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Is Sea Spurge toxic to cats?

Euphorbia paralias

Toxic to cats

Yes — sea spurge 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. Euphorbia paralias, like all Euphorbia species, contains a caustic white latex sap comprising diterpenoid esters (including phorbol esters) that is severely irritating and toxic. According to the ASPCA, Euphorbia species are toxic to both dogs and cats; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling, while skin or eye contact with the sap causes intense irritation and chemical burns. The milky sap is exuded copiously when any part of the plant is cut or damaged. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling and keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate sea spurge

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

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

Is sea spurge toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sea spurge toxic to cats?

Yes — sea spurge is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Euphorbia paralias, like all Euphorbia species, contains a caustic white latex sap comprising diterpenoid esters (including phorbol esters) that is severely irritating and toxic. According to the ASPCA, Euphorbia species are toxic to both dogs and cats; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling, while skin or eye contact with the sap causes intense irritation and chemical burns. The milky sap is exuded copiously when any part of the plant is cut or damaged. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling and keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sea spurge?

Euphorbia paralias, like all Euphorbia species, contains a caustic white latex sap comprising diterpenoid esters (including phorbol esters) that is severely irritating and toxic. According to the ASPCA, Euphorbia species are toxic to both dogs and cats; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling, while skin or eye contact with the sap causes intense irritation and chemical burns. The milky sap is exuded copiously when any part of the plant is cut or damaged. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling 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 sea spurge.

What should I do if my cat ate sea spurge?

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 sea spurge toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to sea spurge?

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 sea spurge pet-safety