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Is Poke Milkweed toxic to cats?

Asclepias exaltata

Toxic to cats

Yes — poke 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. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic; some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and others neurotoxins. Ingestion can cause vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, with severe cases progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty and death.

What to do if your cat ate poke milkweed

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

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

Is poke milkweed toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is poke milkweed toxic to cats?

Yes — poke milkweed 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, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic; some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and others neurotoxins. Ingestion can cause vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, with severe cases progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty and death.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats poke milkweed?

Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic; some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and others neurotoxins. Ingestion can cause vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, with severe cases progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty and death. 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 poke milkweed.

What should I do if my cat ate poke 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 poke milkweed toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to poke 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 poke milkweed pet-safety