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Is Showy Milkweed toxic to cats?

Asclepias speciosa

Toxic to cats

Yes — showy 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. ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The milky sap contains cardenolides (cardiac glycosides) and, in some species, neurotoxins; signs include vomiting, profound weakness, depression, dilated pupils, seizures, and in severe cases cardiac or respiratory failure. Keep pets and livestock from grazing it.

What to do if your cat ate showy milkweed

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

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

Is showy milkweed toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is showy milkweed toxic to cats?

Yes — showy milkweed is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The milky sap contains cardenolides (cardiac glycosides) and, in some species, neurotoxins; signs include vomiting, profound weakness, depression, dilated pupils, seizures, and in severe cases cardiac or respiratory failure. Keep pets and livestock from grazing it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats showy milkweed?

ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The milky sap contains cardenolides (cardiac glycosides) and, in some species, neurotoxins; signs include vomiting, profound weakness, depression, dilated pupils, seizures, and in severe cases cardiac or respiratory failure. Keep pets and livestock from grazing it. 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 showy milkweed.

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

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

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