What should I do if my cat ate Arrowhead Plant?

Per Merck Veterinary Manual guidance for insoluble-oxalate ingestion: rinse the cat's mouth with cool water to flush remaining raphides, then offer milk or yogurt — calcium binds the oxalate crystals and helps clear them from oral tissue. Wipe visible plant residue from fur and paws so it isn't re-ingested. Call your vet if symptoms persist or worsen. Call your vet immediately for any sign of airway swelling — choking sounds, labored breathing, or extreme drooling that doesn't improve within an hour. Also call for vomiting that won't stop, or refusal to eat or drink past the first few hours. Otherwise an after-hours call to ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) for guidance is reasonable.

What should I do if my dog ate Arrowhead Plant?

Remove any plant material from the dog's mouth and wipe the gums and tongue with a damp cloth. Offer something cold and palatable that contains calcium — a small amount of milk, plain yogurt, or cottage cheese — which binds the oxalate crystals and reduces pain. Do not induce vomiting; the irritation has already happened, and vomiting only re-exposes the throat to crystals. Then call your vet for guidance. Call your vet (or ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435) any time you see persistent drooling that doesn't subside within 30–60 minutes, visible swelling of the mouth or throat, repeated vomiting, refusal to drink water, or any change in breathing. If a small dog has chewed a large amount, call right away rather than waiting.

Arrowhead Plant — (c) Skjold Søndergaard, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Skjold Søndergaard — Photo by (c) Skjold Søndergaard, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Skjold SøndergaardiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Skjold Søndergaard, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Skjold SøndergaardiNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Arrowhead Plant

Q: Is Arrowhead Plant safe for cats?

Arrowhead Plant is potentially toxic to cats. The presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causes immediate mechanical irritation. If your cat has ingested this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center.

Q: Is Arrowhead Plant safe for dogs?

Arrowhead Plant is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the plant's crystalline structure. Always consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed any part of this plant.

Syngonium podophyllum

Syngonium podophyllum is a popular tropical vining plant known for its arrow-shaped leaves that change form as the plant matures. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Check a list

African EvergreenArrow-Head VineNephthytisSyngoniumSyngonium podophyllum

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Vining or climbing
Care: Low to moderate

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 presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causes immediate mechanical irritation. If your cat has ingested this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and pawing at the mouth.

Escalation note

Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the plant's crystalline structure. Always consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed any part of this plant.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Hoya

Hoya pubicalyx

Hoya is a pet-safer trailing-vine alternative without the insoluble calcium oxalates that make arrowhead plant irritating.

Not yet rated for cats.

Not yet rated for dogs.

Spider plant gives the same arching, lightly variegated foliage and is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Shop on Amazon

Some links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Arrow-head vine 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

Syngonium podophyllum is a vining plant in the Araceae family, native to tropical regions of Latin America.

cats safety page My cat ate Arrowhead Plant dogs safety page My dog ate Arrowhead Plant

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

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.

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.

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.

Same growing conditions

Plants for the same room

Bay Laurel

Laurus nobilis

Bay Laurel is a popular culinary herb often grown as an ornamental shrub or tree. While prized for its aromatic leaves, it contains essential oils that can cause digestive distress if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis

The Boston Fern is a popular, lush houseplant known for its arching fronds and preference for high humidity. It is widely considered safe for pets, though ingestion of any plant material can occasionally cause minor digestive upset.

Uncertain for cats.

Generally safe for dogs.

Copperleaf

Acalypha godseffiana

Copperleaf is a tropical shrub known for its vibrant, variegated foliage. It contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by household pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, variegated leaves. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested or chewed.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.