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Is Arrowhead plant toxic to cats?

Syngonium podophyllum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists arrowhead plant as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Syngonium podophyllum as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral irritation, drooling, and rare vomiting.

What to do if your cat ate arrowhead plant

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

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

Is arrowhead plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is arrowhead plant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists arrowhead plant as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. ASPCA lists Syngonium podophyllum as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral irritation, drooling, and rare vomiting.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats arrowhead plant?

ASPCA lists Syngonium podophyllum as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral irritation, drooling, and rare vomiting. 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 arrowhead plant.

What should I do if my cat ate arrowhead plant?

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 arrowhead plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Arrowhead plant is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full arrowhead plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to arrowhead plant?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include prayer plant, calathea, peperomia — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to arrowhead plant.

Full arrowhead plant pet-safety