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Pet safety

Is Lords-and-Ladies toxic to cats?

Arum maculatum

Toxic to cats

Yes — lords-and-ladies 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 (listed under 'Arum'). All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides; the bright scarlet-orange autumn berries are especially concentrated and attractive to children and pets. Symptoms: intense oral burning, drooling, swelling of mouth and throat, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. Skin contact with sap can cause contact dermatitis — wear gloves when handling.

What to do if your cat ate lords-and-ladies

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

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

Is lords-and-ladies toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lords-and-ladies toxic to cats?

Yes — lords-and-ladies 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 (listed under 'Arum'). All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides; the bright scarlet-orange autumn berries are especially concentrated and attractive to children and pets. Symptoms: intense oral burning, drooling, swelling of mouth and throat, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. Skin contact with sap can cause contact dermatitis — wear gloves when handling.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lords-and-ladies?

Confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by ASPCA (listed under 'Arum'). All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides; the bright scarlet-orange autumn berries are especially concentrated and attractive to children and pets. Symptoms: intense oral burning, drooling, swelling of mouth and throat, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. Skin contact with sap can cause contact dermatitis — wear gloves when handling. 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 lords-and-ladies.

What should I do if my cat ate lords-and-ladies?

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 lords-and-ladies toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lords-and-Ladies is toxic to dogs as well. See the full lords-and-ladies pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to lords-and-ladies?

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 lords-and-ladies pet-safety