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Is Sarpagandha toxic to cats?

Rauvolfia serpentina

Toxic to cats

Yes — sarpagandha 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. Contains potent monoterpene indole alkaloids including reserpine, ajmaline, serpentine, and yohimbine throughout all plant parts, especially the roots. These compounds cause hypotension, sedation, CNS depression, and gastrointestinal distress in humans and animals. Rauvolfia is not individually listed by ASPCA, but the Apocynaceae family is well-documented as toxic; treat as toxic to pets and humans. Keep out of reach of children and animals.

What to do if your cat ate sarpagandha

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

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

Is sarpagandha toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sarpagandha toxic to cats?

Yes — sarpagandha is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Contains potent monoterpene indole alkaloids including reserpine, ajmaline, serpentine, and yohimbine throughout all plant parts, especially the roots. These compounds cause hypotension, sedation, CNS depression, and gastrointestinal distress in humans and animals. Rauvolfia is not individually listed by ASPCA, but the Apocynaceae family is well-documented as toxic; treat as toxic to pets and humans. Keep out of reach of children and animals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sarpagandha?

Contains potent monoterpene indole alkaloids including reserpine, ajmaline, serpentine, and yohimbine throughout all plant parts, especially the roots. These compounds cause hypotension, sedation, CNS depression, and gastrointestinal distress in humans and animals. Rauvolfia is not individually listed by ASPCA, but the Apocynaceae family is well-documented as toxic; treat as toxic to pets and humans. Keep out of reach of children and animals. 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 sarpagandha.

What should I do if my cat ate sarpagandha?

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 sarpagandha toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to sarpagandha?

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 sarpagandha pet-safety