Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Tree Kopsia toxic to cats?

Kopsia arborea

Toxic to cats

Yes — tree kopsia 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. Kopsia arborea is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but it belongs to Apocynaceae and contains a range of indole alkaloids including kopsinine, methyl-chanofruticosinates, and related compounds documented in phytochemical studies. These alkaloids are toxic to mammals. All parts — bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds — should be considered potentially toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. Keep away from pets and children; contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate tree kopsia

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

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

Is tree kopsia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tree kopsia toxic to cats?

Yes — tree kopsia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Kopsia arborea is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but it belongs to Apocynaceae and contains a range of indole alkaloids including kopsinine, methyl-chanofruticosinates, and related compounds documented in phytochemical studies. These alkaloids are toxic to mammals. All parts — bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds — should be considered potentially toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. Keep away from pets and children; contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tree kopsia?

Kopsia arborea is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but it belongs to Apocynaceae and contains a range of indole alkaloids including kopsinine, methyl-chanofruticosinates, and related compounds documented in phytochemical studies. These alkaloids are toxic to mammals. All parts — bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds — should be considered potentially toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. Keep away from pets and children; contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected. 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 tree kopsia.

What should I do if my cat ate tree kopsia?

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 tree kopsia toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Tree Kopsia is toxic to dogs as well. See the full tree kopsia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to tree kopsia?

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 tree kopsia pet-safety