Pet emergency
My cat ate Bastard Cobas — what to do
Step by step
- Take bastard cobas 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 bastard cobas — FAQ
Is bastard cobas poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Bastard Cobas (Cyphostemma juttae) as toxic to cats. The berries of Cyphostemma juttae are reported as toxic and potentially severely so — they contain substances that cause vomiting and other toxic symptoms when ingested by humans or animals. Cyphostemma is not individually listed by ASPCA, but the fruit toxicity is well documented in horticultural literature. Keep berries and plant material strictly away from pets and children; do not ingest any part of the plant.
How serious is it if my cat ate bastard cobas?
Bastard Cobas 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. The berries of Cyphostemma juttae are reported as toxic and potentially severely so — they contain substances that cause vomiting and other toxic symptoms when ingested by humans or animals. Cyphostemma is not individually listed by ASPCA, but the fruit toxicity is well documented in horticultural literature. Keep berries and plant material strictly away from pets and children; do not ingest any part of the plant. 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 bastard cobas well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is bastard cobas toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Bastard Cobas and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide