Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Balsam Gourd toxic to cats?

Ibervillea lindheimeri

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists balsam gourd 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. Ibervillea lindheimeri (Cucurbitaceae) is not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. The red-orange fruits are ornamental and not confirmed as edible. Members of this family can contain cucurbitacin compounds causing gastrointestinal irritation. Treat as mildly toxic; keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate balsam gourd

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

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

Is balsam gourd toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is balsam gourd toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists balsam gourd 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. Ibervillea lindheimeri (Cucurbitaceae) is not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. The red-orange fruits are ornamental and not confirmed as edible. Members of this family can contain cucurbitacin compounds causing gastrointestinal irritation. Treat as mildly toxic; keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats balsam gourd?

Ibervillea lindheimeri (Cucurbitaceae) is not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. The red-orange fruits are ornamental and not confirmed as edible. Members of this family can contain cucurbitacin compounds causing gastrointestinal irritation. Treat as mildly toxic; 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 balsam gourd.

What should I do if my cat ate balsam gourd?

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 balsam gourd toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Balsam Gourd is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full balsam gourd pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to balsam gourd?

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 balsam gourd pet-safety