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If your cat ate wire-stem tylecodon — 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.

Wire-stem Tylecodon is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Wire-stem Tylecodon — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take wire-stem tylecodon 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 wire-stem tylecodon — FAQ

Is wire-stem tylecodon poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Wire-stem Tylecodon (Tylecodon reticulatus) as toxic to cats. All Tylecodon species contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (primarily cotyledoside and tyledosides) that are potent neurotoxic and cardiotoxic compounds. They cause krimpsiekte (contraction disease) in livestock and are dangerous to cats, dogs, and humans. Tylecodon is not individually listed in the ASPCA database (a North American resource focused on common houseplants), but toxicity is well-established in peer-reviewed veterinary literature (NCBI/PMC) and by SANBI. Keep entirely out of reach of children, pets, and grazing animals.

How serious is it if my cat ate wire-stem tylecodon?

Wire-stem Tylecodon 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. All Tylecodon species contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (primarily cotyledoside and tyledosides) that are potent neurotoxic and cardiotoxic compounds. They cause krimpsiekte (contraction disease) in livestock and are dangerous to cats, dogs, and humans. Tylecodon is not individually listed in the ASPCA database (a North American resource focused on common houseplants), but toxicity is well-established in peer-reviewed veterinary literature (NCBI/PMC) and by SANBI. Keep entirely out of reach of children, pets, and grazing animals. 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 wire-stem tylecodon well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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