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Pet safety

Is Oleander toxic to cats?

Nerium oleander

Toxic to cats

Yes — oleander 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 oleander as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. All parts contain cardiac glycosides (oleandrin); ingestion of even small amounts can cause drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, dangerous heart arrhythmias and death. Smoke from burning the plant is also hazardous. Keep strictly away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate oleander

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

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

Is oleander toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is oleander toxic to cats?

Yes — oleander is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists oleander as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. All parts contain cardiac glycosides (oleandrin); ingestion of even small amounts can cause drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, dangerous heart arrhythmias and death. Smoke from burning the plant is also hazardous. Keep strictly away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats oleander?

ASPCA lists oleander as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. All parts contain cardiac glycosides (oleandrin); ingestion of even small amounts can cause drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, dangerous heart arrhythmias and death. Smoke from burning the plant is also hazardous. Keep strictly away from pets. 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 oleander.

What should I do if my cat ate oleander?

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 oleander toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to oleander?

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 oleander pet-safety