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Is Brush-tipped Bursera toxic to cats?

Bursera penicillata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists brush-tipped bursera 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. Bursera penicillata is not individually listed by ASPCA. Like other Bursera species, its resinous sap contains aromatic terpenoids that may cause skin irritation and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or children. Handle with care and keep away from animals that chew plants.

What to do if your cat ate brush-tipped bursera

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move brush-tipped bursera 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 brush-tipped bursera to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is brush-tipped bursera toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is brush-tipped bursera toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists brush-tipped bursera 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. Bursera penicillata is not individually listed by ASPCA. Like other Bursera species, its resinous sap contains aromatic terpenoids that may cause skin irritation and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or children. Handle with care and keep away from animals that chew plants.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats brush-tipped bursera?

Bursera penicillata is not individually listed by ASPCA. Like other Bursera species, its resinous sap contains aromatic terpenoids that may cause skin irritation and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or children. Handle with care and keep away from animals that chew plants. 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 brush-tipped bursera.

What should I do if my cat ate brush-tipped bursera?

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 brush-tipped bursera toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Brush-tipped Bursera is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full brush-tipped bursera pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to brush-tipped bursera?

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 brush-tipped bursera pet-safety