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Is Amazonian Traveller's Tree toxic to cats?

Phenakospermum guyannense

Mildly 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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. 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.

What to do if your cat ate amazonian traveller's tree

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move amazonian traveller's 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 amazonian traveller's tree to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is amazonian traveller's tree toxic to cats? — FAQ

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.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats amazonian traveller's tree?

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.

What should I do if my cat ate 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 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is amazonian traveller's tree toxic to dogs too?

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.

What is a cat-safe alternative to amazonian traveller's 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 amazonian traveller's tree pet-safety