Pet emergency
My cat ate Pearson's Tylecodon — what to do
Step by step
- Take pearson's tylecodon 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 pearson's tylecodon — FAQ
Is pearson's tylecodon poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Pearson's Tylecodon (Tylecodon pearsonii) as toxic to cats. Contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (cotyledoside and related tyledosides) common to the Tylecodon genus. These compounds are neurotoxic and cardiotoxic, causing krimpsiekte in livestock and posing serious risk to pets and humans. Not individually listed in the ASPCA database, but toxicity across the genus is documented in peer-reviewed veterinary science (NCBI/PMC) and by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). Treat as severely toxic.
How serious is it if my cat ate pearson's tylecodon?
Pearson's Tylecodon 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. Contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (cotyledoside and related tyledosides) common to the Tylecodon genus. These compounds are neurotoxic and cardiotoxic, causing krimpsiekte in livestock and posing serious risk to pets and humans. Not individually listed in the ASPCA database, but toxicity across the genus is documented in peer-reviewed veterinary science (NCBI/PMC) and by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). Treat as severely toxic. 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 pearson's tylecodon well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is pearson's tylecodon toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Pearson's Tylecodon and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide