Growli
Let's go

If your cat ate african milk tree — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

African Milk Tree is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate African Milk Tree — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take african milk tree away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate african milk tree — FAQ

Is african milk tree poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona) as toxic to cats. Euphorbia trigona is not listed individually in the ASPCA database, but the genus is consistently toxic: the ASPCA lists close relatives such as pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), poinsettia and crown of thorns as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with irritant latex sap as the toxic principle. Treat as toxic and verify with a vet: the milky white sap irritates skin and eyes and causes mouth, throat and GI irritation with vomiting if chewed. Keep away from pets and children.

How serious is it if my cat ate african milk tree?

African Milk Tree is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Euphorbia trigona is not listed individually in the ASPCA database, but the genus is consistently toxic: the ASPCA lists close relatives such as pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), poinsettia and crown of thorns as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with irritant latex sap as the toxic principle. Treat as toxic and verify with a vet: the milky white sap irritates skin and eyes and causes mouth, throat and GI irritation with vomiting if chewed. Keep away from pets and children. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep african milk tree well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Related