Is Amazonian Traveller's Tree toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists amazonian traveller's tree as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Phenakospermum guyannense is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the family Strelitziaceae — to which it belongs — includes Strelitzia reginae, which ASPCA classifies as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (GI irritants; causes mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, primarily from fruit and seeds). Treat this species with equivalent precaution.

Phenakospermum guyannense is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the family Strelitziaceae — to which it belongs — includes Strelitzia reginae, which ASPCA classifies as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (GI irritants; causes mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, primarily from fruit and seeds). Treat this species with equivalent precaution. 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 amazonian traveller's 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Amazonian Traveller's Tree is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full amazonian traveller's tree pet-safety guide for both species.

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.