Pet safety
Is Variegated Dwarf Schefflera toxic to cats?
Heptapleurum arboricola 'Trinette'
Yes — variegated dwarf 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 (dwarf/variegated umbrella plant) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates; chewing causes oral irritation and burning of the mouth and tongue, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep out of reach of pets.
What to do if your cat ate variegated dwarf schefflera
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move variegated dwarf schefflera out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of variegated dwarf schefflera to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten variegated dwarf schefflera, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is variegated dwarf schefflera toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is variegated dwarf schefflera toxic to cats?
Yes — variegated dwarf 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 (dwarf/variegated umbrella plant) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates; chewing causes oral irritation and burning of the mouth and tongue, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep out of reach of pets.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats variegated dwarf schefflera?
ASPCA lists Schefflera (dwarf/variegated umbrella plant) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates; chewing causes oral irritation and burning of the mouth and tongue, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep out of reach of pets. 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 variegated dwarf schefflera.
What should I do if my cat ate variegated dwarf 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 variegated dwarf schefflera toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Variegated Dwarf Schefflera is toxic to dogs as well. See the full variegated dwarf schefflera pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to variegated dwarf schefflera?
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 variegated dwarf schefflera pet-safety
- Is variegated dwarf schefflera toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is variegated dwarf schefflera toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate variegated dwarf schefflera — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete variegated dwarf schefflera care guide