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Is Dracaena Compacta toxic to cats?

Dracaena fragrans 'Compacta'

Toxic to cats

Yes — dracaena compacta 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. ASPCA lists Dracaena fragrans (corn plant) and the wider Dracaena genus as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is saponins; signs of ingestion include vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation and, in cats, dilated pupils. Keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate dracaena compacta

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

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

Is dracaena compacta toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dracaena compacta toxic to cats?

Yes — dracaena compacta is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Dracaena fragrans (corn plant) and the wider Dracaena genus as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is saponins; signs of ingestion include vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation and, in cats, dilated pupils. Keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dracaena compacta?

ASPCA lists Dracaena fragrans (corn plant) and the wider Dracaena genus as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is saponins; signs of ingestion include vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation and, in cats, dilated pupils. Keep away from pets. 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 dracaena compacta.

What should I do if my cat ate dracaena compacta?

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 dracaena compacta toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Dracaena Compacta is toxic to dogs as well. See the full dracaena compacta pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to dracaena compacta?

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 dracaena compacta pet-safety