Pet safety
Is Catalpa bignonioidestoxic to cats & dogs?
Catalpa bignonioides
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Catalpa bignonioides
Is catalpa bignonioides safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — catalpa bignonioides is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and roots are reported to contain catalpol and related iridoid glycosides, and ingestion of leaves, flowers or seed pods may cause vomiting and diarrhoea in pets. Keep curious animals from chewing fallen pods.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats catalpa bignonioides?
Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and roots are reported to contain catalpol and related iridoid glycosides, and ingestion of leaves, flowers or seed pods may cause vomiting and diarrhoea in pets. Keep curious animals from chewing fallen pods. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to catalpa bignonioides, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate catalpa bignonioides
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move catalpa bignonioides out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of catalpa bignonioides to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to catalpa bignonioides
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Catalpa bignonioides and pets — frequently asked questions
Is catalpa bignonioides toxic to cats?
Catalpa bignonioides (Catalpa bignonioides) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and roots are reported to contain catalpol and related iridoid glycosides, and ingestion of leaves, flowers or seed pods may cause vomiting and diarrhoea in pets. Keep curious animals from chewing fallen pods. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is catalpa bignonioides toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Catalpa bignonioides (Catalpa bignonioides) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like catalpa bignonioides is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats catalpa bignonioides?
Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and roots are reported to contain catalpol and related iridoid glycosides, and ingestion of leaves, flowers or seed pods may cause vomiting and diarrhoea in pets. Keep curious animals from chewing fallen pods. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to catalpa bignonioides, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate catalpa bignonioides?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of catalpa bignonioides to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to catalpa bignonioides?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full catalpa bignonioides care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete catalpa bignonioides care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.