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Is Euphorbia persistentifolia toxic to cats?

Euphorbia persistentifolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — euphorbia persistentifolia 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. As a member of Euphorbia, it is classed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principle is the irritant latex sap (diterpene esters). Ingestion or contact causes drooling, mouth and GI irritation and vomiting, and the milky sap can blister skin and severely irritate eyes. Handle with gloves and keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate euphorbia persistentifolia

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

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

Is euphorbia persistentifolia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is euphorbia persistentifolia toxic to cats?

Yes — euphorbia persistentifolia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a member of Euphorbia, it is classed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principle is the irritant latex sap (diterpene esters). Ingestion or contact causes drooling, mouth and GI irritation and vomiting, and the milky sap can blister skin and severely irritate eyes. Handle with gloves and keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats euphorbia persistentifolia?

As a member of Euphorbia, it is classed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principle is the irritant latex sap (diterpene esters). Ingestion or contact causes drooling, mouth and GI irritation and vomiting, and the milky sap can blister skin and severely irritate eyes. Handle with gloves and keep away from pets. 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 euphorbia persistentifolia.

What should I do if my cat ate euphorbia persistentifolia?

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 euphorbia persistentifolia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to euphorbia persistentifolia?

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 euphorbia persistentifolia pet-safety