araceae aroids, Dracontium gigas contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides throughout its tissues. This species is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies its directly-listed aroid relatives (e.g. Arisaema/jack-in-the-pulpit) as toxic via insoluble calcium oxalates; treat it as toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes oral pain, intense drooling, swelling of the mouth and lips, and vomiting. Keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 dracontium gigas well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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