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Is Tongue Water Trumpet toxic to cats?

Cryptocoryne lingua

Toxic to cats

Yes — tongue water trumpet 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. Cryptocoryne lingua is a member of the Araceae family and contains calcium oxalate crystals common to all aroids. Ingestion by cats or dogs causes oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal distress. The genus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Araceae family toxicity applies to all Cryptocoryne species.

What to do if your cat ate tongue water trumpet

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

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

Is tongue water trumpet toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tongue water trumpet toxic to cats?

Yes — tongue water trumpet is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Cryptocoryne lingua is a member of the Araceae family and contains calcium oxalate crystals common to all aroids. Ingestion by cats or dogs causes oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal distress. The genus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Araceae family toxicity applies to all Cryptocoryne species.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tongue water trumpet?

Cryptocoryne lingua is a member of the Araceae family and contains calcium oxalate crystals common to all aroids. Ingestion by cats or dogs causes oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal distress. The genus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Araceae family toxicity applies to all Cryptocoryne 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 tongue water trumpet.

What should I do if my cat ate tongue water trumpet?

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 tongue water trumpet toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Tongue Water Trumpet is toxic to dogs as well. See the full tongue water trumpet pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to tongue water trumpet?

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 tongue water trumpet pet-safety