Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted 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
cat safety reference
Is Chinese Evergreen safe for cats?
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.
AglaonemaAglaonema modestumChinese Evergreen
- Light
- Low to medium indirect light
- Habit
- Clumping
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats that chew Chinese evergreen leaves get a fast, painful surprise — the leaves and stems are studded with insoluble calcium-oxalate crystals that act like microscopic needles in the mouth. ASPCA classifies it as toxic, but most cats stop chewing within seconds, and the painful effects typically fade within 12–24 hours with supportive care.
What to watch for
Sudden pawing at the mouth, foamy drooling, vocalizing, and head-shaking; vomiting; difficulty swallowing; visible swelling of the lips or tongue. Severe (rare): airway swelling that interferes with breathing.
Time window
Onset is fast, often within seconds to minutes of chewing. ASPCA notes the painful effects usually fade within 12–24 hours of ingestion.
When to call the vet
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.
First aid at home
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.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Chinese Evergreen is toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalates.
Same cat verdict
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