Pet emergency
My cat ate Lasia spinosa — what to do
Step by step
- Take lasia spinosa 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 lasia spinosa — FAQ
Is lasia spinosa poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Lasia spinosa (Lasia spinosa) as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats and dogs as a raw plant. Lasia is an aroid (Araceae) containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; it is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the family's oxalate toxicity causes oral burning, drooling and vomiting if chewed. Although traditionally eaten by people after thorough cooking, the raw plant should be treated as toxic to pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate lasia spinosa?
Lasia spinosa 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. Toxic to cats and dogs as a raw plant. Lasia is an aroid (Araceae) containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; it is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the family's oxalate toxicity causes oral burning, drooling and vomiting if chewed. Although traditionally eaten by people after thorough cooking, the raw plant should be treated as toxic to pets. 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 lasia spinosa well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is lasia spinosa toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Lasia spinosa and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide