Is Giant Thevetia toxic to cats?

Yes — giant thevetia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts — sap, leaves, seeds, and flowers — contain cardiac glycosides (including potent heart-stimulating compounds found in the seeds). Toxic to humans and animals; seed ingestion can be lethal. The genus Thevetia is well-documented as severely poisonous throughout horticultural and toxicological literature. Wear gloves when pruning due to the milky irritant latex.

All parts — sap, leaves, seeds, and flowers — contain cardiac glycosides (including potent heart-stimulating compounds found in the seeds). Toxic to humans and animals; seed ingestion can be lethal. The genus Thevetia is well-documented as severely poisonous throughout horticultural and toxicological literature. Wear gloves when pruning due to the milky irritant latex. 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 giant thevetia.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Giant Thevetia is toxic to dogs as well. See the full giant thevetia pet-safety guide for both species.

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.