Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Corn Plant toxic to cats?

Dracaena fragrans

Toxic to cats

Yes — corn plant 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. The ASPCA lists the corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is saponins, with ingestion causing vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation and, in cats, dilated pupils. Keep it out of reach of pets and contact a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate corn plant

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

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

Is corn plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is corn plant toxic to cats?

Yes — corn plant is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists the corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is saponins, with ingestion causing vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation and, in cats, dilated pupils. Keep it out of reach of pets and contact a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats corn plant?

The ASPCA lists the corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is saponins, with ingestion causing vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation and, in cats, dilated pupils. Keep it out of reach of pets and contact a vet 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 corn plant.

What should I do if my cat ate corn 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 corn plant toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to corn plant?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include kentia palm, parlor palm, ponytail palm — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to corn plant.

Full corn plant pet-safety