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Is White Tabernaemontana toxic to cats?

Tabernaemontana alba

Toxic to cats

Yes — white tabernaemontana 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. As a member of the Apocynaceae family, Tabernaemontana alba produces toxic alkaloids and a milky latex throughout all plant parts. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus toxicity is consistent with related species and the broader family pattern. Sap can cause skin and eye irritation. Treat as toxic to cats, dogs, and children — do not ingest any part of the plant.

What to do if your cat ate white tabernaemontana

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

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

Is white tabernaemontana toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is white tabernaemontana toxic to cats?

Yes — white tabernaemontana is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a member of the Apocynaceae family, Tabernaemontana alba produces toxic alkaloids and a milky latex throughout all plant parts. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus toxicity is consistent with related species and the broader family pattern. Sap can cause skin and eye irritation. Treat as toxic to cats, dogs, and children — do not ingest any part of the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats white tabernaemontana?

As a member of the Apocynaceae family, Tabernaemontana alba produces toxic alkaloids and a milky latex throughout all plant parts. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus toxicity is consistent with related species and the broader family pattern. Sap can cause skin and eye irritation. Treat as toxic to cats, dogs, and children — do not ingest any part of the 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 white tabernaemontana.

What should I do if my cat ate white tabernaemontana?

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 white tabernaemontana toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: White Tabernaemontana is toxic to dogs as well. See the full white tabernaemontana pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to white tabernaemontana?

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 white tabernaemontana pet-safety