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Is Oakleaf Croton toxic to cats?

Codiaeum variegatum 'Oakleaf'

Toxic to cats

Yes — oakleaf croton 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline list croton (Codiaeum variegatum) as toxic; its milky sap contains diterpene esters that irritate the mouth and gut. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and oral or skin irritation, and the sap can irritate human skin too.

What to do if your cat ate oakleaf croton

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

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

Is oakleaf croton toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is oakleaf croton toxic to cats?

Yes — oakleaf croton is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline list croton (Codiaeum variegatum) as toxic; its milky sap contains diterpene esters that irritate the mouth and gut. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and oral or skin irritation, and the sap can irritate human skin too.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats oakleaf croton?

Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline list croton (Codiaeum variegatum) as toxic; its milky sap contains diterpene esters that irritate the mouth and gut. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and oral or skin irritation, and the sap can irritate human skin too. 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 oakleaf croton.

What should I do if my cat ate oakleaf croton?

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 oakleaf croton toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Oakleaf Croton is toxic to dogs as well. See the full oakleaf croton pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to oakleaf croton?

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 oakleaf croton pet-safety