Is Rutenberg's Pachypodium toxic to cats?

Yes — rutenberg's pachypodium is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Member of family Apocynaceae, which contains toxic alkaloids and cardiac glycosides in the milky sap. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and cardiovascular effects in pets and humans. Pachypodium is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database; however, the Apocynaceae family — including Adenium obesum, Nerium oleander, and Plumeria — is well-established as toxic to cats and dogs. Apply equivalent caution and keep away from pets and children.

Member of family Apocynaceae, which contains toxic alkaloids and cardiac glycosides in the milky sap. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and cardiovascular effects in pets and humans. Pachypodium is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database; however, the Apocynaceae family — including Adenium obesum, Nerium oleander, and Plumeria — is well-established as toxic to cats and dogs. Apply equivalent caution and keep 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 rutenberg's pachypodium.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Rutenberg's Pachypodium is toxic to dogs as well. See the full rutenberg's pachypodium pet-safety guide for both species.

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.