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Is Narrow-leaved Biarum toxic to cats?

Biarum tenuifolium

Toxic to cats

Yes — narrow-leaved biarum 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 Biarum species are presumed to contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides characteristic of aroids. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus has the same toxic profile as related aroid genera. Treat as toxic: keep away from pets and children. Ingestion likely causes oral burning, drooling, and gastrointestinal irritation.

What to do if your cat ate narrow-leaved biarum

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

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

Is narrow-leaved biarum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is narrow-leaved biarum toxic to cats?

Yes — narrow-leaved biarum 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 Biarum species are presumed to contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides characteristic of aroids. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus has the same toxic profile as related aroid genera. Treat as toxic: keep away from pets and children. Ingestion likely causes oral burning, drooling, and gastrointestinal irritation.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats narrow-leaved biarum?

Member of the Araceae family; all Biarum species are presumed to contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides characteristic of aroids. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus has the same toxic profile as related aroid genera. Treat as toxic: keep away from pets and children. Ingestion likely causes oral burning, drooling, and gastrointestinal irritation. 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 narrow-leaved biarum.

What should I do if my cat ate narrow-leaved biarum?

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 narrow-leaved biarum toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Narrow-leaved Biarum is toxic to dogs as well. See the full narrow-leaved biarum pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to narrow-leaved biarum?

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 narrow-leaved biarum pet-safety