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Is Arum italicum toxic to cats?

Arum italicum

Toxic to cats

Yes — arum italicum 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 and dogs. The ASPCA lists Arum (Arum genus) as toxic; the toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates, causing oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The ornamental berries are especially tempting and hazardous to pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate arum italicum

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

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

Is arum italicum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is arum italicum toxic to cats?

Yes — arum italicum 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 and dogs. The ASPCA lists Arum (Arum genus) as toxic; the toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates, causing oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The ornamental berries are especially tempting and hazardous to pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats arum italicum?

Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Arum (Arum genus) as toxic; the toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates, causing oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The ornamental berries are especially tempting and hazardous to pets and children. 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 arum italicum.

What should I do if my cat ate arum italicum?

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 arum italicum toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to arum italicum?

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 arum italicum pet-safety