Pet safety
Is Arisaema tortuosumtoxic to cats & dogs?
Arisaema tortuosum
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Arisaema tortuosum
Is arisaema tortuosum safe for cats and dogs?
No — arisaema tortuosum is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. As an Arisaema (cobra lily / jack-in-the-pulpit) in the Araceae family, it shares the toxic profile of ASPCA-listed jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum): all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides. Chewing causes oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and swelling of the lips, tongue and throat. Keep away from pets and wash hands after handling.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats arisaema tortuosum?
Toxic to cats and dogs. As an Arisaema (cobra lily / jack-in-the-pulpit) in the Araceae family, it shares the toxic profile of ASPCA-listed jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum): all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides. Chewing causes oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and swelling of the lips, tongue and throat. Keep away from pets and wash hands after handling. 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 arisaema tortuosum, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate arisaema tortuosum
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move arisaema tortuosum 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 arisaema tortuosum 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 arisaema tortuosum
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:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Arisaema tortuosum and pets — frequently asked questions
Is arisaema tortuosum toxic to cats?
Arisaema tortuosum (Arisaema tortuosum) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Toxic to cats and dogs. As an Arisaema (cobra lily / jack-in-the-pulpit) in the Araceae family, it shares the toxic profile of ASPCA-listed jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum): all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides. Chewing causes oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and swelling of the lips, tongue and throat. Keep away from pets and wash hands after handling. 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 arisaema tortuosum toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Arisaema tortuosum (Arisaema tortuosum) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like arisaema tortuosum is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats arisaema tortuosum?
Toxic to cats and dogs. As an Arisaema (cobra lily / jack-in-the-pulpit) in the Araceae family, it shares the toxic profile of ASPCA-listed jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum): all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides. Chewing causes oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and swelling of the lips, tongue and throat. Keep away from pets and wash hands after handling. 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 arisaema tortuosum, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate arisaema tortuosum?
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 arisaema tortuosum to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to arisaema tortuosum?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. 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 arisaema tortuosum care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete arisaema tortuosum care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.