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Is Schaefer's Tylecodon toxic to cats?

Tylecodon schaeferianus

Toxic to cats

Yes — schaefer's tylecodon 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 bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (cotyledoside and tyledosides) documented across the Tylecodon genus in the veterinary and phytochemical literature (NCBI/PMC, SANBI). Not individually listed by ASPCA (whose database focuses primarily on commonly cultivated ornamentals), but the genus toxicity is unambiguous. Even the small plant mass of T. schaeferianus poses a risk if ingested by a cat or small dog. Keep entirely out of reach of all pets.

What to do if your cat ate schaefer's tylecodon

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

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

Is schaefer's tylecodon toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is schaefer's tylecodon toxic to cats?

Yes — schaefer's tylecodon is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (cotyledoside and tyledosides) documented across the Tylecodon genus in the veterinary and phytochemical literature (NCBI/PMC, SANBI). Not individually listed by ASPCA (whose database focuses primarily on commonly cultivated ornamentals), but the genus toxicity is unambiguous. Even the small plant mass of T. schaeferianus poses a risk if ingested by a cat or small dog. Keep entirely out of reach of all pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats schaefer's tylecodon?

Contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (cotyledoside and tyledosides) documented across the Tylecodon genus in the veterinary and phytochemical literature (NCBI/PMC, SANBI). Not individually listed by ASPCA (whose database focuses primarily on commonly cultivated ornamentals), but the genus toxicity is unambiguous. Even the small plant mass of T. schaeferianus poses a risk if ingested by a cat or small dog. Keep entirely out of reach of all 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 schaefer's tylecodon.

What should I do if my cat ate schaefer's tylecodon?

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 schaefer's tylecodon toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Schaefer's Tylecodon is toxic to dogs as well. See the full schaefer's tylecodon pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to schaefer's tylecodon?

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 schaefer's tylecodon pet-safety