Cats & Dogs
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
Pet safety reference
Oleander
Nerium oleander
Oleander is a highly toxic evergreen shrub known for its showy flowers and extreme sensitivity to ingestion. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides that can cause severe health complications in pets.
Nerium oleanderOleanderRose Bay
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, tremors, and seizures.
Escalation note
Ingestion is considered life-threatening. Seek immediate veterinary attention if any part of the plant is consumed.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, irregular heartbeat, lethargy, and potential collapse.
Escalation note
This plant is extremely dangerous to dogs; even small amounts can be fatal. Contact a veterinarian or emergency animal poison control immediately.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Oleander contains cardiac glycosides which are toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Nerium oleander is a poisonous plant that should be kept away from pets and children.
Questions about Oleander
Is oleander toxic to cats?
Yes, oleander (Nerium oleander) is highly toxic to cats. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, and ingestion is considered life-threatening — even small amounts can cause severe complications.
What symptoms does oleander cause in cats?
GI signs typically appear first within 2 hours: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. As the cardiac glycosides affect the heart, symptoms can progress to abnormal heart rate (too slow or too fast), tremors, weakness, depression, and collapse. Illness can persist up to 4–5 days even with treatment.
What should I do if my cat ate oleander?
Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth, save a sample to bring to the vet, and go immediately — do not wait for symptoms. Do not induce vomiting at home unless poison control specifically directs you to. Call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or head straight to an emergency vet.
What part of the oleander plant is poisonous to cats?
Every part of the oleander plant is poisonous — leaves, stems, flowers, roots, and even the water in a vase holding cut branches. The toxic agents are cardiac glycosides present throughout the entire plant.
Is oleander toxic to dogs?
Yes, oleander (Nerium oleander) is extremely toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, and even small amounts can be fatal. It is classified as a high-severity poison — any suspected ingestion is a veterinary emergency.
What are the symptoms of oleander poisoning in dogs?
Early signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, typically appearing within 2 hours of ingestion. As the cardiac glycosides take effect, dogs can develop weakness, an irregular heartbeat (bradycardia, tachycardia, or other arrhythmias), and potential collapse. Hyperkalemia (elevated blood potassium) is a known complication, and symptoms may persist for 4–5 days even with treatment.
What should I do if my dog ate oleander?
Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth, save a sample for the vet, and go to an emergency clinic immediately. Do not induce vomiting at home — this is specifically warned against for oleander ingestion — and do not use over-the-counter activated charcoal as a substitute for veterinary decontamination. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 on the way.
How quickly does oleander poisoning progress in dogs?
Clinical signs typically begin within the first 2 hours of ingestion. GI symptoms (vomiting, drooling, diarrhea) usually appear before cardiac signs, so an apparently stable dog can deteriorate — do not wait for heart symptoms before seeking emergency care.
Same safety verdict
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