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Is Cape Fockea toxic to cats?

Fockea capensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cape fockea 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. Fockea capensis belongs to the Apocynaceae family and produces milky latex, which is reported to be poisonous. Not individually listed by ASPCA; based on Apocynaceae family characteristics — which include alkaloids and cardiac glycosides in many genera — treat as mildly toxic. Keep away from pets and children; avoid contact with the latex.

What to do if your cat ate cape fockea

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

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

Is cape fockea toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cape fockea toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cape fockea 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. Fockea capensis belongs to the Apocynaceae family and produces milky latex, which is reported to be poisonous. Not individually listed by ASPCA; based on Apocynaceae family characteristics — which include alkaloids and cardiac glycosides in many genera — treat as mildly toxic. Keep away from pets and children; avoid contact with the latex.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cape fockea?

Fockea capensis belongs to the Apocynaceae family and produces milky latex, which is reported to be poisonous. Not individually listed by ASPCA; based on Apocynaceae family characteristics — which include alkaloids and cardiac glycosides in many genera — treat as mildly toxic. Keep away from pets and children; avoid contact with the latex. 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 cape fockea.

What should I do if my cat ate cape fockea?

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 cape fockea toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cape Fockea is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full cape fockea pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to cape fockea?

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 cape fockea pet-safety