Yucca
Yucca spp. · Asparagaceae
How it looks
Yucca (Yucca spp.) is a plant whose stiff, sharp-tipped sword-shaped leaves cluster radially at the stem tip. The leaves are gray-green with rough edges. White bell-shaped flowers bloom in large clusters at the tip of a thick flower stalk. Height 20 in-10 ft (50 cm-3 m).
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Yucca contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble of Yucca usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the saponins in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Yucca spp.
- Common name
- Yucca
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Saponins
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
