The wild coffee plant, also known as Psychotria nervosa, is a shrub native to Florida that can be toxic to cats if ingested. While not usually fatal, consuming parts of this plant can cause mild to moderate symptoms in felines.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If your cat has eaten any part of a wild coffee plant, it may begin to show some worrying symptoms. The toxic compounds in this shrub, especially the saponins, can irritate your cat’s mouth, throat, and digestive system.Common signs that your cat has ingested wild coffee include:
If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect your cat has chewed on a wild coffee plant, contact your veterinarian right away. Prompt treatment can help alleviate your cat’s discomfort and prevent further complications.
If you bring your cat to the vet with suspected wild coffee toxicity, here are the steps they will likely take to diagnose the issue:
Your vet can then provide supportive care to help your cat recover and get back to normal as quickly as possible.
A: Yes, the Wild Coffee plant can be harmful to cats. Although not as toxic as true coffee plants, ingestion can still cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
A: Symptoms of Wild Coffee plant poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If your cat shows any of these signs, consult a veterinarian promptly.
A: The Wild Coffee plant is mildly toxic to pets, including cats. Ingestion may lead to digestive discomfort, but severe reactions are uncommon.
A: Cats can recover from Wild Coffee plant poisoning with appropriate care. Most cases are mild, but it’s important to monitor your cat for worsening symptoms.
A: Growing a Wild Coffee plant in a home with cats can be risky due to its mild toxicity. It’s better to choose pet-safe alternatives like Areca palms or Bamboo.
A: If your cat eats part of a Wild Coffee plant, observe them for any signs of distress and contact your veterinarian if symptoms arise. Early intervention can help prevent more serious issues.
Native to subtropical and tropical regions of Florida, the wild coffee plant is an evergreen shrub that can grow 4-10 feet tall. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces small white flowers and bright red berries.
While the berries resemble true coffee beans, wild coffee is not closely related to the Coffea plants that produce the beverage. It gets its common name from the similar appearance, but the fruits are not edible.
Many people value wild coffee as a landscape ornamental for its attractive foliage and form. However, its toxicity to pets like cats and dogs is important to keep in mind if planting it in your yard.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
