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Is Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) toxic to cats?

Aglaonema commutatum

Toxic to cats

Yes — aglaonema (chinese evergreen) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) as toxic, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle; the same chemistry is present genus-wide, including Aglaonema commutatum. Chewing or swallowing any part releases these crystals, causing oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep well out of reach of pets and children, and wash hands after handling the sap.

What to do if your cat ate aglaonema (chinese evergreen)

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move aglaonema (chinese evergreen) out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of aglaonema (chinese evergreen) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten aglaonema (chinese evergreen), contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is aglaonema (chinese evergreen) toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is aglaonema (chinese evergreen) toxic to cats?

Yes — aglaonema (chinese evergreen) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) as toxic, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle; the same chemistry is present genus-wide, including Aglaonema commutatum. Chewing or swallowing any part releases these crystals, causing oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep well out of reach of pets and children, and wash hands after handling the sap.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats aglaonema (chinese evergreen)?

Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) as toxic, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle; the same chemistry is present genus-wide, including Aglaonema commutatum. Chewing or swallowing any part releases these crystals, causing oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep well out of reach of pets and children, and wash hands after handling the sap. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to aglaonema (chinese evergreen).

What should I do if my cat ate aglaonema (chinese evergreen)?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is aglaonema (chinese evergreen) toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) is toxic to dogs as well. See the full aglaonema (chinese evergreen) pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to aglaonema (chinese evergreen)?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full aglaonema (chinese evergreen) pet-safety