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Is Pistia stratiotes toxic to cats?

Pistia stratiotes

Toxic to cats

Yes — pistia stratiotes 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. Pistia is an aroid (Araceae) and contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; though not individually profiled by the ASPCA, the family's oxalate toxicity is well established and causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if chewed. Treat as toxic and keep pets and grazing animals away.

What to do if your cat ate pistia stratiotes

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

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

Is pistia stratiotes toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pistia stratiotes toxic to cats?

Yes — pistia stratiotes 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. Pistia is an aroid (Araceae) and contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; though not individually profiled by the ASPCA, the family's oxalate toxicity is well established and causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if chewed. Treat as toxic and keep pets and grazing animals away.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pistia stratiotes?

Toxic to cats and dogs. Pistia is an aroid (Araceae) and contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; though not individually profiled by the ASPCA, the family's oxalate toxicity is well established and causes oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if chewed. Treat as toxic and keep pets and grazing animals away. 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 pistia stratiotes.

What should I do if my cat ate pistia stratiotes?

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 pistia stratiotes toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to pistia stratiotes?

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 pistia stratiotes pet-safety