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Is Stapelia hirsuta var. vetula toxic to cats?

Stapelia hirsuta var. vetula

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists stapelia hirsuta var. vetula as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Stapelia is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a member of the milkweed subfamily (Apocynaceae) its sap may cause mild irritation, and it should not be asserted as pet-safe without an ASPCA listing. Keep pets from chewing the stems.

What to do if your cat ate stapelia hirsuta var. vetula

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

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

Is stapelia hirsuta var. vetula toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is stapelia hirsuta var. vetula toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists stapelia hirsuta var. vetula as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Stapelia is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a member of the milkweed subfamily (Apocynaceae) its sap may cause mild irritation, and it should not be asserted as pet-safe without an ASPCA listing. Keep pets from chewing the stems.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats stapelia hirsuta var. vetula?

Stapelia is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a member of the milkweed subfamily (Apocynaceae) its sap may cause mild irritation, and it should not be asserted as pet-safe without an ASPCA listing. Keep pets from chewing the stems. 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 stapelia hirsuta var. vetula.

What should I do if my cat ate stapelia hirsuta var. vetula?

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 stapelia hirsuta var. vetula toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Stapelia hirsuta var. vetula is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full stapelia hirsuta var. vetula pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to stapelia hirsuta var. vetula?

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 stapelia hirsuta var. vetula pet-safety