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Is Coral Plant toxic to cats?

Jatropha multifida

Toxic to cats

Yes — coral 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. All parts of Jatropha multifida are toxic to pets and humans. The genus contains curcin (a ricin-like toxalbumin), purgative diterpenoid esters, and irritant latex. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has documented cases of Jatropha multifida toxicosis in dogs, with clinical signs including vomiting, diarrhea, and elevated hepatic enzyme levels — particularly when seeds were masticated. Skin contact with the latex causes dermatitis. Keep strictly away from dogs, cats, and children.

What to do if your cat ate coral plant

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

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

Is coral plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is coral plant toxic to cats?

Yes — coral plant is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Jatropha multifida are toxic to pets and humans. The genus contains curcin (a ricin-like toxalbumin), purgative diterpenoid esters, and irritant latex. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has documented cases of Jatropha multifida toxicosis in dogs, with clinical signs including vomiting, diarrhea, and elevated hepatic enzyme levels — particularly when seeds were masticated. Skin contact with the latex causes dermatitis. Keep strictly away from dogs, cats, and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats coral plant?

All parts of Jatropha multifida are toxic to pets and humans. The genus contains curcin (a ricin-like toxalbumin), purgative diterpenoid esters, and irritant latex. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has documented cases of Jatropha multifida toxicosis in dogs, with clinical signs including vomiting, diarrhea, and elevated hepatic enzyme levels — particularly when seeds were masticated. Skin contact with the latex causes dermatitis. Keep strictly away from dogs, cats, and children. 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 coral plant.

What should I do if my cat ate coral 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 coral plant toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to coral 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 coral plant pet-safety