Pet emergency
My cat ate Golden Club — what to do
Step by step
- Take golden club 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 golden club — FAQ
Is golden club poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Golden Club (Orontium aquaticum) as mildly toxic to cats. Orontium aquaticum is a member of Araceae and contains calcium oxalate crystals throughout the plant, causing oral irritation, burning, and GI upset if ingested raw by pets or people. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the family's calcium oxalate toxicity is well-established. Seeds were historically eaten after prolonged boiling. Keep away from pets and children; wear gloves when handling cut stems.
How serious is it if my cat ate golden club?
Golden Club 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. Orontium aquaticum is a member of Araceae and contains calcium oxalate crystals throughout the plant, causing oral irritation, burning, and GI upset if ingested raw by pets or people. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the family's calcium oxalate toxicity is well-established. Seeds were historically eaten after prolonged boiling. Keep away from pets and children; wear gloves when handling cut stems. 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 golden club well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is golden club toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Golden Club and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide