Pet emergency
My cat ate Hinds' Torchwood — what to do
Step by step
- Take hinds' torchwood 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 hinds' torchwood — FAQ
Is hinds' torchwood poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Hinds' Torchwood (Bursera hindsiana) as mildly toxic to cats. Bursera hindsiana is not individually listed by ASPCA. The plant produces aromatic resins typical of the Burseraceae family. The resinous sap may cause mild skin or mucous membrane irritation on contact. No severe documented toxicity to pets, but ingestion of bark or sap by pets should be treated cautiously. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my cat ate hinds' torchwood?
Hinds' Torchwood 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. Bursera hindsiana is not individually listed by ASPCA. The plant produces aromatic resins typical of the Burseraceae family. The resinous sap may cause mild skin or mucous membrane irritation on contact. No severe documented toxicity to pets, but ingestion of bark or sap by pets should be treated cautiously. Consult a veterinarian 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 hinds' torchwood well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is hinds' torchwood toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Hinds' Torchwood and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide