What should I do if my cat ate Chinese Evergreen?

Remove any plant fragments from your cat's mouth. Pet Poison Helpline notes that rinsing the mouth with milk or water can help wash out remaining crystals, and the calcium in milk can bind oxalates to ease the burning. Then call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Do not induce vomiting unless instructed. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if drooling persists past an hour, your cat refuses to eat or drink, the tongue or lips are visibly swelling, or there is any change in breathing — airway swelling needs in-person evaluation.

What should I do if my dog ate Chinese Evergreen?

Wipe any plant material out of the dog's mouth with a damp cloth. Pet Poison Helpline notes that rinsing the mouth with milk or water — and offering a small amount of milk to drink — can help, because calcium in the milk binds the oxalate crystals and reduces irritation. Then call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Do not induce vomiting unless instructed. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if drooling does not stop within an hour, your dog will not eat or drink, the tongue or muzzle is visibly swollen, or there is any change in breathing.

Chinese Evergreen — Mangostar — Photo by MangostarWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

Photo by MangostarWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

Pet safety reference

Chinese Evergreen

Q: Is Chinese Evergreen safe for cats?

Chinese Evergreen is potentially toxic to cats. The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate mechanical irritation. While rarely fatal, contact a veterinarian if your cat shows signs of distress or persistent vomiting.

Q: Is Chinese Evergreen safe for dogs?

Chinese Evergreen is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the needle-like crystals. Seek veterinary advice if symptoms are severe or if the animal refuses to eat or drink.

Aglaonema modestum

Chinese Evergreen is a popular indoor foliage plant known for its patterned leaves and tolerance of low light conditions. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested or chewed.

Check a list

AglaonemaAglaonema modestumChinese Evergreen

Light: Low to medium indirect light
Habit: Clumping
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Escalation note

The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate mechanical irritation. While rarely fatal, contact a veterinarian if your cat shows signs of distress or persistent vomiting.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and pawing at the mouth.

Escalation note

Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the needle-like crystals. Seek veterinary advice if symptoms are severe or if the animal refuses to eat or drink.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Calathea

Calathea spp.

Calathea offers the same broad variegated foliage without aglaonema's calcium oxalates.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Cast iron plant is a pet-safer low-light alternative with similar upright presence.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Shop on Amazon

Some links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Chinese Evergreen is toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalates.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Aglaonema modestum is a shade-loving perennial that is known to be toxic if ingested.

cats safety page My cat ate Chinese Evergreen dogs safety page My dog ate Chinese Evergreen

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia reginae

The Bird of Paradise is a popular tropical houseplant known for its striking, crane-like orange and blue flowers. While visually stunning, it contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Caladium

Caladium hortulanum

Caladiums are popular tropical foliage plants known for their vibrant, heart-shaped leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Carnation

Dianthus caryophyllus

The carnation is a popular flowering plant known for its ruffled petals and spicy fragrance. While beautiful in bouquets, it contains compounds that can cause mild irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Clivia

Clivia miniata

Clivia miniata is a popular flowering houseplant known for its vibrant orange or red clusters of blooms. It contains lycorine and other alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same growing conditions

Plants for the same room

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.