Australian Ivy Palm

Yes, Australian Ivy Palm (Brassaia actinophylla) is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate mechanical irritation to the mouth, tongue, and lips, along with excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Within minutes of chewing, you'll likely see your cat pawing at the mouth, frantic licking or smacking, foamy drooling, and head-shaking. Visible redness or swelling of the lips, tongue, or gums often follows, along with possible vomiting or diarrhea. Difficulty swallowing, persistent retching, or any sign of throat swelling indicates a more severe reaction.

Remove any plant fragments from the mouth and gently wipe the gums and tongue with a damp cloth. Offer a small amount of cold milk or plain yogurt — the calcium binds the oxalate crystals and helps relieve pain. Do not induce vomiting at home. Then call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 for further guidance.

Oral irritation begins within minutes of chewing. Most cases resolve within 12–24 hours with supportive care, as the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals typically cause transient irritation with no lasting effects. However, call your vet if drooling persists beyond an hour, vomiting continues past two or three episodes, or your cat refuses to drink — kittens and small cats should be evaluated even after a small chew.

Yes, Australian Ivy Palm (Brassaia actinophylla) is toxic to dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Ingestion typically causes localized irritation rather than systemic poisoning, and most dogs recover within 12–24 hours with supportive care.

Symptoms begin within minutes of chewing and usually start with pawing at the mouth and head-shaking, followed by heavy drooling and oral irritation. Watch for swelling around the lips, tongue, or throat, repeated vomiting, and reluctance to eat. Severe airway swelling is rare but possible, which is why this plant warrants prompt attention rather than a wait-and-see approach.

Remove any plant material remaining in your dog's mouth and gently flush the mouth with cool water. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian or poison-control specialist. Then call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435—go in immediately if your dog is struggling to breathe or swallow.

The irritating agent in Australian Ivy Palm is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which are present throughout the plant. When a dog chews any part of it, these microscopic crystals embed in the soft tissue of the mouth, tongue, and throat, causing the burning sensation and inflammation behind all the classic symptoms.