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Is Hoodia gordonii toxic to cats?

Hoodia gordonii

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hoodia gordonii 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. Hoodia gordonii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Although the related stapeliad Stapelia is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic, Hoodia contains pharmacologically active pregnane steroidal glycosides (including the appetite suppressant P57), and animal studies show toxic clinical signs at high oral doses, so it should NOT be assumed pet-safe. Treat as potentially toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children, and verify with a vet on ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate hoodia gordonii

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

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

Is hoodia gordonii toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hoodia gordonii toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hoodia gordonii 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. Hoodia gordonii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Although the related stapeliad Stapelia is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic, Hoodia contains pharmacologically active pregnane steroidal glycosides (including the appetite suppressant P57), and animal studies show toxic clinical signs at high oral doses, so it should NOT be assumed pet-safe. Treat as potentially toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children, and verify with a vet on ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hoodia gordonii?

Hoodia gordonii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Although the related stapeliad Stapelia is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic, Hoodia contains pharmacologically active pregnane steroidal glycosides (including the appetite suppressant P57), and animal studies show toxic clinical signs at high oral doses, so it should NOT be assumed pet-safe. Treat as potentially toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children, and verify with a vet on ingestion. 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 hoodia gordonii.

What should I do if my cat ate hoodia gordonii?

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 hoodia gordonii toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hoodia gordonii is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full hoodia gordonii pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to hoodia gordonii?

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 hoodia gordonii pet-safety