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Is Poisonous Adenia toxic to cats?

Adenia venenata

Toxic to cats

Yes — poisonous adenia 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. Adenia venenata is one of the most toxic plants known. It contains modeccin — a highly potent type II ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP-II) similar in mechanism to ricin — as well as cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion of even a small amount can cause severe organ damage and death in humans and animals. It is not individually listed by ASPCA, but the Adenia genus is documented as severely toxic in toxicological and pharmacological literature. This plant must never be kept in any household with children or pets. Handle only with chemical-resistant gloves and wash hands thoroughly after any contact.

What to do if your cat ate poisonous adenia

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

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

Is poisonous adenia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is poisonous adenia toxic to cats?

Yes — poisonous adenia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Adenia venenata is one of the most toxic plants known. It contains modeccin — a highly potent type II ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP-II) similar in mechanism to ricin — as well as cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion of even a small amount can cause severe organ damage and death in humans and animals. It is not individually listed by ASPCA, but the Adenia genus is documented as severely toxic in toxicological and pharmacological literature. This plant must never be kept in any household with children or pets. Handle only with chemical-resistant gloves and wash hands thoroughly after any contact.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats poisonous adenia?

Adenia venenata is one of the most toxic plants known. It contains modeccin — a highly potent type II ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP-II) similar in mechanism to ricin — as well as cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion of even a small amount can cause severe organ damage and death in humans and animals. It is not individually listed by ASPCA, but the Adenia genus is documented as severely toxic in toxicological and pharmacological literature. This plant must never be kept in any household with children or pets. Handle only with chemical-resistant gloves and wash hands thoroughly after any contact. 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 poisonous adenia.

What should I do if my cat ate poisonous adenia?

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 poisonous adenia toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Poisonous Adenia is toxic to dogs as well. See the full poisonous adenia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to poisonous adenia?

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 poisonous adenia pet-safety