Pet safety
Is Narrow-leaved Biarumtoxic to cats & dogs?
Biarum tenuifolium
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Biarum tenuifolium
Is narrow-leaved biarum safe for cats and dogs?
No — narrow-leaved biarum 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. Member of the Araceae family; all Biarum species are presumed to contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides characteristic of aroids. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus has the same toxic profile as related aroid genera. Treat as toxic: keep away from pets and children. Ingestion likely causes oral burning, drooling, and gastrointestinal irritation.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats narrow-leaved biarum?
Member of the Araceae family; all Biarum species are presumed to contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides characteristic of aroids. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus has the same toxic profile as related aroid genera. Treat as toxic: keep away from pets and children. Ingestion likely causes oral burning, drooling, and gastrointestinal irritation. 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 narrow-leaved biarum, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate narrow-leaved biarum
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move narrow-leaved biarum 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 narrow-leaved biarum 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 narrow-leaved biarum
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)
Narrow-leaved Biarum and pets — frequently asked questions
Is narrow-leaved biarum toxic to cats?
Narrow-leaved Biarum (Biarum tenuifolium) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Member of the Araceae family; all Biarum species are presumed to contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides characteristic of aroids. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus has the same toxic profile as related aroid genera. Treat as toxic: keep away from pets and children. Ingestion likely causes oral burning, drooling, and gastrointestinal irritation. 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 narrow-leaved biarum toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Narrow-leaved Biarum (Biarum tenuifolium) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like narrow-leaved biarum is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats narrow-leaved biarum?
Member of the Araceae family; all Biarum species are presumed to contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides characteristic of aroids. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus has the same toxic profile as related aroid genera. Treat as toxic: keep away from pets and children. Ingestion likely causes oral burning, drooling, and gastrointestinal irritation. 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 narrow-leaved biarum, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate narrow-leaved biarum?
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 narrow-leaved biarum to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to narrow-leaved biarum?
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 narrow-leaved biarum care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete narrow-leaved biarum care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.