What should I do if my cat ate Jack-in-the-pulpit?

Per VCA Animal Hospitals, rinsing the mouth with lukewarm water or offering a small amount of milk can help wash out and bind the irritant crystals. Wipe any plant pieces from the gums with a soft cloth. Do not try to induce vomiting in cats at home. Call your vet or one of the poison hotlines (888-426-4435 or 855-764-7661) right away — anti-inflammatories or pain relief may be needed. Call immediately if you see any swelling around the mouth or throat, labored breathing, or persistent crying — that's an emergency. For drooling and one episode of vomiting that resolves, call the same day for guidance. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) both triage these cases.

What should I do if my dog ate Jack-in-the-pulpit?

Rinse your dog's mouth with cool, fresh water and remove any leaf or root fragments still on the gums or tongue. Offering a small amount of milk to drink may help bind the irritant crystals (per VCA Animal Hospitals' general guidance for plant exposures with drooling). Do not induce vomiting unless your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center tells you to. Call (888) 426-4435 or your vet for next steps. Call immediately if you see swelling around the muzzle, tongue, or throat, any breathing change, or repeated vomiting that prevents your dog from drinking. For drooling that subsides within an hour and otherwise normal behavior, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) the same day for triage.

Jack-in-the-pulpit — (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair — Photo by (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex AbairiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex AbairiNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Q: Is Jack-in-the-pulpit safe for cats?

Jack-in-the-pulpit is potentially toxic to cats. The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate mechanical irritation. If your cat has ingested this plant, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance.

Q: Is Jack-in-the-pulpit safe for dogs?

Jack-in-the-pulpit is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the needle-like crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has chewed or eaten any part of this plant.

Arisaema triphyllum

Jack-in-the-pulpit is a woodland perennial known for its unique hooded spathe and spadix structure. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Check a list

Arisaema triphyllumIndian turnipJack-in-the-pulpit

Light: partial shade to full shade
Habit: clumping perennial
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 the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Escalation note

The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate mechanical irritation. If your cat has ingested this plant, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

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

Escalation note

Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the needle-like crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has chewed or eaten any part of this plant.

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

Jack-in-the-pulpit is toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Arisaema triphyllum is a native woodland perennial that contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic if ingested.

cats safety page My cat ate Jack-in-the-pulpit dogs safety page My dog ate Jack-in-the-pulpit

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

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

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

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.