The coffee tree, Polyscia guilfoylei, is an attractive species that makes an excellent potted indoor plant. Keep in mind that it has nothing to do with the plants like Coffea arabica that are used to make coffee beans. The plant blooms in the spring with tiny white flowers and berries, though indoor plants rarely flower. Unfortunately, every part of this interesting plant is toxic to your cat.
Even if your cat only brushed up against the plant or ate a piece of it, they could still show troubling symptoms. Find out what these are and what to do if you think your cat has been poisoned by a coffee plant below.
Are Coffee Plants Toxic to Cats? What You Need to Know
Coffee plants can make great houseplants with their lush green leaves and occasional white flowers. However, cat owners may be wondering – are coffee plants toxic to cats? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. All parts of the coffee plant contain toxins called saponins that can cause illness if ingested by cats
The coffee plant, scientifically known as Polyscias guilfoylei and also called the geranium-leaf aralia, is frequently grown as a houseplant but should be avoided in homes with cats. This plant is not to be confused with the coffee plant that produces coffee beans (Coffea arabica). While not related to the edible coffee plant, Polyscias guilfoylei is nicknamed “coffee tree” due its superficial resemblance to a coffee shrub.
Saponins in the Coffee Plant
The main toxin present in all parts of the coffee tree is saponin. Saponins have detergent-like properties and cause irritation. Cats can be exposed to saponins by brushing against or chewing the leaves, stems, or berries. The toxins mainly affect the skin, mouth, and digestive system if ingested.
Signs of Exposure in Cats
Common symptoms of coffee plant poisoning in cats include:
- Redness, itching, irritation of the skin after contact
- Excessive drooling or vomiting if leaves/stems eaten
- Loss of appetite, lethargy, depression
- Diarrhea or other signs of gastrointestinal upset
In severe cases, tremors or seizures may occur. However, serious reactions are rare. Many cats experience no or only mild symptoms after limited exposure.
Treatment Options
There is no antidote for coffee plant poisoning. Treatment is aimed at supporting the cat and relieving symptoms. Your vet may recommend:
- Inducing vomiting if ingestion just occurred
- Activated charcoal to absorb toxins
- Anti-nausea medication
- IV fluids for dehydration
- Anti-itch medication for skin irritation
Most cats fully recover within 24-48 hours with proper treatment. Serious complications are extremely rare. Avoid giving any home remedies or human medications without consulting your veterinarian.
Preventing Exposure
The safest option for cat owners is to not keep this plant in your home. If you already have a coffee plant, move it to an area completely inaccessible to your cat. Trim back or remove lower hanging leaves. Watch your cat closely whenever they are near the plant to prevent chewing.
Many houseplants are potentially toxic, so check the ASPCA’s lists of poisonous and non-poisonous plants before bringing any new plants home. Keep all houseplants out of reach of curious cats. With vigilance, you can maintain a cat-friendly indoor garden. If you suspect your cat ate part of any toxic plant, contact your vet or animal poison control right away. With prompt treatment, most cats recover fully after plant poisoning incidents.
What Is Coffee Tree Poisoning?
Toxins called saponins are found in coffee trees. If a cat eats them, they will irritate its skin, mouth, and stomach. Cats can get sick from the plant’s toxins if they rub up against it or if they eat or nibble on part of it.
You’ll be relieved to know it’s rare for coffee plant poisoning to be serious. Still, if you think your cat has been poisoned, you should talk to your vet or a poison center about it.
Are Coffee Plants toxic to Cats?
FAQ
Do cats like coffee plants?
Are coffee plant leaves poisonous?
Are coffee grounds safe for cats?
What plant is very toxic to cats?
Are coffee trees poisonous to cats?
Coffee tree plants are highly toxic and irritant to cats. The substance responsible for the plants’ toxicity is called saponin, and it can have very serious effects. The Kentucky Coffee Tree and the Coffee Tree ( Polyscias guilfoylei) are two types of plants that evolved to contain saponins.
Is coffee addictive and harmful?
Caffeine is a stimulant to the central nervous system, and regular use of caffeine does cause mild physical dependence. If you stop taking caffeine abruptly, you may have symptoms for a day or more, such as headache, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, depressed mood and difficulty concentrating. However, caffeine does not cause the severity of withdrawal or harmful drug-seeking behaviors as street drugs or alcohol. For this reason, experts do not consider caffeine dependence an addiction.
Is coffee harmful to cats?
Cats generally dislike the strongly concentrated caffeine smell in coffee. The American College of Veterinary Pharmacists considers coffee to be toxic to cats. So, using brewed coffee grounds around the garden is not recommended. However, be cautious not to use this remedy around non-acid-loving plants.
Can cats eat coffee plants?
In most coffee plants, caffeine can be found in the leaves, which is toxic to cats. The Polyscias guilfoylei and the Kentucky Coffee Tree can also be extremely toxic to animals, including cats. What Does the Coffee Plant Do to Cats? Different types of coffee plants will have different causes of toxicosis in cats.
Are coffee plants toxic?
The Coffeea Arabica plant is toxic due to the caffeine in its leaves and berries, for example, and the Coffee Tree plant contains very harmful saponins. The coffee plants you can find in specialist plant stores across the US nearly always have caffeine in the fruits, seeds, and leaves.
Are Arabica coffee plants safe for cats?
Coffee Arabica plants, commonly known as Arabica coffee plants, are not safe for cats. These plants contain caffeine and other harmful substances that can be toxic to our feline companions.