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Is Common Milkweed toxic to cats?

Asclepias syriaca

Toxic to cats

Yes — common milkweed 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. Asclepias syriaca is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. The plant contains cardenolide cardiac glycosides (including syriogenin) and resinoids throughout all plant parts, including the milky latex sap. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and in severe cases respiratory depression. The dried plant remains toxic. Keep pets away from this species.

What to do if your cat ate common milkweed

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

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

Is common milkweed toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common milkweed toxic to cats?

Yes — common milkweed is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Asclepias syriaca is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. The plant contains cardenolide cardiac glycosides (including syriogenin) and resinoids throughout all plant parts, including the milky latex sap. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and in severe cases respiratory depression. The dried plant remains toxic. Keep pets away from this species.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common milkweed?

Asclepias syriaca is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. The plant contains cardenolide cardiac glycosides (including syriogenin) and resinoids throughout all plant parts, including the milky latex sap. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and in severe cases respiratory depression. The dried plant remains toxic. Keep pets away from this species. 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 common milkweed.

What should I do if my cat ate common milkweed?

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 common milkweed toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Common Milkweed is toxic to dogs as well. See the full common milkweed pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to common milkweed?

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 common milkweed pet-safety