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Is Fragrant Bursera toxic to cats?

Bursera odorata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists fragrant bursera 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 odorata is not individually listed by ASPCA. Like other Burseraceae, the plant contains aromatic terpene resins that may irritate the skin or mucous membranes on contact and could cause gastric upset if ingested by pets. No severe toxicity is documented in the literature, but treat the resinous sap with caution around pets and children. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate fragrant bursera

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

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

Is fragrant bursera toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is fragrant bursera toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists fragrant bursera 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 odorata is not individually listed by ASPCA. Like other Burseraceae, the plant contains aromatic terpene resins that may irritate the skin or mucous membranes on contact and could cause gastric upset if ingested by pets. No severe toxicity is documented in the literature, but treat the resinous sap with caution around pets and children. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats fragrant bursera?

Bursera odorata is not individually listed by ASPCA. Like other Burseraceae, the plant contains aromatic terpene resins that may irritate the skin or mucous membranes on contact and could cause gastric upset if ingested by pets. No severe toxicity is documented in the literature, but treat the resinous sap with caution around pets and children. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs. 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 fragrant bursera.

What should I do if my cat ate fragrant bursera?

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 fragrant bursera toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Fragrant Bursera is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full fragrant bursera pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to fragrant bursera?

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 fragrant bursera pet-safety