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Pet safety

Is Mousetail Arum toxic to cats?

Helicodiceros muscivorus

Toxic to cats

Yes — mousetail arum 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Helicodiceros is an Araceae member whose tissues contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides — the same toxic principle ASPCA cites for listed aroids. Treat as toxic to cats and dogs: chewing causes oral and throat irritation, burning, drooling, swelling and vomiting. Its foul odour usually deters animals, but keep it away from pets and verify with a vet on exposure.

What to do if your cat ate mousetail arum

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

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

Is mousetail arum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mousetail arum toxic to cats?

Yes — mousetail arum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Helicodiceros is an Araceae member whose tissues contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides — the same toxic principle ASPCA cites for listed aroids. Treat as toxic to cats and dogs: chewing causes oral and throat irritation, burning, drooling, swelling and vomiting. Its foul odour usually deters animals, but keep it away from pets and verify with a vet on exposure.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mousetail arum?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Helicodiceros is an Araceae member whose tissues contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides — the same toxic principle ASPCA cites for listed aroids. Treat as toxic to cats and dogs: chewing causes oral and throat irritation, burning, drooling, swelling and vomiting. Its foul odour usually deters animals, but keep it away from pets and verify with a vet on exposure. 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 mousetail arum.

What should I do if my cat ate mousetail arum?

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 mousetail arum toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Mousetail Arum is toxic to dogs as well. See the full mousetail arum pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to mousetail arum?

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 mousetail arum pet-safety