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Is White Skunk Cabbage toxic to cats?

Lysichiton camtschatcensis

Toxic to cats

Yes — white 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. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals, the same mechanism as other Araceae. The ASPCA lists skunk cabbage (genus Symplocarpus/Lysichiton) as toxic to dogs and cats, causing oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Handle with gloves; sap is also an eye irritant.

What to do if your cat ate white skunk cabbage

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

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

Is white skunk cabbage toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is white skunk cabbage toxic to cats?

Yes — white skunk cabbage is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals, the same mechanism as other Araceae. The ASPCA lists skunk cabbage (genus Symplocarpus/Lysichiton) as toxic to dogs and cats, causing oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Handle with gloves; sap is also an eye irritant.

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

All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals, the same mechanism as other Araceae. The ASPCA lists skunk cabbage (genus Symplocarpus/Lysichiton) as toxic to dogs and cats, causing oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Handle with gloves; sap is also an eye irritant. 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 white skunk cabbage.

What should I do if my cat ate white 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 white skunk cabbage toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to white 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 white skunk cabbage pet-safety