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Is Dracontium gigas toxic to cats?

Dracontium gigas

Toxic to cats

Yes — dracontium gigas 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. Like all Araceae aroids, Dracontium gigas contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides throughout its tissues. This species is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies its directly-listed aroid relatives (e.g. Arisaema/jack-in-the-pulpit) as toxic via insoluble calcium oxalates; treat it as toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes oral pain, intense drooling, swelling of the mouth and lips, and vomiting. Keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate dracontium gigas

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

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

Is dracontium gigas toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dracontium gigas toxic to cats?

Yes — dracontium gigas is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Like all Araceae aroids, Dracontium gigas contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides throughout its tissues. This species is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies its directly-listed aroid relatives (e.g. Arisaema/jack-in-the-pulpit) as toxic via insoluble calcium oxalates; treat it as toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes oral pain, intense drooling, swelling of the mouth and lips, and vomiting. Keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dracontium gigas?

Like all Araceae aroids, Dracontium gigas contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides throughout its tissues. This species is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies its directly-listed aroid relatives (e.g. Arisaema/jack-in-the-pulpit) as toxic via insoluble calcium oxalates; treat it as toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes oral pain, intense drooling, swelling of the mouth and lips, and vomiting. Keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 dracontium gigas.

What should I do if my cat ate dracontium gigas?

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 dracontium gigas toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Dracontium gigas is toxic to dogs as well. See the full dracontium gigas pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to dracontium gigas?

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 dracontium gigas pet-safety