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LETHAL — contains cardiac glycosides

Is Oleander Toxic to Cats?

Every part of the oleander plant is extremely toxic, including the smoke from burning it. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause fatal heart rhythm disturbances. Even drinking water from a vase with oleander is dangerous.

Quick Answer

Yes, oleander is toxic to cats. LETHAL — contains cardiac glycosides. Every part of the oleander plant is extremely toxic, including the smoke from burning it. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause fatal heart rhythm disturbances. Even drinking water from a vase with oleander is dangerous. Watch for symptoms like drooling, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Emergency

If your cat was exposed, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 immediately.

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Drooling, nausea, vomiting
  • Abdominal pain and diarrhea
  • Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Tremors and seizures
  • Cardiac arrest and death

Timeline

Symptoms can appear within hours. Cardiac effects may be delayed.

Treatment

  • EMERGENCY vet care
  • Activated charcoal if ingestion was recent
  • Cardiac monitoring and treatment
  • IV fluids and supportive care
  • Atropine or digoxin-specific antibody in severe cases

Prevention

  • Remove oleander from your property
  • Never burn oleander branches (toxic smoke)
  • Common in warm climates as ornamental hedges
  • Extremely toxic — just a few leaves can be fatal

Other Toxins Dangerous to Cats

🌸 Lilies🌴 Sago Palm🌷 Tulips🌺 Azaleas & Rhododendrons🌿 Oleander🪴 Aloe Vera🎄 Poinsettia🪴 Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)🌿 Pothos (Devil's Ivy)🪴 Snake Plant (Sansevieria)🧪 Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol)🐀 Rat & Mouse Poison (Rodenticides)🧴 Bleach & Household Cleaners🐛 Permethrin (Flea Treatment)💊 Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)💊 Acetaminophen (Tylenol)💊 Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs)🫧 Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca)🫧 Essential Oils (General)🫧 Eucalyptus Oil🧺 Laundry Detergent Pods🔋 Batteries🪙 Pennies & Zinc Objects🍳 Teflon / Non-Stick Cookware Fumes🐌 Slug & Snail Bait (Metaldehyde)🌱 Lawn Fertilizer🍃 Marijuana / Cannabis / THC⚪ Mothballs🍇 Grapes, Raisins & Currants
🐕 Dogs version →🐰 Rabbits version →🐦 Birds version →🐹 Hamsters version →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is oleander toxic to cats?▼
LETHAL — contains cardiac glycosides. Every part of the oleander plant is extremely toxic, including the smoke from burning it. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause fatal heart rhythm disturbances. Even drinking water from a vase with oleander is dangerous.
What happens if my cat is exposed to oleander?▼
Symptoms include: Drooling, nausea, vomiting; Abdominal pain and diarrhea; Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Symptoms can appear within hours. Cardiac effects may be delayed.
What should I do if my cat ingested oleander?▼
EMERGENCY vet care. Activated charcoal if ingestion was recent. Cardiac monitoring and treatment.
How can I protect my cat from oleander?▼
Remove oleander from your property. Never burn oleander branches (toxic smoke). Common in warm climates as ornamental hedges. Extremely toxic — just a few leaves can be fatal.

Related Pet Safety Topics

🩺 Cats Symptom Checker🍎 Safe & Toxic Foods for Cats🚨 Pet First Aid Guide🐾 Cats Behavior Guide

This is for informational purposes only. In any poisoning emergency, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately.