Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Cordyline toxic to cats?

Cordyline fruticosa

Toxic to cats

Yes — cordyline 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. ASPCA lists Cordyline fruticosa as toxic to cats and dogs due to saponins. Symptoms include vomiting (sometimes bloody), depression, and loss of appetite.

What to do if your cat ate cordyline

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

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

Is cordyline toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cordyline toxic to cats?

Yes — cordyline is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Cordyline fruticosa as toxic to cats and dogs due to saponins. Symptoms include vomiting (sometimes bloody), depression, and loss of appetite.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cordyline?

ASPCA lists Cordyline fruticosa as toxic to cats and dogs due to saponins. Symptoms include vomiting (sometimes bloody), depression, and loss of appetite. 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 cordyline.

What should I do if my cat ate cordyline?

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 cordyline toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to cordyline?

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 cordyline pet-safety