Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Jack-in-the-Pulpit 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
  • Oral pain
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Vomiting
  • Inappetance
  • Swelling of the upper airway
  • Difficulty breathing

How vets treat it

Rinse the mouth to remove remaining crystals; monitor for airway swelling and seek veterinary care if breathing is labored or vomiting is persistent.

Why it's dangerous

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

Toxic compound: Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals

Good to know

Airway swelling is very rare but life-threatening; the plant is 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

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