Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Malabar Quisqualis toxic to cats?

Quisqualis malabarica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists malabar quisqualis 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. Related Quisqualis (now Combretum) species contain quisqualic acid, particularly concentrated in seeds — this compound is an excitotoxic AMPA receptor agonist. Seeds are documented as toxic if ingested in quantity. The plant is not listed by ASPCA, but given the documented toxicity of closely related species, treat as mildly toxic and keep seeds away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate malabar quisqualis

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

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

Is malabar quisqualis toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is malabar quisqualis toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists malabar quisqualis 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. Related Quisqualis (now Combretum) species contain quisqualic acid, particularly concentrated in seeds — this compound is an excitotoxic AMPA receptor agonist. Seeds are documented as toxic if ingested in quantity. The plant is not listed by ASPCA, but given the documented toxicity of closely related species, treat as mildly toxic and keep seeds away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats malabar quisqualis?

Related Quisqualis (now Combretum) species contain quisqualic acid, particularly concentrated in seeds — this compound is an excitotoxic AMPA receptor agonist. Seeds are documented as toxic if ingested in quantity. The plant is not listed by ASPCA, but given the documented toxicity of closely related species, treat as mildly toxic and keep seeds 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 malabar quisqualis.

What should I do if my cat ate malabar quisqualis?

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 malabar quisqualis toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Malabar Quisqualis is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full malabar quisqualis pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to malabar quisqualis?

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 malabar quisqualis pet-safety