Why it's dangerous
The plant contains unknown steroidal saponins that act as irritants to the gastrointestinal tract and can affect the nervous system.
Toxic compound: Steroidal saponins
How vets treat it
None of the sources describes an antidote. Treatment is symptomatic: the vet treats the signs your cat shows. The Merck Veterinary Manual expects vomiting and severe diarrhea from the irritated gut, and lists correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances as the treatment.
Outlook
NC State Extension rates the poisoning severity as low, and none of the sources we used reports a death from dracaena. No source gives a recovery time for cats.
Where pets are exposed
- Dracaenas (genus Dracaena), a large group of plants, several of which are popular houseplants grown for their leaves. The ASPCA lists the whole genus as toxic to dogs and cats, under the names corn plant, cornstalk plant, dragon tree and ribbon plant. It also lists the Madagascar dragon tree (Dracaena marginata). Pet Poison Helpline adds lucky bamboo and Warneckii to the list.
- Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans), named for its tall, unbranched stem with broad, strap-like leaves that looks like a stalk of corn. Other dracaenas have narrow, spear-shaped or grass-like leaves, plain or striped in green, red, yellow or white.
- Potted plants in homes and offices. Indoors, dracaenas rarely flower or fruit.
- Any part of the plant. Sources differ on which parts carry the toxins: Pet Poison Helpline names the leaves and stems, the Merck Veterinary Manual the leaves, and NC State Extension lists the flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, sap and stems of corn plant. Treat the whole plant as toxic. NC State also notes that the sap may irritate skin.
- Snake plant (mother-in-law's tongue), which botanists have moved into the genus Dracaena. Pet Poison Helpline lists it among the dracaenas, and Clemson Extension says it causes the same signs as corn plant.
Prevention
- If your pet chews plants, keep dracaenas out of its reach, or out of your home.
- Before you buy a new plant, check it against the ASPCA list of toxic and non-toxic plants. Dracaenas are sold under many names, such as corn plant, dragon tree, lucky bamboo and snake plant.
Good to know
Dilated pupils are specifically noted as a symptom in cats.
Common questions
Is dracaena toxic to cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists dracaena as toxic to cats because it contains saponins. Signs include vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, loss of appetite and drooling, and both the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline note dilated pupils in cats. Pet Poison Helpline also reports a wobbly walk in cats. NC State Extension rates the severity as low. Call your vet or a pet poison line if your cat chews one.
Is dracaena toxic to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists dracaena as toxic to dogs. The signs reported are mostly drooling, vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression and loss of appetite, and the Merck Veterinary Manual says to expect vomiting and severe diarrhea. Call your vet or a pet poison line if your dog chews one.
Are corn plant, dragon tree and lucky bamboo all dracaenas?
Yes. The ASPCA lists corn plant, cornstalk plant, dragon tree and ribbon plant as names for dracaena, and has a separate entry for the Madagascar dragon tree (Dracaena marginata), also toxic to dogs and cats. Pet Poison Helpline adds lucky bamboo, Warneckii and snake plant. Check a plant's botanical name: if it is Dracaena, treat it as toxic to your pet.
Why are my cat's pupils dilated after chewing a dracaena?
Dilated pupils are a sign the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline report specifically in cats after eating dracaena. None of the sources explains why. Call your vet to have your cat checked, especially if it also walks unsteadily or seems weak.
Can a dracaena kill a cat or dog?
None of the sources we checked reports a death, and NC State Extension rates the poisoning severity as low. Vomiting can occasionally contain blood, and the Merck Veterinary Manual notes severe diarrhea, so call your vet or a poison line rather than waiting it out.
Which part of a dracaena is toxic to pets?
Sources differ. Pet Poison Helpline names the leaves and stems, the Merck Veterinary Manual names the leaves, and NC State Extension lists the flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, sap and stems of corn plant. Treat the whole plant as toxic.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Dracaena
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Madagascar Dragon Tree
- ASPCA — What to Do if Your Pet Is Poisoned
- Pet Poison Helpline — Dracaena
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Dracaena
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Dracaena fragrans
- Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center — Pet Owners Beware: 11 Poisonous Houseplants to Avoid
- 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.
