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Is Eastern Skunk Cabbage toxic to cats?

Symplocarpus foetidus

Toxic to cats

Yes — eastern skunk cabbage 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. Confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by ASPCA. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The strong odour generally deters accidental ingestion, but keep pets away.

What to do if your cat ate eastern skunk cabbage

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

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

Is eastern skunk cabbage toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is eastern skunk cabbage toxic to cats?

Yes — eastern skunk cabbage is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by ASPCA. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The strong odour generally deters accidental ingestion, but keep pets away.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats eastern skunk cabbage?

Confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by ASPCA. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The strong odour generally deters accidental ingestion, but keep pets away. 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 eastern skunk cabbage.

What should I do if my cat ate eastern skunk cabbage?

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 eastern skunk cabbage toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Eastern Skunk Cabbage is toxic to dogs as well. See the full eastern skunk cabbage pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to eastern skunk cabbage?

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 eastern skunk cabbage pet-safety