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Is Cretan Arum toxic to cats?

Arum creticum

Toxic to cats

Yes — cretan arum 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 Arum species contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides and are confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA lists the genus 'Arum' as toxic). The yellow berries that develop after flowering are especially concentrated. Symptoms include severe oral burning, drooling, throat swelling, and vomiting. Handle with gloves as sap can irritate skin.

What to do if your cat ate cretan arum

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

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

Is cretan arum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cretan arum toxic to cats?

Yes — cretan arum 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 Arum species contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides and are confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA lists the genus 'Arum' as toxic). The yellow berries that develop after flowering are especially concentrated. Symptoms include severe oral burning, drooling, throat swelling, and vomiting. Handle with gloves as sap can irritate skin.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cretan arum?

All parts of Arum species contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides and are confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA lists the genus 'Arum' as toxic). The yellow berries that develop after flowering are especially concentrated. Symptoms include severe oral burning, drooling, throat swelling, and vomiting. Handle with gloves as sap can irritate skin. 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 cretan arum.

What should I do if my cat ate cretan arum?

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 cretan arum toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to cretan arum?

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 cretan arum pet-safety