Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Gold Dieffenbachia 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

  • Drooling
  • Oral pain
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Vomiting
  • Decreased appetite
  • Swelling of the face
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing

How vets treat it

Rinse the mouth with water or milk to remove crystals; seek immediate veterinary care if swelling or respiratory distress occurs.

Why it's dangerous

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

Toxic compound: Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals

Good to know

Irritation is generally more severe than other Araceae plants; rare cases of death have been reported due to severe throat swelling.

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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