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Is Lucky Nut toxic to cats?

Cascabela thevetia

Toxic to cats

Yes — lucky nut is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All parts are highly toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. The plant contains cardiac glycosides including thevetin A and B; the milky sap and especially the seeds can cause severe cardiac arrhythmia, vomiting, and death. The name 'Lucky Nut' refers to the seed being carried as a charm — despite this, ingestion of even one seed is a medical emergency. The botanical name Cascabela thevetia is the currently accepted name; Thevetia peruviana is a widely used synonym. Wear gloves when handling.

What to do if your cat ate lucky nut

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

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

Is lucky nut toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lucky nut toxic to cats?

Yes — lucky nut is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts are highly toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. The plant contains cardiac glycosides including thevetin A and B; the milky sap and especially the seeds can cause severe cardiac arrhythmia, vomiting, and death. The name 'Lucky Nut' refers to the seed being carried as a charm — despite this, ingestion of even one seed is a medical emergency. The botanical name Cascabela thevetia is the currently accepted name; Thevetia peruviana is a widely used synonym. Wear gloves when handling.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lucky nut?

All parts are highly toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. The plant contains cardiac glycosides including thevetin A and B; the milky sap and especially the seeds can cause severe cardiac arrhythmia, vomiting, and death. The name 'Lucky Nut' refers to the seed being carried as a charm — despite this, ingestion of even one seed is a medical emergency. The botanical name Cascabela thevetia is the currently accepted name; Thevetia peruviana is a widely used synonym. Wear gloves when handling. 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 lucky nut.

What should I do if my cat ate lucky nut?

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 lucky nut toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lucky Nut is toxic to dogs as well. See the full lucky nut pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to lucky nut?

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 lucky nut pet-safety