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Is Mammy Croton toxic to cats?

Codiaeum variegatum 'Mammy'

Toxic to cats

Yes — mammy croton 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is listed as toxic by the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline; the milky sap contains diterpene esters that irritate the mouth and digestive tract. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and oral or skin irritation. The sap may also irritate human skin.

What to do if your cat ate mammy croton

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

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

Is mammy croton toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mammy croton toxic to cats?

Yes — mammy croton is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is listed as toxic by the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline; the milky sap contains diterpene esters that irritate the mouth and digestive tract. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and oral or skin irritation. The sap may also irritate human skin.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mammy croton?

Toxic to cats and dogs. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is listed as toxic by the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline; the milky sap contains diterpene esters that irritate the mouth and digestive tract. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and oral or skin irritation. The sap may also irritate human skin. 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 mammy croton.

What should I do if my cat ate mammy croton?

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 mammy croton toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Mammy Croton is toxic to dogs as well. See the full mammy croton pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to mammy croton?

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 mammy croton pet-safety