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Is Gamboge Tree toxic to cats?

Garcinia xanthochymus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists gamboge 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. Garcinia xanthochymus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant databases. No reported toxicity to humans in available horticultural literature. However, as the genus is not cleared by ASPCA, pet safety cannot be confirmed. The yellow latex exuded from cut stems may irritate skin. Keep pets away from sap and fallen fruit.

What to do if your cat ate gamboge tree

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

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

Is gamboge tree toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is gamboge tree toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists gamboge 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. Garcinia xanthochymus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant databases. No reported toxicity to humans in available horticultural literature. However, as the genus is not cleared by ASPCA, pet safety cannot be confirmed. The yellow latex exuded from cut stems may irritate skin. Keep pets away from sap and fallen fruit.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats gamboge tree?

Garcinia xanthochymus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant databases. No reported toxicity to humans in available horticultural literature. However, as the genus is not cleared by ASPCA, pet safety cannot be confirmed. The yellow latex exuded from cut stems may irritate skin. Keep pets away from sap and fallen fruit. 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 gamboge tree.

What should I do if my cat ate gamboge 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 gamboge tree toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to gamboge 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 gamboge tree pet-safety