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Pet safety

Is Dwarf Umbrella Plant toxic to cats?

Heptapleurum arboricola

Toxic to cats

Yes — dwarf umbrella plant 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 Schefflera (this plant's long-standing trade name, dwarf/Hawaiian schefflera) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates; chewing causes oral and tongue irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate dwarf umbrella plant

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

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

Is dwarf umbrella plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dwarf umbrella plant toxic to cats?

Yes — dwarf umbrella plant is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Schefflera (this plant's long-standing trade name, dwarf/Hawaiian schefflera) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates; chewing causes oral and tongue irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dwarf umbrella plant?

ASPCA lists Schefflera (this plant's long-standing trade name, dwarf/Hawaiian schefflera) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates; chewing causes oral and tongue irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. 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 dwarf umbrella plant.

What should I do if my cat ate dwarf umbrella plant?

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 dwarf umbrella plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Dwarf Umbrella Plant is toxic to dogs as well. See the full dwarf umbrella plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to dwarf umbrella plant?

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 dwarf umbrella plant pet-safety