Is Arrowhead Plant Toxic to Cats?

Syngonium podophyllum

Syngonium is an aroid with needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes immediate pain, drooling and swelling of the mouth.

It is a popular, fast-growing houseplant, and its trailing habit puts it at exactly the height a cat investigates.

Which parts are dangerous

• leaves
• stems
• sap

What to watch for in the UK

• Sold as an easy trailing houseplant.
• Frequently confused with pothos — both are irritant.
• Sap on hands transfers to a cat's fur.
• Hang it where the trailing end is out of reach.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Rinse the mouth and offer water.
2. Phone your vet if breathing is noisy or the swelling is severe.
3. Watch for vomiting over the next few hours.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).