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Is Sullivant's Milkweed toxic to cats?

Asclepias sullivantii

Toxic to cats

Yes — sullivant's 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 spp.) as toxic to dogs and cats. Toxic principles include cardenolide cardiac glycosides and galitoxin present throughout the plant. Ingestion causes vomiting, depression, weakness, anorexia, diarrhea, and in larger doses can produce cardiac arrhythmia, muscle tremors, seizures, and respiratory distress.

What to do if your cat ate sullivant's milkweed

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

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

Is sullivant's milkweed toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sullivant's milkweed toxic to cats?

Yes — sullivant's 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 spp.) as toxic to dogs and cats. Toxic principles include cardenolide cardiac glycosides and galitoxin present throughout the plant. Ingestion causes vomiting, depression, weakness, anorexia, diarrhea, and in larger doses can produce cardiac arrhythmia, muscle tremors, seizures, and respiratory distress.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sullivant's milkweed?

ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias spp.) as toxic to dogs and cats. Toxic principles include cardenolide cardiac glycosides and galitoxin present throughout the plant. Ingestion causes vomiting, depression, weakness, anorexia, diarrhea, and in larger doses can produce cardiac arrhythmia, muscle tremors, seizures, and respiratory distress. 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 sullivant's milkweed.

What should I do if my cat ate sullivant's 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 sullivant's milkweed toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to sullivant's 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 sullivant's milkweed pet-safety