Pet safety
Is Cup of gold vinetoxic to cats & dogs?
Solandra maxima
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Solandra maxima
Is cup of gold vine safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Cup of gold vine is ASPCA-listed toxic to both cats and dogs; even a small chew can drive a vet visit. Plenty of look-alikes on the non-toxic side of the list — see alternatives below. 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. Solandra maxima is in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and all parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids, principally scopolamine and hyoscyamine (atropine). These are potent toxins that affect the central and autonomic nervous systems. Ingestion by cats or dogs can cause dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, agitation, and in serious cases neurological signs requiring urgent veterinary care. Solandra is not individually listed on the ASPCA database by name, but the Solanaceae alkaloid profile makes it a plant to keep strictly away from pets and children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats cup of gold vine?
Solandra maxima is in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and all parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids, principally scopolamine and hyoscyamine (atropine). These are potent toxins that affect the central and autonomic nervous systems. Ingestion by cats or dogs can cause dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, agitation, and in serious cases neurological signs requiring urgent veterinary care. Solandra is not individually listed on the ASPCA database by name, but the Solanaceae alkaloid profile makes it a plant to keep strictly away from pets and children. 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 cup of gold vine, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate cup of gold vine
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move cup of gold vine 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 cup of gold vine 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 cup of gold vine
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:
- Prayer plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Calathea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Parlor palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Areca palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Cup of gold vine and pets — frequently asked questions
Is cup of gold vine toxic to cats?
Cup of gold vine (Solandra maxima) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Solandra maxima is in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and all parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids, principally scopolamine and hyoscyamine (atropine). These are potent toxins that affect the central and autonomic nervous systems. Ingestion by cats or dogs can cause dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, agitation, and in serious cases neurological signs requiring urgent veterinary care. Solandra is not individually listed on the ASPCA database by name, but the Solanaceae alkaloid profile makes it a plant to keep strictly away from pets and children. 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 cup of gold vine toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Cup of gold vine (Solandra maxima) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like cup of gold vine is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats cup of gold vine?
Solandra maxima is in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and all parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids, principally scopolamine and hyoscyamine (atropine). These are potent toxins that affect the central and autonomic nervous systems. Ingestion by cats or dogs can cause dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, agitation, and in serious cases neurological signs requiring urgent veterinary care. Solandra is not individually listed on the ASPCA database by name, but the Solanaceae alkaloid profile makes it a plant to keep strictly away from pets and children. 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 cup of gold vine, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate cup of gold vine?
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 cup of gold vine to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to cup of gold vine?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include prayer plant, calathea, parlor palm, areca palm. 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 cup of gold vine care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete cup of gold vine care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.