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Is African Milk Tree toxic to cats?

Euphorbia trigona

Toxic to cats

Yes — african milk tree is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Euphorbia trigona is not listed individually in the ASPCA database, but the genus is consistently toxic: the ASPCA lists close relatives such as pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), poinsettia and crown of thorns as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with irritant latex sap as the toxic principle. Treat as toxic and verify with a vet: the milky white sap irritates skin and eyes and causes mouth, throat and GI irritation with vomiting if chewed. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate african milk tree

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move african milk tree out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of african milk tree to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten african milk tree, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is african milk tree toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is african milk tree toxic to cats?

Yes — african milk tree is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Euphorbia trigona is not listed individually in the ASPCA database, but the genus is consistently toxic: the ASPCA lists close relatives such as pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), poinsettia and crown of thorns as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with irritant latex sap as the toxic principle. Treat as toxic and verify with a vet: the milky white sap irritates skin and eyes and causes mouth, throat and GI irritation with vomiting if chewed. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats african milk tree?

Euphorbia trigona is not listed individually in the ASPCA database, but the genus is consistently toxic: the ASPCA lists close relatives such as pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), poinsettia and crown of thorns as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with irritant latex sap as the toxic principle. Treat as toxic and verify with a vet: the milky white sap irritates skin and eyes and causes mouth, throat and GI irritation with vomiting if chewed. Keep away from pets and children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to african milk tree.

What should I do if my cat ate african milk tree?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is african milk tree toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: African Milk Tree is toxic to dogs as well. See the full african milk tree pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to african milk tree?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full african milk tree pet-safety