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Is Banana Croton toxic to cats?

Codiaeum variegatum 'Banana'

Toxic to cats

Yes — banana croton 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a Euphorbiaceae plant whose sap and all parts contain diterpenoid (phorbol) esters, including 5-deoxyingenol. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline classify croton as toxic: chewing or swallowing any part causes oral and gastrointestinal irritation — drooling, vomiting and sometimes diarrhoea — and the milky sap can irritate skin on contact. Keep well out of reach of pets, and wash hands after pruning.

What to do if your cat ate banana croton

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

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

Is banana croton toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is banana croton toxic to cats?

Yes — banana croton is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a Euphorbiaceae plant whose sap and all parts contain diterpenoid (phorbol) esters, including 5-deoxyingenol. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline classify croton as toxic: chewing or swallowing any part causes oral and gastrointestinal irritation — drooling, vomiting and sometimes diarrhoea — and the milky sap can irritate skin on contact. Keep well out of reach of pets, and wash hands after pruning.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats banana croton?

Toxic to cats and dogs. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a Euphorbiaceae plant whose sap and all parts contain diterpenoid (phorbol) esters, including 5-deoxyingenol. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline classify croton as toxic: chewing or swallowing any part causes oral and gastrointestinal irritation — drooling, vomiting and sometimes diarrhoea — and the milky sap can irritate skin on contact. Keep well out of reach of pets, and wash hands after pruning. 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 banana croton.

What should I do if my cat ate banana croton?

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 banana croton toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Banana Croton is toxic to dogs as well. See the full banana croton pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to banana croton?

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 banana croton pet-safety