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Pet safety

Is Painted Dumbcane toxic to cats?

Dieffenbachia picta

Toxic to cats

Yes — painted dumbcane 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 as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes that cause severe oral burning, drooling, tongue swelling, and difficulty swallowing. In humans, chewing the stem was historically used as a torture method — hence 'dumbcane.' Keep strictly away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate painted dumbcane

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

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

Is painted dumbcane toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is painted dumbcane toxic to cats?

Yes — painted dumbcane 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 as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes that cause severe oral burning, drooling, tongue swelling, and difficulty swallowing. In humans, chewing the stem was historically used as a torture method — hence 'dumbcane.' Keep strictly away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats painted dumbcane?

The ASPCA lists Dieffenbachia as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes that cause severe oral burning, drooling, tongue swelling, and difficulty swallowing. In humans, chewing the stem was historically used as a torture method — hence 'dumbcane.' Keep strictly away from pets and children. 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 painted dumbcane.

What should I do if my cat ate painted dumbcane?

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 painted dumbcane toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to painted dumbcane?

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 painted dumbcane pet-safety