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Pet safety

Is Pig's Ear toxic to cats?

Cotyledon orbiculata

Toxic to cats

Yes — pig's ear 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. The ASPCA lists Cotyledon species as toxic to cats and dogs, containing bufadienolide cardiac glycosides that can cause muscle tremors, excessive salivation, vomiting, weakness, and heart arrhythmia. Keep all parts away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate pig's ear

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

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

Is pig's ear toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pig's ear toxic to cats?

Yes — pig's ear is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Cotyledon species as toxic to cats and dogs, containing bufadienolide cardiac glycosides that can cause muscle tremors, excessive salivation, vomiting, weakness, and heart arrhythmia. Keep all parts away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pig's ear?

The ASPCA lists Cotyledon species as toxic to cats and dogs, containing bufadienolide cardiac glycosides that can cause muscle tremors, excessive salivation, vomiting, weakness, and heart arrhythmia. Keep all parts 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 pig's ear.

What should I do if my cat ate pig's ear?

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 pig's ear toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Pig's Ear is toxic to dogs as well. See the full pig's ear pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to pig's ear?

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 pig's ear pet-safety