Is Kiwano toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists kiwano 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. Cucumis metuliferus is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The RHS notes that bitter forms of the fruit can be toxic and the jelly can contain saponin; ripe sweet fruit is eaten by people, but keep pets from chewing bitter fruit, foliage or stems, which may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Cucumis metuliferus is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The RHS notes that bitter forms of the fruit can be toxic and the jelly can contain saponin; ripe sweet fruit is eaten by people, but keep pets from chewing bitter fruit, foliage or stems, which may cause gastrointestinal upset. 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 kiwano.

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: Kiwano is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full kiwano 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.