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Is Star-fruited Uncarina toxic to cats?

Uncarina stellulifera

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists star-fruited uncarina 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. Uncarina stellulifera (family Pedaliaceae) is not individually listed by ASPCA. The distinctive star-shaped spines on ripe fruit capsules are sharply hooked and can mechanically injure the mouths, paws, and skin of pets. No significant systemic toxic compound is documented, but treat with caution around animals.

What to do if your cat ate star-fruited uncarina

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move star-fruited uncarina 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 star-fruited uncarina to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is star-fruited uncarina toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is star-fruited uncarina toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists star-fruited uncarina 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. Uncarina stellulifera (family Pedaliaceae) is not individually listed by ASPCA. The distinctive star-shaped spines on ripe fruit capsules are sharply hooked and can mechanically injure the mouths, paws, and skin of pets. No significant systemic toxic compound is documented, but treat with caution around animals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats star-fruited uncarina?

Uncarina stellulifera (family Pedaliaceae) is not individually listed by ASPCA. The distinctive star-shaped spines on ripe fruit capsules are sharply hooked and can mechanically injure the mouths, paws, and skin of pets. No significant systemic toxic compound is documented, but treat with caution around animals. 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-fruited uncarina.

What should I do if my cat ate star-fruited uncarina?

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 star-fruited uncarina toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to star-fruited uncarina?

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 star-fruited uncarina pet-safety