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Is Western Skunk Cabbage toxic to cats?

Lysichiton americanus

Toxic to cats

Yes — western skunk cabbage 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. Lysichiton americanus is a member of the Araceae family. Like most aroids, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause intense oral and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets or humans. The ASPCA lists the broader Araceae aroid family as toxic to cats and dogs due to calcium oxalate content. All parts should be regarded as toxic; contact with sap may also irritate skin and eyes.

What to do if your cat ate western skunk cabbage

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

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

Is western skunk cabbage toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is western skunk cabbage toxic to cats?

Yes — western skunk cabbage is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Lysichiton americanus is a member of the Araceae family. Like most aroids, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause intense oral and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets or humans. The ASPCA lists the broader Araceae aroid family as toxic to cats and dogs due to calcium oxalate content. All parts should be regarded as toxic; contact with sap may also irritate skin and eyes.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats western skunk cabbage?

Lysichiton americanus is a member of the Araceae family. Like most aroids, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause intense oral and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets or humans. The ASPCA lists the broader Araceae aroid family as toxic to cats and dogs due to calcium oxalate content. All parts should be regarded as toxic; contact with sap may also irritate skin and eyes. 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 western skunk cabbage.

What should I do if my cat ate western skunk cabbage?

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 western skunk cabbage toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Western Skunk Cabbage is toxic to dogs as well. See the full western skunk cabbage pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to western skunk cabbage?

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 western skunk cabbage pet-safety