Is Star Apple toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists star apple 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. Chrysophyllum cainito is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its pet status is uncertain. The skin, rind and unripe flesh contain bitter latex and astringent tannins that are inedible and can irritate the mouth and gut; only the ripe inner pulp is eaten. Treat as potentially harmful to pets and verify with a vet before allowing access.

Chrysophyllum cainito is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its pet status is uncertain. The skin, rind and unripe flesh contain bitter latex and astringent tannins that are inedible and can irritate the mouth and gut; only the ripe inner pulp is eaten. Treat as potentially harmful to pets and verify with a vet before allowing access. 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 star apple.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Star Apple is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full star apple pet-safety guide for both species.

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.