Is Milkweed Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Common Milkweed, Butterfly Weed, Asclepias syriaca · Asclepias syriaca
What makes it toxic
Cardenolides, a class of cardiac glycosides, in the white sap, leaves and pods. At higher doses they disturb heart conduction like digoxin overdose.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils and weakness within hours; larger ingestions add wobbliness, slow or irregular heartbeat and collapse.
What to do if your cat eats it
Remove plant material and call your vet after any ingestion — sooner if the cat chewed pods or ate much of the plant. Heart monitoring matters, so do not wait out the symptoms.
Common questions
Should I remove milkweed if I garden for monarchs?
Balance it: keep monarch habitat if your cat never roams the garden, but if the cat chews plants outdoors, choose another pollinator plant or fully enclose the milkweed patch.
Is butterfly weed as toxic as common milkweed?
All Asclepias species carry cardenolides, at varying levels. Treat every milkweed in your yard as toxic to cats.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.