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Is Umbrella Tree toxic to cats?

Heptapleurum actinophyllum

Toxic to cats

Yes — umbrella tree 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. The ASPCA lists the Umbrella Tree (Brassaia/Schefflera actinophylla, syn. Heptapleurum actinophyllum) as toxic to both dogs and cats. Toxic principles are terpenoids, saponins, and insoluble calcium oxalates; ingestion typically causes oral irritation, drooling, and mild vomiting and diarrhea. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate umbrella tree

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

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

Is umbrella tree toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is umbrella tree toxic to cats?

Yes — umbrella tree is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists the Umbrella Tree (Brassaia/Schefflera actinophylla, syn. Heptapleurum actinophyllum) as toxic to both dogs and cats. Toxic principles are terpenoids, saponins, and insoluble calcium oxalates; ingestion typically causes oral irritation, drooling, and mild vomiting and diarrhea. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats umbrella tree?

The ASPCA lists the Umbrella Tree (Brassaia/Schefflera actinophylla, syn. Heptapleurum actinophyllum) as toxic to both dogs and cats. Toxic principles are terpenoids, saponins, and insoluble calcium oxalates; ingestion typically causes oral irritation, drooling, and mild vomiting and diarrhea. Keep away from pets and children. 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 umbrella tree.

What should I do if my cat ate umbrella tree?

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 umbrella tree toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to umbrella tree?

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 umbrella tree pet-safety