Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Bowman's Dieffenbachia toxic to cats?

Dieffenbachia bowmannii

Toxic to cats

Yes — bowman's dieffenbachia 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 Dieffenbachia species as toxic to dogs and cats. All parts of D. bowmannii contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes that cause immediate intense burning and swelling of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, and vomiting on ingestion. Veterinary attention should be sought immediately following exposure.

What to do if your cat ate bowman's dieffenbachia

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

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

Is bowman's dieffenbachia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bowman's dieffenbachia toxic to cats?

Yes — bowman's dieffenbachia 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 Dieffenbachia species as toxic to dogs and cats. All parts of D. bowmannii contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes that cause immediate intense burning and swelling of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, and vomiting on ingestion. Veterinary attention should be sought immediately following exposure.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bowman's dieffenbachia?

The ASPCA lists Dieffenbachia species as toxic to dogs and cats. All parts of D. bowmannii contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes that cause immediate intense burning and swelling of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, and vomiting on ingestion. Veterinary attention should be sought immediately following exposure. 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 bowman's dieffenbachia.

What should I do if my cat ate bowman's dieffenbachia?

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 bowman's dieffenbachia toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bowman's Dieffenbachia is toxic to dogs as well. See the full bowman's dieffenbachia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bowman's dieffenbachia?

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 bowman's dieffenbachia pet-safety