Pet emergency
My cat ate Port St. Johns Creeper — what to do
Step by step
- Take port st. johns creeper 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 port st. johns creeper — FAQ
Is port st. johns creeper poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Port St. Johns Creeper (Pandorea ricasoliana) as mildly toxic to cats. Note: Pandorea ricasoliana is sometimes listed in older references under Podranea ricasoliana (a separate genus). As Pandorea, it is not individually listed by ASPCA. As Podranea, it is likewise not ASPCA-listed with a specific toxic principle. No severe toxicity is documented, but as a Bignoniaceae vine, ingestion by pets or children is not recommended. Treat as mildly toxic.
How serious is it if my cat ate port st. johns creeper?
Port St. Johns Creeper 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. Note: Pandorea ricasoliana is sometimes listed in older references under Podranea ricasoliana (a separate genus). As Pandorea, it is not individually listed by ASPCA. As Podranea, it is likewise not ASPCA-listed with a specific toxic principle. No severe toxicity is documented, but as a Bignoniaceae vine, ingestion by pets or children is not recommended. Treat as mildly 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 port st. johns creeper well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is port st. johns creeper toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Port St. Johns Creeper and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide