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Is Thorn Apple toxic to cats?

Datura stramonium

Toxic to cats

Yes — thorn apple 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 contain tropane alkaloids — primarily atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. These cause anticholinergic poisoning in dogs, cats, horses, and humans: dilated pupils, rapid heart rate, hyperthermia, hallucinations, seizures, coma, and death. The seeds are the most concentrated part. ASPCA lists Datura species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. This plant should not be grown in gardens with access by children or pets.

What to do if your cat ate thorn apple

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

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

Is thorn apple toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is thorn apple toxic to cats?

Yes — thorn apple is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts contain tropane alkaloids — primarily atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. These cause anticholinergic poisoning in dogs, cats, horses, and humans: dilated pupils, rapid heart rate, hyperthermia, hallucinations, seizures, coma, and death. The seeds are the most concentrated part. ASPCA lists Datura species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. This plant should not be grown in gardens with access by children or pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats thorn apple?

All parts contain tropane alkaloids — primarily atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. These cause anticholinergic poisoning in dogs, cats, horses, and humans: dilated pupils, rapid heart rate, hyperthermia, hallucinations, seizures, coma, and death. The seeds are the most concentrated part. ASPCA lists Datura species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. This plant should not be grown in gardens with access by children or 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 thorn apple.

What should I do if my cat ate thorn 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.

Is thorn apple toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to thorn apple?

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 thorn apple pet-safety