Pet safety
Is Red Arrow Arrowhead Vinetoxic to cats & dogs?
Syngonium erythrophyllum
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Syngonium erythrophyllum
Is red arrow arrowhead vine safe for cats and dogs?
No — red arrow arrowhead vine 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. Syngonium species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion causes oral pain, drooling, pawing at mouth, and vomiting. S. erythrophyllum carries the same toxicity profile. Keep away from pets and children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats red arrow arrowhead vine?
Syngonium species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion causes oral pain, drooling, pawing at mouth, and vomiting. S. erythrophyllum carries the same toxicity profile. Keep away from pets and children. 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 red arrow arrowhead vine, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate red arrow arrowhead vine
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move red arrow arrowhead vine 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 red arrow arrowhead vine 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 red arrow arrowhead vine
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:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Red Arrow Arrowhead Vine and pets — frequently asked questions
Is red arrow arrowhead vine toxic to cats?
Red Arrow Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium erythrophyllum) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Syngonium species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion causes oral pain, drooling, pawing at mouth, and vomiting. S. erythrophyllum carries the same toxicity profile. Keep away from pets and children. 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 red arrow arrowhead vine toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Red Arrow Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium erythrophyllum) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like red arrow arrowhead vine is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats red arrow arrowhead vine?
Syngonium species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion causes oral pain, drooling, pawing at mouth, and vomiting. S. erythrophyllum carries the same toxicity profile. Keep away from pets and children. 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 red arrow arrowhead vine, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate red arrow arrowhead vine?
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 red arrow arrowhead vine to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to red arrow arrowhead vine?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail 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 red arrow arrowhead vine care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete red arrow arrowhead vine care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.