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If your cat ate sea spurge — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Sea Spurge is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Sea Spurge — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take sea spurge away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 sea spurge — FAQ

Is sea spurge poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Sea Spurge (Euphorbia paralias) as toxic to cats. Euphorbia paralias, like all Euphorbia species, contains a caustic white latex sap comprising diterpenoid esters (including phorbol esters) that is severely irritating and toxic. According to the ASPCA, Euphorbia species are toxic to both dogs and cats; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling, while skin or eye contact with the sap causes intense irritation and chemical burns. The milky sap is exuded copiously when any part of the plant is cut or damaged. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling and keep away from pets and children.

How serious is it if my cat ate sea spurge?

Sea Spurge 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. Euphorbia paralias, like all Euphorbia species, contains a caustic white latex sap comprising diterpenoid esters (including phorbol esters) that is severely irritating and toxic. According to the ASPCA, Euphorbia species are toxic to both dogs and cats; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling, while skin or eye contact with the sap causes intense irritation and chemical burns. The milky sap is exuded copiously when any part of the plant is cut or damaged. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling and keep away from pets and children. 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 sea spurge well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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