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PLEASE NOTE:
"Poisonous" does not mean deadly. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. The dose, as always, determines if a plant is safe source of nutrients or a toxic hazard.

Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions

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BRIEF: Is mother-in-law tongue poisonous to cats?


QUESTION:
Is the plant commonly called mother-in-law tongue (long, skinny, thick leaves - green with some white marbling) harmful to cats??

ANSWER:
Yes, it can give any mammal that munches on it a very bad afternoon. The oxylate crystals cause intense pain to the mouth and a protease enzyme adds to the damage. I don't think this plant is fatal, but it is not something an animal or a child would try to chew on twice!!!!