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Pet safety

Is Elephant Tree toxic to cats?

Bursera microphylla

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists elephant tree 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. Bursera microphylla is not listed by ASPCA. The plant produces aromatic terpenoid resins that may irritate skin or mucous membranes on contact and may cause gastric upset if ingested by pets or children. No severe toxicity is documented, but the resinous sap should be treated with caution. Consult a veterinarian if a pet consumes any part of the plant.

What to do if your cat ate elephant tree

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

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

Is elephant tree toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is elephant tree toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists elephant tree 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. Bursera microphylla is not listed by ASPCA. The plant produces aromatic terpenoid resins that may irritate skin or mucous membranes on contact and may cause gastric upset if ingested by pets or children. No severe toxicity is documented, but the resinous sap should be treated with caution. Consult a veterinarian if a pet consumes any part of the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats elephant tree?

Bursera microphylla is not listed by ASPCA. The plant produces aromatic terpenoid resins that may irritate skin or mucous membranes on contact and may cause gastric upset if ingested by pets or children. No severe toxicity is documented, but the resinous sap should be treated with caution. Consult a veterinarian if a pet consumes any part of the plant. 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 elephant tree.

What should I do if my cat ate elephant tree?

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 elephant tree toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to elephant tree?

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 elephant tree pet-safety