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Is Arrow Arum toxic to cats?

Peltandra virginica

Toxic to cats

Yes — arrow arum 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. All parts of Peltandra virginica contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides), a hallmark of the Araceae family. Ingestion causes intense oral irritation, burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in both cats and dogs. Keep pets away from all plant parts including the berries, which contain higher concentrations. Contact a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate arrow arum

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

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

Is arrow arum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is arrow arum toxic to cats?

Yes — arrow arum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Peltandra virginica contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides), a hallmark of the Araceae family. Ingestion causes intense oral irritation, burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in both cats and dogs. Keep pets away from all plant parts including the berries, which contain higher concentrations. Contact a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats arrow arum?

All parts of Peltandra virginica contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides), a hallmark of the Araceae family. Ingestion causes intense oral irritation, burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in both cats and dogs. Keep pets away from all plant parts including the berries, which contain higher concentrations. Contact a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 arrow arum.

What should I do if my cat ate arrow arum?

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 arrow arum toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Arrow Arum is toxic to dogs as well. See the full arrow arum pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to arrow arum?

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 arrow arum pet-safety