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If your cat ate custard apple — 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.

Custard Apple is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Custard Apple — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take custard apple 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 custard apple — FAQ

Is custard apple poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Custard Apple (Annona reticulata) as mildly toxic to cats. All Annona species, including A. reticulata, contain annonaceous acetogenins — compounds concentrated in the seeds, bark, leaves, and unripe fruit. These have documented neurotoxic properties linked to atypical Parkinsonism with repeated high-level exposure. Seeds are particularly toxic. Annona is listed as toxic to dogs by veterinary toxicologists. The ASPCA does not specifically list this species, but caution is warranted for all pets. Ripe fruit flesh consumed in moderation is traditional food, but keep seeds and plant parts away from dogs and cats.

How serious is it if my cat ate custard apple?

Custard Apple 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. All Annona species, including A. reticulata, contain annonaceous acetogenins — compounds concentrated in the seeds, bark, leaves, and unripe fruit. These have documented neurotoxic properties linked to atypical Parkinsonism with repeated high-level exposure. Seeds are particularly toxic. Annona is listed as toxic to dogs by veterinary toxicologists. The ASPCA does not specifically list this species, but caution is warranted for all pets. Ripe fruit flesh consumed in moderation is traditional food, but keep seeds and plant parts away from dogs and cats. 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 custard apple well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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