What are the symptoms of Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) poisoning in cats?

severe oral swelling, profuse drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, rarely: airway obstruction

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Q: Is Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) toxic to cats?

Toxic: Toxic — calcium oxalate raphides cause severe oral swelling. Dieffenbachia contains high concentrations of calcium oxalate raphides (needle-shaped crystals) that cause severe oral swelling, pain, and in rare cases can obstruct the airway. The name 'dumb cane' comes from the temporary loss of speech (voice) it causes in humans. Cats experience intense oral pain and drooling. Source: ASPCA.

Toxic

Verdict

Toxic — calcium oxalate raphides cause severe oral swelling.

Toxic principle: calcium oxalate raphides

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-06-12

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

1. Call your veterinarian immediately
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Dieffenbachia contains high concentrations of calcium oxalate raphides (needle-shaped crystals) that cause severe oral swelling, pain, and in rare cases can obstruct the airway. The name 'dumb cane' comes from the temporary loss of speech (voice) it causes in humans. Cats experience intense oral pain and drooling.