Is Cherapu toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cherapu 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. Garcinia prainiana is not individually listed by ASPCA. The Clusiaceae/Guttiferae family contains some species with bioactive xanthones and resins; while the ripe fruit pulp is consumed by humans, pet safety for this species has not been assessed. As a precautionary measure, prevent pets from ingesting the seeds, bark, or large quantities of fruit.

Garcinia prainiana is not individually listed by ASPCA. The Clusiaceae/Guttiferae family contains some species with bioactive xanthones and resins; while the ripe fruit pulp is consumed by humans, pet safety for this species has not been assessed. As a precautionary measure, prevent pets from ingesting the seeds, bark, or large quantities of fruit. 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 cherapu.

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.

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

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.