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Pet safety

Is Boojum Tree toxic to cats?

Fouquieria columnaris

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists boojum 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. Fouquieria columnaris (family Fouquieriaceae) is not individually listed by ASPCA. No significant systemic toxin is documented. The numerous rigid spines present a serious physical hazard to pets and children. Site accordingly and handle with thick gloves.

What to do if your cat ate boojum tree

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

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

Is boojum tree toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is boojum tree toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists boojum 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. Fouquieria columnaris (family Fouquieriaceae) is not individually listed by ASPCA. No significant systemic toxin is documented. The numerous rigid spines present a serious physical hazard to pets and children. Site accordingly and handle with thick gloves.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats boojum tree?

Fouquieria columnaris (family Fouquieriaceae) is not individually listed by ASPCA. No significant systemic toxin is documented. The numerous rigid spines present a serious physical hazard to pets and children. Site accordingly and handle with thick gloves. 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 boojum tree.

What should I do if my cat ate boojum 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 boojum tree toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Boojum Tree is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full boojum tree pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to boojum 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 boojum tree pet-safety