Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Climbing Oleander toxic to cats?

Strophanthus gratus

Toxic to cats

Yes — climbing oleander 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 Strophanthus gratus are severely toxic to pets and humans. The seeds are the most potent source of ouabain (g-strophanthin), a cardiac glycoside that inhibits the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump, causing life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. The plant is in the Apocynaceae family (same as oleander and Adenium) and shares their mechanism of cardiac toxicity. Wear gloves when handling, keep away from children and all pets, and contact emergency veterinary or poison control services immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate climbing oleander

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

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

Is climbing oleander toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is climbing oleander toxic to cats?

Yes — climbing oleander 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 Strophanthus gratus are severely toxic to pets and humans. The seeds are the most potent source of ouabain (g-strophanthin), a cardiac glycoside that inhibits the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump, causing life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. The plant is in the Apocynaceae family (same as oleander and Adenium) and shares their mechanism of cardiac toxicity. Wear gloves when handling, keep away from children and all pets, and contact emergency veterinary or poison control services immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats climbing oleander?

All parts of Strophanthus gratus are severely toxic to pets and humans. The seeds are the most potent source of ouabain (g-strophanthin), a cardiac glycoside that inhibits the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump, causing life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. The plant is in the Apocynaceae family (same as oleander and Adenium) and shares their mechanism of cardiac toxicity. Wear gloves when handling, keep away from children and all pets, and contact emergency veterinary or poison control services 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 climbing oleander.

What should I do if my cat ate climbing oleander?

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 climbing oleander toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Climbing Oleander is toxic to dogs as well. See the full climbing oleander pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to climbing oleander?

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 climbing oleander pet-safety