Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Cardiac Glycosides toxic to cats?

Extreme severity No safe amount — No amount is considered safe.

Yes. Even a small amount can be life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency and contact a vet immediately.

Symptoms to watch for

  • abnormal heart rhythm
  • abnormal heart rate
  • high potassium level
  • nausea
  • drooling
  • vomiting
  • dilated pupils
  • tremors
  • seizures

How vets treat it

In severe, life-threatening cases, an antidote called digoxin-specific Fab fragments can be administered by a veterinarian.

Why it's dangerous

These toxins interfere directly with the electrolyte balance within the heart muscle, specifically affecting the sodium-potassium pump.

Toxic compound: cardenolides or bufadienolides

Good to know

Toxicity levels vary by plant part and species; common sources include Oleander, Foxglove, and Lily of the Valley.

Sources

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

More substances toxic to cats

African Wonder Tree Extreme severity Andromeda Japonica Extreme severity Angel's Trumpet Extreme severity Autumn Crocus Extreme severity Everything toxic to cats →

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