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Is Schefflera toxic to cats?

Schefflera arboricola

Toxic to cats

Yes — schefflera 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. ASPCA lists Schefflera as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Symptoms include oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What to do if your cat ate schefflera

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

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

Is schefflera toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is schefflera toxic to cats?

Yes — schefflera is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Schefflera as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Symptoms include oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats schefflera?

ASPCA lists Schefflera as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Symptoms include oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. 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 schefflera.

What should I do if my cat ate schefflera?

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 schefflera toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to schefflera?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include money tree, areca palm, parlor palm — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to schefflera.

Full schefflera pet-safety