Chinese Evergreen

Yes, Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

The calcium oxalate crystals in Chinese Evergreen cause mechanical irritation almost instantly — often within seconds to minutes of chewing. You may notice your cat suddenly pawing at its mouth, producing foamy drool, vocalizing, or head-shaking, followed by vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Visible swelling of the lips or tongue can also occur. The painful effects typically fade within 12–24 hours.

Remove any plant fragments from your cat's mouth, then rinse the mouth with milk or water — the calcium in milk can help bind oxalates and ease the burning. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away.

Seek veterinary care if drooling persists past an hour, your cat refuses to eat or drink, the tongue or lips are visibly swelling, or you notice any change in breathing — airway swelling requires in-person evaluation. You can also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 for guidance on whether the symptoms warrant an emergency visit.

Yes, Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) is toxic to dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and pawing at the mouth when chewed or ingested.

Symptoms typically begin within minutes of chewing and include pawing at the mouth, foamy drooling, head-shaking, vomiting, and decreased appetite. In rare cases the tongue or muzzle may visibly swell; watch for any changes in breathing, which would signal a more serious reaction. The painful effects usually fade within 12–24 hours.

Wipe any plant material from your dog's mouth with a damp cloth, then rinse the mouth with water or offer a small amount of milk to drink — calcium in milk binds the oxalate crystals and reduces irritation. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a professional. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away.

The plant's needle-like insoluble calcium oxalate crystals physically penetrate soft tissue in the mouth, tongue, and throat on contact, causing immediate burning pain and irritation. This mechanical injury — not a chemical poison — is what triggers drooling, swelling, and vomiting, which is why symptoms are nearly instant and why rinsing with milk (which binds the crystals) can reduce discomfort.