Pet emergency
My cat ate Red Iochroma — what to do
Step by step
- Take red iochroma 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 red iochroma — FAQ
Is red iochroma poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Red Iochroma (Iochroma fuchsioides) as toxic to cats. Iochroma fuchsioides is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but belongs to Solanaceae (nightshade family), which contains toxic solanine-type and tropane alkaloids throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by dogs or cats may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, lethargy, and potentially serious neurological effects. Treat as toxic; keep well out of reach of pets and children. Contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my cat ate red iochroma?
Red Iochroma 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. Iochroma fuchsioides is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but belongs to Solanaceae (nightshade family), which contains toxic solanine-type and tropane alkaloids throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by dogs or cats may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, lethargy, and potentially serious neurological effects. Treat as toxic; keep well out of reach of pets and children. Contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) 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 red iochroma well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is red iochroma toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Red Iochroma and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide