Pet emergency
My cat ate Ivory Tree — what to do
Step by step
- Take ivory tree 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 ivory tree — FAQ
Is ivory tree poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Ivory Tree (Wrightia antidysenterica) as toxic to cats. Wrightia antidysenterica belongs to the Apocynaceae family and contains milky latex with alkaloid constituents. It is not individually listed by ASPCA; however, as an Apocynaceae species with latex-bearing tissues, it should be treated as potentially toxic to dogs, cats, and children. Traditional medicinal use of bark extracts requires careful preparation and dilution, confirming bioactive compounds are present. Contact with milky sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Consult a vet if pet ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my cat ate ivory tree?
Ivory Tree 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. Wrightia antidysenterica belongs to the Apocynaceae family and contains milky latex with alkaloid constituents. It is not individually listed by ASPCA; however, as an Apocynaceae species with latex-bearing tissues, it should be treated as potentially toxic to dogs, cats, and children. Traditional medicinal use of bark extracts requires careful preparation and dilution, confirming bioactive compounds are present. Contact with milky sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Consult a vet if pet 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 ivory tree well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is ivory tree toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Ivory Tree and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide