Octopus Tree

Yes, the Octopus Tree (Schefflera actinophylla) is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate mechanical irritation to the mouth, tongue, and lips upon contact.

Symptoms appear within minutes and include intense burning and irritation of the mouth, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In rare cases, swelling around the upper airway can make breathing difficult.

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Call immediately if your cat shows difficulty breathing or swallowing; also call for persistent drooling, mouth or face swelling, or refusal to eat.

The harmful agent — insoluble calcium oxalate crystals — is present throughout the plant. When a cat bites into any part, the crystals physically pierce and irritate oral tissues, which is why burning and drooling begin essentially the moment the cat contacts the plant.

Yes, the Octopus Tree (Schefflera actinophylla) is toxic to dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation when a dog bites into the plant, followed by drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Symptoms appear quickly — oral irritation is immediate and gastrointestinal signs typically follow within minutes to an hour. Watch for pawing at the mouth, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In rare cases, swelling around the upper airway can cause difficulty breathing, which is a medical emergency.

Remove your dog from the plant and rinse their mouth with water if they will allow it. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Seek immediate emergency care if your dog has difficulty breathing or swallowing, as airway swelling is a rare but serious complication.

The calcium oxalate crystals responsible for toxicity are found throughout the plant — leaves, stems, and roots all contain them. The crystals act like tiny needles, physically irritating mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tissue the moment the plant is chewed, which is why symptoms are so rapid.