Pet emergency
My cat ate Chinese Tylecodon — what to do
Step by step
- Take chinese tylecodon 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 chinese tylecodon — FAQ
Is chinese tylecodon poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Chinese Tylecodon (Tylecodon sinensis) as toxic to cats. As a member of the Tylecodon genus (Crassulaceae), this species is expected to contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides responsible for 'krimpsiekte' livestock poisoning in South Africa. Tylecodon is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus is toxic by the same cardiac glycoside mechanism as ASPCA-listed Kalanchoe. Keep away from cats, dogs, children, and all livestock. Wear gloves when handling.
How serious is it if my cat ate chinese tylecodon?
Chinese Tylecodon 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. As a member of the Tylecodon genus (Crassulaceae), this species is expected to contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides responsible for 'krimpsiekte' livestock poisoning in South Africa. Tylecodon is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus is toxic by the same cardiac glycoside mechanism as ASPCA-listed Kalanchoe. Keep away from cats, dogs, children, and all livestock. Wear gloves when handling. 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 chinese tylecodon well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is chinese tylecodon toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Chinese Tylecodon and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide