Pet emergency
My cat ate Herald's Trumpet — what to do
Step by step
- Take herald's trumpet 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 herald's trumpet — FAQ
Is herald's trumpet poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Herald's Trumpet (Beaumontia grandiflora) as toxic to cats. Beaumontia grandiflora belongs to Apocynaceae and contains cardiac glycosides and indole alkaloids. It is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the family's toxic properties are well established — Apocynaceae includes oleander (Nerium) and related highly cardiotoxic species. Ingestion of any plant part may cause vomiting, drooling, bradycardia, arrhythmias, and potentially serious cardiovascular effects in dogs and cats. Keep away from pets and children; wear gloves when pruning — the milky sap irritates skin and eyes. Contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if ingestion occurs.
How serious is it if my cat ate herald's trumpet?
Herald's Trumpet 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. Beaumontia grandiflora belongs to Apocynaceae and contains cardiac glycosides and indole alkaloids. It is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the family's toxic properties are well established — Apocynaceae includes oleander (Nerium) and related highly cardiotoxic species. Ingestion of any plant part may cause vomiting, drooling, bradycardia, arrhythmias, and potentially serious cardiovascular effects in dogs and cats. Keep away from pets and children; wear gloves when pruning — the milky sap irritates skin and eyes. Contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if ingestion occurs. 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 herald's trumpet well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is herald's trumpet toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Herald's Trumpet and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide