Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Oleander 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

  • abnormal heart rhythm
  • abnormal heart rate
  • high potassium level
  • nausea
  • drooling
  • vomiting
  • tremors
  • seizures

How vets treat it

Immediate veterinary intervention is required. In severe cases, digoxin-specific Fab fragments (an antidote) may be administered to counteract life-threatening cardiac effects.

Why it's dangerous

Oleander contains cardiac glycosides that interfere with the electrolyte balance within the heart muscle, specifically affecting the sodium-potassium pump.

Toxic compound: Oleandrin

Good to know

All parts of the plant are toxic, including the water in which the plant has been placed. It is related to other cardiac glycoside plants like Foxglove and Lily of the Valley.

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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