Pet safety
Is Anubias barteri var. barteritoxic to cats & dogs?
Anubias barteri var. barteri
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Anubias barteri var. barteri
Is anubias barteri var. barteri safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags anubias barteri var. barteri as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. Anubias is a member of the arum family (Araceae), which the ASPCA consistently lists as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (e.g. pothos, Monstera, Nephthytis). Treat with caution and verify with a vet; assume potential oral irritation if a pet chews the leaves.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats anubias barteri var. barteri?
Not individually listed by the ASPCA. Anubias is a member of the arum family (Araceae), which the ASPCA consistently lists as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (e.g. pothos, Monstera, Nephthytis). Treat with caution and verify with a vet; assume potential oral irritation if a pet chews the leaves. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to anubias barteri var. barteri, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate anubias barteri var. barteri
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move anubias barteri var. barteri out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of anubias barteri var. barteri to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to anubias barteri var. barteri
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Prayer plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Calathea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Parlor palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Areca palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Anubias barteri var. barteri and pets — frequently asked questions
Is anubias barteri var. barteri toxic to cats?
Anubias barteri var. barteri (Anubias barteri var. barteri) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. Anubias is a member of the arum family (Araceae), which the ASPCA consistently lists as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (e.g. pothos, Monstera, Nephthytis). Treat with caution and verify with a vet; assume potential oral irritation if a pet chews the leaves. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is anubias barteri var. barteri toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Anubias barteri var. barteri (Anubias barteri var. barteri) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like anubias barteri var. barteri is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats anubias barteri var. barteri?
Not individually listed by the ASPCA. Anubias is a member of the arum family (Araceae), which the ASPCA consistently lists as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (e.g. pothos, Monstera, Nephthytis). Treat with caution and verify with a vet; assume potential oral irritation if a pet chews the leaves. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to anubias barteri var. barteri, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate anubias barteri var. barteri?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of anubias barteri var. barteri to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to anubias barteri var. barteri?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include prayer plant, calathea, parlor palm, areca palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full anubias barteri var. barteri care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete anubias barteri var. barteri care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.