Is Araca-boi Sapote toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists araca-boi sapote 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. Pouteria stipitata is not individually listed by ASPCA. Sapotaceae fruit trees are not widely documented as systemically toxic to companion animals. However, seeds and unripe fruit in the Pouteria genus may contain bitter tannins and saponins that can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. Ripe pulp is consumed by people in its native range without reported toxicity, but seeds should be kept away from pets. Seek veterinary advice if seed ingestion is suspected.

Pouteria stipitata is not individually listed by ASPCA. Sapotaceae fruit trees are not widely documented as systemically toxic to companion animals. However, seeds and unripe fruit in the Pouteria genus may contain bitter tannins and saponins that can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. Ripe pulp is consumed by people in its native range without reported toxicity, but seeds should be kept away from pets. Seek veterinary advice if seed ingestion is suspected. 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 araca-boi sapote.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Araca-boi Sapote is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full araca-boi sapote 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.