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Pet safety

Is spear-leaved arrowhead vine toxic to cats?

Syngonium hastifolium

Toxic to cats

Yes — spear-leaved arrowhead vine 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. All Syngonium species contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout their tissues. If chewed or ingested by cats, dogs, or humans, crystals cause immediate oral irritation, burning, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA lists arrowhead vines (Syngonium podophyllum) as toxic to dogs and cats; S. hastifolium shares the same toxic principle as an Araceae aroid.

What to do if your cat ate spear-leaved arrowhead vine

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

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

Is spear-leaved arrowhead vine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spear-leaved arrowhead vine toxic to cats?

Yes — spear-leaved arrowhead vine is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Syngonium species contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout their tissues. If chewed or ingested by cats, dogs, or humans, crystals cause immediate oral irritation, burning, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA lists arrowhead vines (Syngonium podophyllum) as toxic to dogs and cats; S. hastifolium shares the same toxic principle as an Araceae aroid.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spear-leaved arrowhead vine?

All Syngonium species contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout their tissues. If chewed or ingested by cats, dogs, or humans, crystals cause immediate oral irritation, burning, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA lists arrowhead vines (Syngonium podophyllum) as toxic to dogs and cats; S. hastifolium shares the same toxic principle as an Araceae aroid. 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 spear-leaved arrowhead vine.

What should I do if my cat ate spear-leaved arrowhead vine?

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 spear-leaved arrowhead vine toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to spear-leaved arrowhead vine?

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 spear-leaved arrowhead vine pet-safety