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Is Johnston's Cyrtosperma toxic to cats?

Cyrtosperma johnstonii

Toxic to cats

Yes — johnston's cyrtosperma 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. Cyrtosperma johnstonii belongs to the Araceae family and, like all Cyrtosperma species, contains calcium oxalate raphide crystals throughout its tissues. Ingestion of raw material causes severe oral burning, mucosal irritation, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress in cats, dogs, and humans. ASPCA classifies the Araceae family as toxic to cats and dogs. Cooking destroys the crystals in edible species, but C. johnstonii is not a recognised food crop.

What to do if your cat ate johnston's cyrtosperma

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

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

Is johnston's cyrtosperma toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is johnston's cyrtosperma toxic to cats?

Yes — johnston's cyrtosperma is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Cyrtosperma johnstonii belongs to the Araceae family and, like all Cyrtosperma species, contains calcium oxalate raphide crystals throughout its tissues. Ingestion of raw material causes severe oral burning, mucosal irritation, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress in cats, dogs, and humans. ASPCA classifies the Araceae family as toxic to cats and dogs. Cooking destroys the crystals in edible species, but C. johnstonii is not a recognised food crop.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats johnston's cyrtosperma?

Cyrtosperma johnstonii belongs to the Araceae family and, like all Cyrtosperma species, contains calcium oxalate raphide crystals throughout its tissues. Ingestion of raw material causes severe oral burning, mucosal irritation, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress in cats, dogs, and humans. ASPCA classifies the Araceae family as toxic to cats and dogs. Cooking destroys the crystals in edible species, but C. johnstonii is not a recognised food crop. 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 johnston's cyrtosperma.

What should I do if my cat ate johnston's cyrtosperma?

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 johnston's cyrtosperma toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Johnston's Cyrtosperma is toxic to dogs as well. See the full johnston's cyrtosperma pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to johnston's cyrtosperma?

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 johnston's cyrtosperma pet-safety