Pet emergency
My cat ate Caralluma europaea — what to do
Step by step
- Take caralluma europaea 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 caralluma europaea — FAQ
Is caralluma europaea poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Caralluma europaea (Caralluma europaea) as mildly toxic to cats. Caralluma europaea is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Its close stapeliad relative Stapelia (Carrion Flower) is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but because this species is not individually confirmed, treat it with caution and verify with a vet before allowing pet access. The milky latex of Apocynaceae succulents can irritate skin, eyes and mouth.
How serious is it if my cat ate caralluma europaea?
Caralluma europaea 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. Caralluma europaea is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Its close stapeliad relative Stapelia (Carrion Flower) is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but because this species is not individually confirmed, treat it with caution and verify with a vet before allowing pet access. The milky latex of Apocynaceae succulents can irritate skin, eyes and mouth. 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 caralluma europaea well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is caralluma europaea toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Caralluma europaea and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide