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Pet safety

Is Tamanu toxic to cats?

Calophyllum inophyllum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tamanu 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. Calophyllum inophyllum is not individually listed by ASPCA. The seed kernel and bark contain calophyllolide and other coumarins/resins that are known irritants and potentially toxic if ingested in quantity. The seed oil (used topically in cosmetics) is not intended for consumption. Keep seeds away from pets and children. Exercise caution; do not classify as pet-safe.

What to do if your cat ate tamanu

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

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

Is tamanu toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tamanu toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tamanu 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. Calophyllum inophyllum is not individually listed by ASPCA. The seed kernel and bark contain calophyllolide and other coumarins/resins that are known irritants and potentially toxic if ingested in quantity. The seed oil (used topically in cosmetics) is not intended for consumption. Keep seeds away from pets and children. Exercise caution; do not classify as pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tamanu?

Calophyllum inophyllum is not individually listed by ASPCA. The seed kernel and bark contain calophyllolide and other coumarins/resins that are known irritants and potentially toxic if ingested in quantity. The seed oil (used topically in cosmetics) is not intended for consumption. Keep seeds away from pets and children. Exercise caution; do not classify as pet-safe. 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 tamanu.

What should I do if my cat ate tamanu?

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 tamanu toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to tamanu?

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 tamanu pet-safety