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Is Paulownia tomentosa toxic to cats?

Paulownia tomentosa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists paulownia tomentosa 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. Paulownia tomentosa is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and published sources conflict on its pet safety; the seeds and leaves may cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe around pets.

What to do if your cat ate paulownia tomentosa

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

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

Is paulownia tomentosa toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is paulownia tomentosa toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists paulownia tomentosa 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. Paulownia tomentosa is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and published sources conflict on its pet safety; the seeds and leaves may cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe around pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats paulownia tomentosa?

Paulownia tomentosa is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and published sources conflict on its pet safety; the seeds and leaves may cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe around pets. 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 paulownia tomentosa.

What should I do if my cat ate paulownia tomentosa?

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 paulownia tomentosa toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Paulownia tomentosa is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full paulownia tomentosa pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to paulownia tomentosa?

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 paulownia tomentosa pet-safety