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Is Cape honeysuckle toxic to cats?

Tecoma capensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cape honeysuckle 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. Tecoma capensis is not listed on the ASPCA toxic plants database and is not known to be responsible for serious pet illness in documented reports. However, it belongs to the Bignoniaceae family, and some members of this family contain iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Exercise standard caution with pets and children. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian.

What to do if your cat ate cape honeysuckle

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

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

Is cape honeysuckle toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cape honeysuckle toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cape honeysuckle 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. Tecoma capensis is not listed on the ASPCA toxic plants database and is not known to be responsible for serious pet illness in documented reports. However, it belongs to the Bignoniaceae family, and some members of this family contain iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Exercise standard caution with pets and children. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cape honeysuckle?

Tecoma capensis is not listed on the ASPCA toxic plants database and is not known to be responsible for serious pet illness in documented reports. However, it belongs to the Bignoniaceae family, and some members of this family contain iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Exercise standard caution with pets and children. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian. 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 honeysuckle.

What should I do if my cat ate cape honeysuckle?

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 honeysuckle toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to cape honeysuckle?

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 honeysuckle pet-safety