Is Dracaena Marginata Poisonous or Toxic to Cats?

The dragon tree (Dracaena Marginata) belongs to the dragon tree family. There are around 40 different species in total, some of which are extremely popular as indoor plants. Cat owners should be careful, however, because the evergreen plant is slightly poisonous for cats.

Is Dragon Tree Poisonous or Toxic to Cats?

• The dragon tree contains saponins, which are slightly toxic to cats.
• The toxins are absorbed by nibbling and eating the leaves.
• When consumed, symptoms of poisoning such as diarrhea, vomiting, and tremors can occur.
• Keep your cat away from the dragon tree by offering them alternatives and keeping them adequately occupied.

Is Dracaena Marginata Poisonous to Cats?

The dragon tree is slightly poisonous for cats. The plant contains so-called saponins. This is a substance formed by the dragon tree that serves to ward off predators. The saponins are found in both the leaves and the roots of the plant. If the cat eats the leaves of the dragon tree, it ingests the poisonous saponins. Poisoning can occur if large amounts of the poison get into the cat’s bloodstream. However, there is only a risk when consuming the plant. Mere contact by touch is usually safe for cats.

Symptoms of Dragon Tree Poisoning

If the cat nibbles on the dragon tree, symptoms of poisoning can occur. Whether symptoms occur and how severe they depend on the number of toxins the cat has ingested. In particular, if the cat regularly nibbles on the dragon tree or ingests a large number of saponins, the following symptoms can occur:

• Vomiting of parts of plants, vomiting of foam or mucus;
• Diarrhea with or without blood in your stool;
• Tremors, twitching, or imbalance;
• Increased salivation;
• Difficulty breathing, especially in cats with pre-existing conditions.

If your cat experiences one or more of the above symptoms, it is best to consult a veterinarian. They can check how severe the poisoning is and treat the animal accordingly.

Cat Eats Dragon Tree – What to Do?

If you catch your cat nibbling on the dragon tree, stop them immediately. Move the houseplant to a different location than the cat cannot reach. Alternatively, you can try to make the dragon tree uninteresting to the cat. Offer your house tiger enough play opportunities to counteract boredom. Also, set up a bowl of fresh cat grass to give the cat an alternative.

Avoid Poisoning and Offer Alternatives

If in doubt, remove the dragon tree from your home if your cat cannot be dissuaded from eating the leaves. Instead, create a non-toxic herb garden for the cat or use other non-toxic indoor plants.