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Is Lance-leaved Water Plantain toxic to cats?

Alisma lanceolatum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lance-leaved water plantain as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Alisma lanceolatum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Alisma species (Alismataceae) contain saponins and an acrid, irritant juice when fresh that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity by pets or livestock. The irritant compounds are destroyed by drying or cooking. Treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets from ingesting plant material. No severe or life-threatening toxicity is documented.

What to do if your cat ate lance-leaved water plantain

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move lance-leaved water plantain 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 lance-leaved water plantain to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is lance-leaved water plantain toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lance-leaved water plantain toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lance-leaved water plantain as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Alisma lanceolatum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Alisma species (Alismataceae) contain saponins and an acrid, irritant juice when fresh that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity by pets or livestock. The irritant compounds are destroyed by drying or cooking. Treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets from ingesting plant material. No severe or life-threatening toxicity is documented.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lance-leaved water plantain?

Alisma lanceolatum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Alisma species (Alismataceae) contain saponins and an acrid, irritant juice when fresh that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity by pets or livestock. The irritant compounds are destroyed by drying or cooking. Treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets from ingesting plant material. No severe or life-threatening toxicity is documented. 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 lance-leaved water plantain.

What should I do if my cat ate lance-leaved water plantain?

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 lance-leaved water plantain toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lance-leaved Water Plantain is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full lance-leaved water plantain pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to lance-leaved water plantain?

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 lance-leaved water plantain pet-safety