Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Chinese Evergreen toxic to cats?

Moderate severity

Yes. It can cause real illness — contact your vet if your pet has been exposed.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Drooling
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Oral pain
  • Decreased appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Swelling of the upper airway
  • Difficulty breathing

How vets treat it

Rinse the mouth with water or milk to remove remaining crystals; monitor for airway swelling and consult a veterinarian if breathing is labored or vomiting persists.

Why it's dangerous

Chewing or biting the plant releases needle-like crystals that penetrate oral and gastrointestinal tissues, causing immediate irritation and potential swelling.

Toxic compound: Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals

Good to know

While rare, upper airway swelling can be life-threatening. Part of the Araceae family.

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 →

Packaged food? Scan the barcode.

StrawPaw's food scanner reads the barcode on packaged products and flags ingredients that are risky for dogs and cats — before anything reaches the bowl.

Download StrawPaw for iOS