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Is Burchard's Caralluma toxic to cats?

Caralluma burchardii

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists burchard's caralluma 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. Caralluma belongs to Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae, formerly Asclepiadaceae). It is not individually listed by ASPCA. Other Apocynaceae members contain cardenolides or other alkaloids; ingestion of any part may cause gastrointestinal distress in pets and humans. Treat as mildly toxic and keep out of reach of pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate burchard's caralluma

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

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

Is burchard's caralluma toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is burchard's caralluma toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists burchard's caralluma 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. Caralluma belongs to Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae, formerly Asclepiadaceae). It is not individually listed by ASPCA. Other Apocynaceae members contain cardenolides or other alkaloids; ingestion of any part may cause gastrointestinal distress in pets and humans. Treat as mildly toxic and keep out of reach of pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats burchard's caralluma?

Caralluma belongs to Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae, formerly Asclepiadaceae). It is not individually listed by ASPCA. Other Apocynaceae members contain cardenolides or other alkaloids; ingestion of any part may cause gastrointestinal distress in pets and humans. Treat as mildly toxic and keep out of reach of 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 burchard's caralluma.

What should I do if my cat ate burchard's caralluma?

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 burchard's caralluma toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Burchard's Caralluma is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full burchard's caralluma pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to burchard's caralluma?

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 burchard's caralluma pet-safety