Pet emergency
My cat ate Dwarf Anubias — what to do
Step by step
- Take dwarf anubias 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 dwarf anubias — FAQ
Is dwarf anubias poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Dwarf Anubias (Anubias nana) as mildly toxic to cats. Anubias nana is an aroid (Araceae) and contains calcium oxalate crystals. ASPCA lists the Araceae family as causing oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in cats and dogs when chewed. Mildly toxic — generally not life-threatening but pets that chew plants should be kept away from the aquarium.
How serious is it if my cat ate dwarf anubias?
Dwarf Anubias is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Anubias nana is an aroid (Araceae) and contains calcium oxalate crystals. ASPCA lists the Araceae family as causing oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in cats and dogs when chewed. Mildly toxic — generally not life-threatening but pets that chew plants should be kept away from the aquarium. 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 dwarf anubias well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is dwarf anubias toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Dwarf Anubias and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide