Why it's dangerous
Ingestion or contact with the plant's sap causes localized irritation to the oral mucosa, gastrointestinal tract, and skin.
How vets treat it
No treatment plan written for cats was found, and none of the sources we checked describes an antidote. The Merck Veterinary Manual's general approach for pets is to stop further absorption, for example by washing the skin with soap and water, and to give supportive care until the body clears the poison.
Outlook
No recovery figures for cats were found. For pets in general, Pet Poison Helpline describes the irritation from eating croton as mild, and skin irritation from the sap as minor.
Where pets are exposed
- Croton (Codiaeum variegatum), a common houseplant grown for its thick, glossy green leaves marked with white, yellow, orange, red, pink or purple. It is also called garden croton, fire croton, variegated croton, Joseph's coat and miniature croton.
- Outdoors in warm climates, where croton is grown as a hedge or landscape shrub, and elsewhere in pots or garden beds over the summer.
- The sap that oozes from broken leaves and stems. Some sources describe it as milky, others as clear. Pet Poison Helpline says sap from the leaves, stems and roots can cause minor skin irritation.
- Every part of the plant, especially the sap, according to a clinical toxicology atlas for people. The irritants are diterpene esters. Croton belongs to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).
- The name croton is also used for Croton tiglium, a different plant whose seeds give croton oil. The croton sold as a houseplant is Codiaeum variegatum.
Prevention
- Keep croton where your dog or cat can't reach it, especially if your pet chews houseplants.
- Pick up fallen or broken leaves and trimmed stems. Sap oozes from broken leaves and stems.
- Keep pets away while you prune or repot croton, and wash your hands afterwards. The sap can irritate skin and eyes.
- If you bring a potted croton outside for the summer, put it where your pets don't go.
Good to know
Symptoms are generally mild and self-limiting; the plant is primarily an ornamental houseplant.
Common questions
Is croton toxic to dogs and cats?
Yes, mildly. Pet Poison Helpline says eating croton may cause mild irritation of the mouth, stomach and gut, with drooling, vomiting or diarrhea, and its sap can cause minor skin irritation. Call your vet or a pet poison line if your pet chews one.
Is a croton houseplant the same as croton oil?
No. The houseplant called croton is Codiaeum variegatum. Croton oil comes from the seeds of a different plant in the same family, Croton tiglium, also called purging croton, whose seeds are used in traditional Chinese medicine. If your pet swallowed croton oil or Croton tiglium seeds, call your vet or a pet poison line right away and say it was the oil, not the houseplant.
Is croton sap dangerous for my pet's skin or eyes?
It can irritate them. Pet Poison Helpline says skin contact may cause discomfort and minor inflammation, and sap in the eye causes marked pain and redness. Wash sap off the skin or fur with soap and water, and call your vet if sap got into an eye.
How much croton is toxic to a dog?
None of the sources we checked gives a toxic dose for dogs or cats. Pet Poison Helpline describes the signs as mild, and says that what is toxic to a particular pet depends on factors such as the amount eaten and the pet's size. Call your vet or a pet poison line with your pet's weight and roughly how much it chewed.
Which part of a croton is poisonous?
The sap is the main concern. Pet Poison Helpline says it is found in the leaves, stems and roots, and a Hong Kong clinical toxicology atlas lists the whole plant, especially the sap. Its irritants are diterpene esters. Call your vet or a pet poison line if your pet chews any part of the plant.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline — Croton
- Pet Poison Helpline — Miniature Croton
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — What to Do if Your Pet Is Poisoned (2019)
- Merck Veterinary Manual — General Treatment of Poisoning (pet owner version)
- Hospital Authority Toxicology Reference Laboratory, Hong Kong — Atlas of Poisonous Plants in Hong Kong: Codiaeum variegatum
- Hospital Authority Toxicology Reference Laboratory, Hong Kong — Atlas of Poisonous Plants in Hong Kong: Croton tiglium
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Codiaeum variegatum
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension — Croton, Codiaeum variegatum (2025)
- Pet Poison Helpline
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.
