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If your cat ate smelly dorstenia — 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.

Smelly Dorstenia is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Smelly Dorstenia — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take smelly dorstenia 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 smelly dorstenia — FAQ

Is smelly dorstenia poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Smelly Dorstenia (Dorstenia foetida) as mildly toxic to cats. Dorstenia foetida is in the family Moraceae. The genus Dorstenia is not individually listed by ASPCA. Some Moraceae plants contain latex that can cause mild mucous-membrane irritation or gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Dorstenia foetida is not documented as seriously poisonous, but as its toxicity profile has not been fully characterised for companion animals, treat it as mildly toxic and keep it out of easy reach of pets and children. Wear gloves when handling freshly cut stems to avoid latex contact.

How serious is it if my cat ate smelly dorstenia?

Smelly Dorstenia 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. Dorstenia foetida is in the family Moraceae. The genus Dorstenia is not individually listed by ASPCA. Some Moraceae plants contain latex that can cause mild mucous-membrane irritation or gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Dorstenia foetida is not documented as seriously poisonous, but as its toxicity profile has not been fully characterised for companion animals, treat it as mildly toxic and keep it out of easy reach of pets and children. Wear gloves when handling freshly cut stems to avoid latex contact. 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 smelly dorstenia well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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