Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Schefflera toxic to cats?

Moderate severity

Yes, Schefflera is toxic to cats. It can cause real illness, so contact your vet if your pet has been exposed.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Drooling
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Oral pain
  • Decreased appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Swelling of the upper airway
  • Difficulty breathing

How vets treat it

Rinse the mouth to remove remaining crystals; monitor for airway swelling and contact a veterinarian if breathing becomes difficult or vomiting persists.

Why it's dangerous

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

Toxic compound: Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals

Good to know

Upper airway swelling is very rare but life-threatening. The mechanism is similar to plants in 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.

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