Pet safety
Is Lesser Theriophonum toxic to cats?
Theriophonum minutum
Yes — lesser theriophonum 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. Member of the Araceae family; all parts are presumed to contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides consistent with the broader aroid family. Not individually listed by ASPCA. The tubers are reportedly used medicinally and as food in India only after processing (steaming/drying) to remove the irritant compounds. Raw consumption causes intense oral burning and irritation. Treat as toxic to pets and do not ingest raw.
What to do if your cat ate lesser theriophonum
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move lesser theriophonum out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of lesser theriophonum to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten lesser theriophonum, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is lesser theriophonum toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is lesser theriophonum toxic to cats?
Yes — lesser theriophonum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Member of the Araceae family; all parts are presumed to contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides consistent with the broader aroid family. Not individually listed by ASPCA. The tubers are reportedly used medicinally and as food in India only after processing (steaming/drying) to remove the irritant compounds. Raw consumption causes intense oral burning and irritation. Treat as toxic to pets and do not ingest raw.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats lesser theriophonum?
Member of the Araceae family; all parts are presumed to contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides consistent with the broader aroid family. Not individually listed by ASPCA. The tubers are reportedly used medicinally and as food in India only after processing (steaming/drying) to remove the irritant compounds. Raw consumption causes intense oral burning and irritation. Treat as toxic to pets and do not ingest raw. 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 lesser theriophonum.
What should I do if my cat ate lesser theriophonum?
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 lesser theriophonum toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lesser Theriophonum is toxic to dogs as well. See the full lesser theriophonum pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to lesser theriophonum?
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 lesser theriophonum pet-safety
- Is lesser theriophonum toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is lesser theriophonum toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate lesser theriophonum — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete lesser theriophonum care guide