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Is Arisaema serratum toxic to cats?

Arisaema serratum

Toxic to cats

Yes — arisaema serratum 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. Arisaema species are toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists the closely related Arisaema triphyllum (jack-in-the-pulpit) as toxic, with insoluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle; the genus, including A. serratum, shares this chemistry. Ingestion causes oral pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing and vomiting. Keep away from pets and consult a vet if chewed.

What to do if your cat ate arisaema serratum

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move arisaema serratum 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 arisaema serratum to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is arisaema serratum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is arisaema serratum toxic to cats?

Yes — arisaema serratum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Arisaema species are toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists the closely related Arisaema triphyllum (jack-in-the-pulpit) as toxic, with insoluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle; the genus, including A. serratum, shares this chemistry. Ingestion causes oral pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing and vomiting. Keep away from pets and consult a vet if chewed.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats arisaema serratum?

Arisaema species are toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists the closely related Arisaema triphyllum (jack-in-the-pulpit) as toxic, with insoluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle; the genus, including A. serratum, shares this chemistry. Ingestion causes oral pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing and vomiting. Keep away from pets and consult a vet if chewed. 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 arisaema serratum.

What should I do if my cat ate arisaema serratum?

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 arisaema serratum toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Arisaema serratum is toxic to dogs as well. See the full arisaema serratum pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to arisaema serratum?

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 arisaema serratum pet-safety