Pet emergency
My cat ate Barnim's Dorstenia — what to do
Step by step
- Take barnim's dorstenia away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- 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 barnim's dorstenia — FAQ
Is barnim's dorstenia poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Barnim's Dorstenia (Dorstenia barnimiana) as mildly toxic to cats. Dorstenia barnimiana (Moraceae) is not individually listed by ASPCA. The Moraceae family contains latex-bearing plants that can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. No serious toxicity has been documented for this species, but its full toxicity profile for companion animals has not been formally assessed by ASPCA. Keep out of reach of pets and children as a precaution; avoid latex contact on skin.
How serious is it if my cat ate barnim's dorstenia?
Barnim's Dorstenia is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Dorstenia barnimiana (Moraceae) is not individually listed by ASPCA. The Moraceae family contains latex-bearing plants that can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. No serious toxicity has been documented for this species, but its full toxicity profile for companion animals has not been formally assessed by ASPCA. Keep out of reach of pets and children as a precaution; avoid latex contact on skin. 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 barnim's dorstenia well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is barnim's dorstenia toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Barnim's Dorstenia and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide