What should I do if my cat ate Devil's Walking Stick?

Call your veterinarian if vomiting persists more than a few hours, your cat won't eat, or you see deep puncture wounds from the plant's thorns. ASPCA does not list this species; reach ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) for case-specific guidance.

What should I do if my dog ate Devil's Walking Stick?

Call your vet if drooling or vomiting persists more than a few hours, if your dog refuses food and water, if you see oral swelling, or if there is any visible bleeding from spine wounds.

Devil's Walking Stick — (c) Melissa McMasters, some rights reserved (CC BY) — Photo by (c) Melissa McMasters, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Melissa McMasters, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Devil's Walking Stick

Q: Is Devil's Walking Stick safe for cats?

Devil's Walking Stick is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Q: Is Devil's Walking Stick safe for dogs?

Devil's Walking Stick is potentially toxic to dogs. The plant contains compounds that can irritate the digestive tract. Seek veterinary care if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.

Aralia spinosa

Aralia spinosa is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its large, compound leaves and spiny stems. It is often found in woodland settings and is considered toxic to pets if ingested.

Check a list

Aralia spinosaDevil's Walking StickHercules' ClubPrickly Ash

Light: Partial shade to full sun
Habit: Upright shrub or small tree
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, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Escalation note

Ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential oral inflammation.

Escalation note

The plant contains compounds that can irritate the digestive tract. Seek veterinary care if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

The Angelica Tree is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Aralia spinosa is a native North American shrub characterized by its thorny stems and large, bipinnately compound leaves.

cats safety page My cat ate Devil's Walking Stick dogs safety page My dog ate Devil's Walking Stick

Same safety verdict

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Philodendron

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