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Is Velvet Cotyledon toxic to cats?

Cotyledon velutina

Toxic to cats

Yes — velvet cotyledon 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 species contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides throughout the genus. ASPCA lists Cotyledon orbiculata as toxic to cats and dogs; this toxic principle is consistent across all Cotyledon species including C. velutina. Symptoms in pets include vomiting, muscle weakness, and cardiac irregularities. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate velvet cotyledon

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

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

Is velvet cotyledon toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is velvet cotyledon toxic to cats?

Yes — velvet cotyledon is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Cotyledon species contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides throughout the genus. ASPCA lists Cotyledon orbiculata as toxic to cats and dogs; this toxic principle is consistent across all Cotyledon species including C. velutina. Symptoms in pets include vomiting, muscle weakness, and cardiac irregularities. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats velvet cotyledon?

Cotyledon species contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides throughout the genus. ASPCA lists Cotyledon orbiculata as toxic to cats and dogs; this toxic principle is consistent across all Cotyledon species including C. velutina. Symptoms in pets include vomiting, muscle weakness, and cardiac irregularities. 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 velvet cotyledon.

What should I do if my cat ate velvet cotyledon?

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 velvet cotyledon toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Velvet Cotyledon is toxic to dogs as well. See the full velvet cotyledon pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to velvet cotyledon?

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 velvet cotyledon pet-safety