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Is Narrowleaf Milkweed toxic to cats?

Asclepias stenophylla

Toxic to cats

Yes — narrowleaf milkweed 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. ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias spp.) as toxic to dogs and cats. Narrow-leaved Asclepias species in particular are associated with neurotoxic cardenolide compounds that cause tremors, incoordination, and weakness in addition to gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, drooling); cardiac effects including arrhythmia are also possible with significant ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate narrowleaf milkweed

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

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

Is narrowleaf milkweed toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is narrowleaf milkweed toxic to cats?

Yes — narrowleaf milkweed is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias spp.) as toxic to dogs and cats. Narrow-leaved Asclepias species in particular are associated with neurotoxic cardenolide compounds that cause tremors, incoordination, and weakness in addition to gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, drooling); cardiac effects including arrhythmia are also possible with significant ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats narrowleaf milkweed?

ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias spp.) as toxic to dogs and cats. Narrow-leaved Asclepias species in particular are associated with neurotoxic cardenolide compounds that cause tremors, incoordination, and weakness in addition to gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, drooling); cardiac effects including arrhythmia are also possible with significant ingestion. 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 narrowleaf milkweed.

What should I do if my cat ate narrowleaf milkweed?

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 narrowleaf milkweed toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Narrowleaf Milkweed is toxic to dogs as well. See the full narrowleaf milkweed pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to narrowleaf milkweed?

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 narrowleaf milkweed pet-safety