Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Monarch of the East toxic to cats?

Sauromatum venosum

Toxic to cats

Yes — monarch of the east 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus Sauromatum is an aroid and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. The spathe also produces foul-smelling compounds toxic to small animals if ingested. Causes oral burning, drooling, and vomiting in pets; keep well out of reach.

What to do if your cat ate monarch of the east

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

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

Is monarch of the east toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is monarch of the east toxic to cats?

Yes — monarch of the east is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus Sauromatum is an aroid and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. The spathe also produces foul-smelling compounds toxic to small animals if ingested. Causes oral burning, drooling, and vomiting in pets; keep well out of reach.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats monarch of the east?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus Sauromatum is an aroid and all parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. The spathe also produces foul-smelling compounds toxic to small animals if ingested. Causes oral burning, drooling, and vomiting in pets; keep well out of reach. 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 monarch of the east.

What should I do if my cat ate monarch of the east?

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 monarch of the east toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Monarch of the East is toxic to dogs as well. See the full monarch of the east pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to monarch of the east?

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 monarch of the east pet-safety