Pet emergency
My cat ate Korlan — what to do
Step by step
- Take korlan 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My cat ate korlan — FAQ
Is korlan poisonous to cats?
Yes — Korlan (Nephelium hypoleucum) is regarded as mildly toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Nephelium hypoleucum is not individually listed by ASPCA. As a Sapindaceae member closely related to rambutan and lychee, the seeds are suspected to contain cyanogenic compounds and pose a hazard if ingested by pets. The aril pulp is not reported as toxic in humans, but pets should not access seeds. Contact a vet if seed ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my cat ate korlan?
Korlan 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. Nephelium hypoleucum is not individually listed by ASPCA. As a Sapindaceae member closely related to rambutan and lychee, the seeds are suspected to contain cyanogenic compounds and pose a hazard if ingested by pets. The aril pulp is not reported as toxic in humans, but pets should not access seeds. Contact a vet if seed 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep korlan well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Related
- Is korlan toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Korlan and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant