Pet safety
Is Rangoon Creepertoxic to cats & dogs?
Quisqualis indica
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Quisqualis indica
Is rangoon creeper safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Rangoon Creeper is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't 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. Combretum indicum (Rangoon Creeper) is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant is generally considered of low toxicity to pets and humans. However, the seeds contain quisqualic acid, an excitatory amino acid that is toxic to intestinal parasites and in large doses can cause neurological effects. Flowers and leaves have a history of use in traditional medicine. Caution is warranted: keep out of reach of pets and children as a precaution, and do not allow ingestion of seeds.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats rangoon creeper?
Combretum indicum (Rangoon Creeper) is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant is generally considered of low toxicity to pets and humans. However, the seeds contain quisqualic acid, an excitatory amino acid that is toxic to intestinal parasites and in large doses can cause neurological effects. Flowers and leaves have a history of use in traditional medicine. Caution is warranted: keep out of reach of pets and children as a precaution, and do not allow ingestion of seeds. 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 rangoon creeper, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate rangoon creeper
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move rangoon creeper 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 rangoon creeper 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 rangoon creeper
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)
Rangoon Creeper and pets — frequently asked questions
Is rangoon creeper toxic to cats?
Rangoon Creeper (Quisqualis indica) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Combretum indicum (Rangoon Creeper) is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant is generally considered of low toxicity to pets and humans. However, the seeds contain quisqualic acid, an excitatory amino acid that is toxic to intestinal parasites and in large doses can cause neurological effects. Flowers and leaves have a history of use in traditional medicine. Caution is warranted: keep out of reach of pets and children as a precaution, and do not allow ingestion of seeds. 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 rangoon creeper toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Rangoon Creeper (Quisqualis indica) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like rangoon creeper is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats rangoon creeper?
Combretum indicum (Rangoon Creeper) is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant is generally considered of low toxicity to pets and humans. However, the seeds contain quisqualic acid, an excitatory amino acid that is toxic to intestinal parasites and in large doses can cause neurological effects. Flowers and leaves have a history of use in traditional medicine. Caution is warranted: keep out of reach of pets and children as a precaution, and do not allow ingestion of seeds. 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 rangoon creeper, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate rangoon creeper?
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 rangoon creeper to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to rangoon creeper?
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 rangoon creeper care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete rangoon creeper care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.