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Is Caralluma hesperidum toxic to cats?

Caralluma hesperidum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists caralluma hesperidum 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 hesperidum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The related stapeliad Stapelia (Carrion Flower) is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but as this species is not individually confirmed, treat it with caution and verify with a vet. The plant's latex sap can cause mild skin and mucous-membrane irritation if chewed.

What to do if your cat ate caralluma hesperidum

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

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

Is caralluma hesperidum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is caralluma hesperidum toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists caralluma hesperidum 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 hesperidum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The related stapeliad Stapelia (Carrion Flower) is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but as this species is not individually confirmed, treat it with caution and verify with a vet. The plant's latex sap can cause mild skin and mucous-membrane irritation if chewed.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats caralluma hesperidum?

Caralluma hesperidum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The related stapeliad Stapelia (Carrion Flower) is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but as this species is not individually confirmed, treat it with caution and verify with a vet. The plant's latex sap can cause mild skin and mucous-membrane irritation if chewed. 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 caralluma hesperidum.

What should I do if my cat ate caralluma hesperidum?

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 caralluma hesperidum toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to caralluma hesperidum?

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 caralluma hesperidum pet-safety