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Is Elliptic Kopsia toxic to cats?

Ochrosia elliptica

Toxic to cats

Yes — elliptic kopsia 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 Ochrosia elliptica contain toxic indole alkaloids, including ellipticine, elliptinine, 9-methoxyellipticine, and isoreserpiline. The paired bright-red fruits are the most conspicuously poisonous part. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the Apocynaceae family is well-established as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Ingestion may cause vomiting, cardiovascular effects, and serious systemic toxicity. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate elliptic kopsia

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

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

Is elliptic kopsia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is elliptic kopsia toxic to cats?

Yes — elliptic kopsia 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 Ochrosia elliptica contain toxic indole alkaloids, including ellipticine, elliptinine, 9-methoxyellipticine, and isoreserpiline. The paired bright-red fruits are the most conspicuously poisonous part. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the Apocynaceae family is well-established as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Ingestion may cause vomiting, cardiovascular effects, and serious systemic toxicity. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats elliptic kopsia?

All parts of Ochrosia elliptica contain toxic indole alkaloids, including ellipticine, elliptinine, 9-methoxyellipticine, and isoreserpiline. The paired bright-red fruits are the most conspicuously poisonous part. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the Apocynaceae family is well-established as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Ingestion may cause vomiting, cardiovascular effects, and serious systemic toxicity. Keep away from pets 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 elliptic kopsia.

What should I do if my cat ate elliptic kopsia?

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 elliptic kopsia toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Elliptic Kopsia is toxic to dogs as well. See the full elliptic kopsia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to elliptic kopsia?

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 elliptic kopsia pet-safety