Pet emergency
My cat ate Five-Fingers Syngonium — what to do
Step by step
- Take five-fingers syngonium 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 five-fingers syngonium — FAQ
Is five-fingers syngonium poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Five-Fingers Syngonium (Syngonium auritum) as toxic to cats. As an Araceae aroid, Syngonium auritum contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout all parts of the plant. The ASPCA lists Syngonium species as toxic to cats and dogs, causing oral irritation, intense burning and drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from all pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate five-fingers syngonium?
Five-Fingers Syngonium 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. As an Araceae aroid, Syngonium auritum contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout all parts of the plant. The ASPCA lists Syngonium species as toxic to cats and dogs, causing oral irritation, intense burning and drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from all 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 five-fingers syngonium well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is five-fingers syngonium toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Five-Fingers Syngonium and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide