Pet emergency
My cat ate Crested Euphorbia — what to do
Step by step
- Take crested euphorbia 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 crested euphorbia — FAQ
Is crested euphorbia poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Crested Euphorbia (Euphorbia lactea) as toxic to cats. Toxic. The ASPCA lists Euphorbia species among plants toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex contains irritant diterpene esters that cause drooling, vomiting, oral and eye irritation, and painful skin contact dermatitis; keep away from pets and wear gloves.
How serious is it if my cat ate crested euphorbia?
Crested Euphorbia 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. Toxic. The ASPCA lists Euphorbia species among plants toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex contains irritant diterpene esters that cause drooling, vomiting, oral and eye irritation, and painful skin contact dermatitis; keep away from pets and wear gloves. 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 crested euphorbia well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is crested euphorbia toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Crested Euphorbia and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide