Pet emergency
My cat ate Pink Arisaema — what to do
Step by step
- Take pink arisaema 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 pink arisaema — FAQ
Is pink arisaema poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Pink Arisaema (Arisaema candidissimum) as toxic to cats. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but as a member of genus Arisaema — whose jack-in-the-pulpit (A. triphyllum) is ASPCA-listed as toxic — it contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides in corm, foliage and berries. In cats and dogs, chewing causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Treat as toxic and keep berries and corms away from pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate pink arisaema?
Pink Arisaema 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but as a member of genus Arisaema — whose jack-in-the-pulpit (A. triphyllum) is ASPCA-listed as toxic — it contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides in corm, foliage and berries. In cats and dogs, chewing causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Treat as toxic and keep berries and corms away from 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 pink arisaema well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is pink arisaema toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Pink Arisaema and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide