Yes, dracaena plants are toxic to cats.
Belonging to the family Asparagaceae, Dracaena is a plant genus that has about 120 species. These succulent shrubs and trees commonly grow in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Central America. Dracaena fragrans (corn plant), Dracaena surculosa (gold dust), Dracaena marginata (dragon tree), and Dracaena sanderiana (lucky bamboo) are well-known variants sold as indoor houseplants.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that all Dracaena varieties are poisonous to cats as well as dogs. This is because of the saponin, a naturally occurring compound found on the plant. When eaten, the bitter and foamy substance can cause gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms such as vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, dilated pupils, loss of appetite, and hypersalivation may manifest in cats.
What to do if your cat accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats dracaena plants: Contact your veterinarian immediately. Take the plant away from your cat, and place her in a confined space for close observation. Also, remove any remaining plant material found on your cat’s skin, fur, or mouth.
Observe your cat for symptoms of poisoning. Aside from the aforementioned manifestations, watch for difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, twitching and fitting, and shock or collapse. She may also experience skin inflammation or swelling, and changes in her drinking and urinating.
In summary: Also called spike plants, dracaenas are ornamental plants that can add vibrance to any indoor setting. But due to their toxic substance, they should not be kept in households with curious pets. Play it safe by always checking these lists created by ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, and PetMD before bringing home a new houseplant or growing one in your backyard.
Instead of growing potentially dangerous ornamental plants, why don’t you cultivate edible plants or herbs that your cat can actually eat? Check out our cat food category for more ideas.
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