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Is Shrubby Adenia toxic to cats?

Adenia fruticosa

Toxic to cats

Yes — shrubby 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. All parts of Adenia fruticosa are poisonous. The species name alludes to its shrubby nature but its Zulu/Afrikaans folk names reference poison ('gifboom'). The Adenia genus contains cyanogenic glycosides and modeccin (ribosome-inactivating proteins); ingestion is dangerous for pets and humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but genus-level and phytochemical toxicity is well-established. Handle with gloves; keep away from children and pets.

What to do if your cat ate shrubby adenia

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

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

Is shrubby adenia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is shrubby adenia toxic to cats?

Yes — shrubby adenia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Adenia fruticosa are poisonous. The species name alludes to its shrubby nature but its Zulu/Afrikaans folk names reference poison ('gifboom'). The Adenia genus contains cyanogenic glycosides and modeccin (ribosome-inactivating proteins); ingestion is dangerous for pets and humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but genus-level and phytochemical toxicity is well-established. Handle with gloves; keep away from children and pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats shrubby adenia?

All parts of Adenia fruticosa are poisonous. The species name alludes to its shrubby nature but its Zulu/Afrikaans folk names reference poison ('gifboom'). The Adenia genus contains cyanogenic glycosides and modeccin (ribosome-inactivating proteins); ingestion is dangerous for pets and humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but genus-level and phytochemical toxicity is well-established. Handle with gloves; keep away from children and 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 shrubby adenia.

What should I do if my cat ate shrubby 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 shrubby adenia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to shrubby 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 shrubby adenia pet-safety