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Is Variegated Japanese Spurge toxic to cats?

Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegated japanese spurge 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. As a cultivar of Pachysandra terminalis, 'Variegata' contains the same alkaloids and saponins as the parent species. Not individually listed by ASPCA. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea) in dogs and cats. Seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part of this plant.

What to do if your cat ate variegated japanese spurge

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

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

Is variegated japanese spurge toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is variegated japanese spurge toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegated japanese spurge 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. As a cultivar of Pachysandra terminalis, 'Variegata' contains the same alkaloids and saponins as the parent species. Not individually listed by ASPCA. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea) in dogs and cats. Seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part of this plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats variegated japanese spurge?

As a cultivar of Pachysandra terminalis, 'Variegata' contains the same alkaloids and saponins as the parent species. Not individually listed by ASPCA. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea) in dogs and cats. Seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part of this plant. 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 japanese spurge.

What should I do if my cat ate variegated japanese spurge?

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 japanese spurge toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Variegated Japanese Spurge is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full variegated japanese spurge pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to variegated japanese spurge?

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 japanese spurge pet-safety