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Pet safety

Is Slim-leaved Biarum toxic to cats?

Biarum tenuifolium

Toxic to cats

Yes — slim-leaved biarum 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. As a member of the Araceae (aroid) family, Biarum tenuifolium contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals throughout all its tissues. Ingestion causes immediate intense oral burning, hypersalivation, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and mucosal oedema in cats and dogs. The spathe and tuber are the most hazardous parts. Keep well out of reach of pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate slim-leaved biarum

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

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

Is slim-leaved biarum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is slim-leaved biarum toxic to cats?

Yes — slim-leaved biarum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a member of the Araceae (aroid) family, Biarum tenuifolium contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals throughout all its tissues. Ingestion causes immediate intense oral burning, hypersalivation, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and mucosal oedema in cats and dogs. The spathe and tuber are the most hazardous parts. Keep well out of reach of pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats slim-leaved biarum?

As a member of the Araceae (aroid) family, Biarum tenuifolium contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals throughout all its tissues. Ingestion causes immediate intense oral burning, hypersalivation, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and mucosal oedema in cats and dogs. The spathe and tuber are the most hazardous parts. Keep well out of reach of pets and children. 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 slim-leaved biarum.

What should I do if my cat ate slim-leaved biarum?

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 slim-leaved biarum toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Slim-leaved Biarum is toxic to dogs as well. See the full slim-leaved biarum pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to slim-leaved biarum?

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 slim-leaved biarum pet-safety