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Is Coffee Plant toxic to cats?

Coffea arabica

Toxic to cats

Yes — coffee plant is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Treat the coffee plant as toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA does not list Coffea arabica individually (its "Coffee Tree" entry is a different plant, Polyscias guilfoylei, which is toxic via saponins). However, all green parts, the seeds (beans) and the red cherries of Coffea arabica contain caffeine, a methylxanthine. ASPCA Animal Poison Control and veterinary toxicology sources confirm caffeine is toxic to both cats and dogs, causing vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart, tremors and, in serious cases, seizures. Keep the plant and any dropped berries out of pets' reach and call a vet or the ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate coffee plant

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

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

Is coffee plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is coffee plant toxic to cats?

Yes — coffee plant is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Treat the coffee plant as toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA does not list Coffea arabica individually (its "Coffee Tree" entry is a different plant, Polyscias guilfoylei, which is toxic via saponins). However, all green parts, the seeds (beans) and the red cherries of Coffea arabica contain caffeine, a methylxanthine. ASPCA Animal Poison Control and veterinary toxicology sources confirm caffeine is toxic to both cats and dogs, causing vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart, tremors and, in serious cases, seizures. Keep the plant and any dropped berries out of pets' reach and call a vet or the ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats coffee plant?

Treat the coffee plant as toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA does not list Coffea arabica individually (its "Coffee Tree" entry is a different plant, Polyscias guilfoylei, which is toxic via saponins). However, all green parts, the seeds (beans) and the red cherries of Coffea arabica contain caffeine, a methylxanthine. ASPCA Animal Poison Control and veterinary toxicology sources confirm caffeine is toxic to both cats and dogs, causing vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart, tremors and, in serious cases, seizures. Keep the plant and any dropped berries out of pets' reach and call a vet or the ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected. 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 coffee plant.

What should I do if my cat ate coffee plant?

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 coffee plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Coffee Plant is toxic to dogs as well. See the full coffee plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to coffee plant?

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 coffee plant pet-safety