Is Oleander toxic to cats?
Yes. Oleander is one of the most toxic garden plants in the world. A single leaf can potentially be fatal to a cat.
If your cat has just eaten oleander
- Move your cat away from any remaining oleander. Do not try to make them vomit at home — this is dangerous in cats and rarely works.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and keep the packaging or a photo of the plant/substance if you can.
- Call your vet immediately, even out of hours. Tell them your cat's weight, what they ate, and when.
- If you can't reach your vet, call ASPCA Poison Control ((888) 426-4435) — paid triage, 24/7 for guidance. They can advise on urgency and route you to emergency care.
What's the full picture?
Oleander (Nerium oleander) contains potent cardiac glycosides. Rare as a American yard plant but increasingly grown in conservatories and mild southern gardens.
All parts are extremely toxic — flowers, leaves, stems, and even smoke if the plant is burned.
Symptoms to watch for
Emergency vet treatment for poisoning typically costs $800–$3,000 in the US. Pet insurance covers it — and you can get a quote in under 2 minutes.
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About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published US veterinary toxicology sources — AAFP, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA APCC) references, AVMA-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for US cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The ASPCA Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the Cat Ate It editorial team