Yes, dracaena is mildly toxic to cats
Dracaena species, including the corn plant and "lucky bamboo", contain saponins. Cats often show dilated pupils along with vomiting and drooling.
Dracaena and cats: key facts
| Toxic to cats? | Mildly toxic |
| Toxic to dogs? | Mildly toxic |
| Scientific name | Dracaena spp. |
| Also called | corn plant, dragon tree, lucky bamboo, ribbon plant |
| Toxic compound | Saponins |
| Toxic parts | Leaves and stems |
| Signs usually start | Usually within a few hours |
| Plant type | Houseplant |
Symptoms of dracaena poisoning in cats
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Dilated pupils (cats)
Why dracaena is toxic to cats
Saponins are soap-like compounds that irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines. They are poorly absorbed, so the effects are mostly limited to vomiting, drooling and diarrhea.
What to do if your cat ate dracaena
- Remove plant pieces from your cat's mouth and move cats away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
- Call your vet or animal poison control for advice: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
- Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
- Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm, and hydrogen peroxide is not safe for cats.
- Watch for vomiting, sometimes with blood, drooling, loss of appetite. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.
Treatment and outlook
Signs are usually mild and self-limiting. A vet may give anti-nausea medicine and fluids if vomiting or diarrhea is persistent, or if a small or young pet becomes dehydrated.
How to keep your cat away from dracaena
- Place dracaena on high shelves or in hanging planters away from furniture cats can climb, or in a room your cat cannot enter.
- Give your cat something better to chew: a pot of cat grass or catnip often distracts cats from houseplants.
- Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.
Pet-safe alternatives to dracaena
If you love houseplants, these are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA:
- OrchidsNon-toxic
- Spider PlantsNon-toxic
- Money TreesNon-toxic
- BambooNon-toxic
- CalatheasNon-toxic
- FernsNon-toxic
- Areca PalmsNon-toxic
- African VioletsNon-toxic
See the full list of plants safe for cats.
Dracaena and cats: FAQ
Is dracaena poisonous to cats?
Dracaena is mildly toxic to cats. Saponins can cause vomiting, sometimes with blood and drooling, but serious poisoning is uncommon.
What part of dracaena is toxic to cats?
Leaves and stems.
Can cats die from eating dracaena?
It is very unlikely. Dracaena usually causes mild, short-lived signs. See a vet if signs are severe or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.
How long after eating dracaena will my cat show symptoms?
Usually within a few hours.
Is dracaena toxic to dogs too?
Yes, dracaena is mildly toxic to dogs.
Is lucky bamboo toxic to cats?
Yes, mildly. Lucky bamboo is a Dracaena (Dracaena sanderiana), not true bamboo, and can cause vomiting, drooling and dilated pupils.
Other plants toxic to cats
- Peace LiliesMildly toxic
- Calla LiliesMildly toxic
- TulipsMildly toxic
- HyacinthsMildly toxic
- CarnationsMildly toxic
- DaisiesMildly toxic
- ChrysanthemumsMildly toxic
- Baby's BreathMildly toxic
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Cats
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Poisonous Plants
Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your cat's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.