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Pet safety

Is Jack-in-the-Pulpit toxic to cats?

Arisaema triphyllum

Toxic to cats

Yes — jack-in-the-pulpit 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-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with insoluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle. All parts — especially the corm and the red berries — contain needle-like raphides. Ingestion causes oral irritation, intense burning of mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep berries and corms away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate jack-in-the-pulpit

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move jack-in-the-pulpit 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 jack-in-the-pulpit to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is jack-in-the-pulpit toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is jack-in-the-pulpit toxic to cats?

Yes — jack-in-the-pulpit is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with insoluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle. All parts — especially the corm and the red berries — contain needle-like raphides. Ingestion causes oral irritation, intense burning of mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep berries and corms away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats jack-in-the-pulpit?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with insoluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle. All parts — especially the corm and the red berries — contain needle-like raphides. Ingestion causes oral irritation, intense burning of mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep berries and corms 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 jack-in-the-pulpit.

What should I do if my cat ate jack-in-the-pulpit?

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 jack-in-the-pulpit toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Jack-in-the-Pulpit is toxic to dogs as well. See the full jack-in-the-pulpit pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to jack-in-the-pulpit?

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 jack-in-the-pulpit pet-safety