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If your cat ate coffee plant — 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.

Coffee Plant is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Coffee Plant — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take coffee plant 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 coffee plant — FAQ

Is coffee plant poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Coffee Plant (Coffea arabica) as toxic to cats. Treat the coffee plant as toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA does not list Coffea arabica individually (its "Coffee Tree" entry is a different plant, Polyscias guilfoylei, which is toxic via saponins). However, all green parts, the seeds (beans) and the red cherries of Coffea arabica contain caffeine, a methylxanthine. ASPCA Animal Poison Control and veterinary toxicology sources confirm caffeine is toxic to both cats and dogs, causing vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart, tremors and, in serious cases, seizures. Keep the plant and any dropped berries out of pets' reach and call a vet or the ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected.

How serious is it if my cat ate coffee plant?

Coffee Plant 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. Treat the coffee plant as toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA does not list Coffea arabica individually (its "Coffee Tree" entry is a different plant, Polyscias guilfoylei, which is toxic via saponins). However, all green parts, the seeds (beans) and the red cherries of Coffea arabica contain caffeine, a methylxanthine. ASPCA Animal Poison Control and veterinary toxicology sources confirm caffeine is toxic to both cats and dogs, causing vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart, tremors and, in serious cases, seizures. Keep the plant and any dropped berries out of pets' reach and call a vet or the ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected. 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 coffee plant well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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