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Is Variegated Bear's Paw toxic to cats?

Cotyledon tomentosa 'Bear's Paw Variegata'

Toxic to cats

Yes — variegated bear's paw 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. Cotyledon tomentosa, like all Cotyledon species, contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides. Ingestion by cats, dogs, or livestock can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia. Keep out of reach of all pets and children. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate variegated bear's paw

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

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

Is variegated bear's paw toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is variegated bear's paw toxic to cats?

Yes — variegated bear's paw is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Cotyledon tomentosa, like all Cotyledon species, contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides. Ingestion by cats, dogs, or livestock can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia. Keep out of reach of all pets and children. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats variegated bear's paw?

Cotyledon tomentosa, like all Cotyledon species, contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides. Ingestion by cats, dogs, or livestock can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia. Keep out of reach of all pets and children. Seek veterinary advice immediately 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 variegated bear's paw.

What should I do if my cat ate variegated bear's paw?

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 variegated bear's paw toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Variegated Bear's Paw is toxic to dogs as well. See the full variegated bear's paw pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to variegated bear's paw?

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 variegated bear's paw pet-safety