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Is Shingle Plant toxic to cats?

Rhaphidophora hayi

Toxic to cats

Yes — shingle plant 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. Rhaphidophora hayi is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and the genus Rhaphidophora has no listed members there, so it is treated conservatively. As an aroid (Araceae) it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) in all plant parts, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed; keep away from pets and verify with your vet.

What to do if your cat ate shingle plant

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

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

Is shingle plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is shingle plant toxic to cats?

Yes — shingle plant is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Rhaphidophora hayi is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and the genus Rhaphidophora has no listed members there, so it is treated conservatively. As an aroid (Araceae) it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) in all plant parts, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed; keep away from pets and verify with your vet.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats shingle plant?

Rhaphidophora hayi is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and the genus Rhaphidophora has no listed members there, so it is treated conservatively. As an aroid (Araceae) it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) in all plant parts, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed; keep away from pets and verify with your vet. 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 shingle plant.

What should I do if my cat ate shingle plant?

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 shingle plant toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to shingle plant?

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 shingle plant pet-safety