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Is Catalpa bignonioides toxic to cats?

Catalpa bignonioides

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists catalpa bignonioides 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and roots are reported to contain catalpol and related iridoid glycosides, and ingestion of leaves, flowers or seed pods may cause vomiting and diarrhoea in pets. Keep curious animals from chewing fallen pods.

What to do if your cat ate catalpa bignonioides

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

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

Is catalpa bignonioides toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is catalpa bignonioides toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists catalpa bignonioides 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and roots are reported to contain catalpol and related iridoid glycosides, and ingestion of leaves, flowers or seed pods may cause vomiting and diarrhoea in pets. Keep curious animals from chewing fallen pods.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats catalpa bignonioides?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and roots are reported to contain catalpol and related iridoid glycosides, and ingestion of leaves, flowers or seed pods may cause vomiting and diarrhoea in pets. Keep curious animals from chewing fallen pods. 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 catalpa bignonioides.

What should I do if my cat ate catalpa bignonioides?

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 catalpa bignonioides toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to catalpa bignonioides?

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 catalpa bignonioides pet-safety