Pet safety
Is Orange River Climbing Onion toxic to cats?
Bowiea gariepensis
Yes — orange river climbing onion 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. Like Bowiea volubilis, B. gariepensis contains cardiac glycosides (bufadienolides) that are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, with potential for severe gastrointestinal and cardiac effects. ASPCA recognises Bowiea genus toxicity. Keep strictly away from all pets and children.
What to do if your cat ate orange river climbing onion
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move orange river climbing onion out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of orange river climbing onion to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten orange river climbing onion, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is orange river climbing onion toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is orange river climbing onion toxic to cats?
Yes — orange river climbing onion is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Like Bowiea volubilis, B. gariepensis contains cardiac glycosides (bufadienolides) that are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, with potential for severe gastrointestinal and cardiac effects. ASPCA recognises Bowiea genus toxicity. Keep strictly away from all pets and children.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats orange river climbing onion?
Like Bowiea volubilis, B. gariepensis contains cardiac glycosides (bufadienolides) that are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, with potential for severe gastrointestinal and cardiac effects. ASPCA recognises Bowiea genus toxicity. Keep strictly away from all 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 orange river climbing onion.
What should I do if my cat ate orange river climbing onion?
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 orange river climbing onion toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Orange River Climbing Onion is toxic to dogs as well. See the full orange river climbing onion pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to orange river climbing onion?
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 orange river climbing onion pet-safety
- Is orange river climbing onion toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is orange river climbing onion toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate orange river climbing onion — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete orange river climbing onion care guide