The short answer is yes, plumeria is toxic to cats. All parts of the plumeria plant are toxic to cats, including the flowers, leaves, and stems. If your cat ingests any part of a plumeria plant, it could result in serious health problems or even death.
If you have a plumeria plant in your home or yard, make sure your cat doesn’t have access to it. If you suspect your cat has ingested plumeria, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Plumeria (Plumeria rubra) is a tropical plant that is commonly used in leis and other floral arrangements. The flowers are white, pink, or red and have a strong fragrance. Plumeria plants are native to Central America, but they can be found in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
How is Plumeria Toxic to Cats?
All parts of the plumeria plant are toxic to cats. The toxic principles in plumeria are unknown, but it is thought that they may be saponins. Saponins are a type of glycoside that can be found in a variety of plants. They are known to cause gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting.
If your cat ingests plumeria, it is likely to experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, plumeria toxicity can lead to tremors, seizures, and even death.
How to Prevent Plumeria Toxicity in Cats
The best way to prevent plumeria toxicity in cats is to keep them away from the plant. If you have a plumeria plant in your home or yard, make sure your cat can’t get to it. If you suspect your cat has ingested plumeria, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Treating Plumeria Toxicity in Cats
If your cat has ingested plumeria, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. There is no specific antidote for plumeria toxicity, so treatment will be supportive. Your veterinarian will likely give your cat IV fluids to prevent dehydration and help flush the toxins out of its system.
If your cat is having seizures or experiencing other serious symptoms, it may need to be hospitalized. In severe cases, plumeria toxicity can be fatal.
How to Protect Your Cat
The best way to protect your cat from plumeria toxicity is to keep them away from the plant. If you have a plumeria tree in your yard, make sure your cat can’t get to it.
If you’re buying a lei or other floral arrangement that contains plumeria, check with the florist to make sure the flowers have been treated with a safe pesticide.
If you think your cat has ingested plumeria, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Keep your cat safe by keeping plumeria out of their reach.
