Skunk Cabbage

Yes, skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate mechanical irritation to the mouth, tongue, and lips upon contact.

The most common signs are intense drooling, pawing at the mouth, vocalization, and refusing food immediately after chewing. Vomiting and difficulty swallowing are also common. In rare cases, swelling can affect breathing — treat this as an emergency.

Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Call immediately if you see facial swelling, breathing trouble, or drooling that doesn't ease within an hour. For milder reactions, seek care if vomiting or food refusal continues past 4–6 hours. Signs typically appear immediately but can take up to two hours, and discomfort generally resolves within 12–24 hours with supportive care.

The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals act as tiny mechanical irritants — when a cat chews the plant, the crystals physically pierce soft tissue in the mouth, tongue, and throat, causing an intense burning sensation and triggering drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing almost immediately.

Yes, skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is potentially toxic to dogs. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation upon ingestion, along with excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and pawing at the mouth.

The most common signs are heavy drooling, pawing at the muzzle, lip-smacking, and refusing food — all caused by the sharp calcium oxalate crystals irritating the mouth and throat. Vomiting and trouble swallowing often follow. In rare cases, airway swelling can develop, which is a medical emergency.

Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Rinse your dog's mouth with water to help clear the crystals. Call your vet immediately if you see facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or your dog can't swallow water; for milder oral irritation, seek care if drooling, vomiting, or food refusal lasts more than a few hours. Symptoms typically resolve within 12–24 hours with supportive care.

Signs are usually immediate because the calcium oxalate crystals cause physical irritation on contact with the mouth and throat. In some cases onset may be delayed up to two hours. Symptoms typically resolve within 12–24 hours with supportive care, but veterinary consultation is recommended to manage discomfort and rule out complications like airway swelling.