Pet emergency
My cat ate Princess Flower — what to do
Step by step
- Take princess flower 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 princess flower — FAQ
Is princess flower poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Princess Flower (Tibouchina urvilleana) as mildly toxic to cats. The ASPCA does not individually list Tibouchina urvilleana (or its synonyms Pleroma, princess flower, glory bush, lasiandra) on its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so an authoritative pet-specific safety rating is unavailable. The California Poison Control System classifies Tibouchina as non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats, but as a precaution treat it as a possible mild gastrointestinal irritant and contact your vet if a pet ingests a notable amount.
How serious is it if my cat ate princess flower?
Princess Flower 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. The ASPCA does not individually list Tibouchina urvilleana (or its synonyms Pleroma, princess flower, glory bush, lasiandra) on its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so an authoritative pet-specific safety rating is unavailable. The California Poison Control System classifies Tibouchina as non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats, but as a precaution treat it as a possible mild gastrointestinal irritant and contact your vet if a pet ingests a notable amount. 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 princess flower well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is princess flower toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Princess Flower and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide