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Is Jointed Pectinaria toxic to cats?

Pectinaria articulata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists jointed pectinaria 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. Pectinaria is a stapeliad in Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae) and is not individually listed by ASPCA. Other Apocynaceae relatives contain potentially toxic alkaloids or cardenolides. As a precaution, treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate jointed pectinaria

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

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

Is jointed pectinaria toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is jointed pectinaria toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists jointed pectinaria 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. Pectinaria is a stapeliad in Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae) and is not individually listed by ASPCA. Other Apocynaceae relatives contain potentially toxic alkaloids or cardenolides. As a precaution, treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats jointed pectinaria?

Pectinaria is a stapeliad in Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae) and is not individually listed by ASPCA. Other Apocynaceae relatives contain potentially toxic alkaloids or cardenolides. As a precaution, treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and children. 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 jointed pectinaria.

What should I do if my cat ate jointed pectinaria?

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 jointed pectinaria toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Jointed Pectinaria is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full jointed pectinaria pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to jointed pectinaria?

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 jointed pectinaria pet-safety