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Umbrella Tree Plant Dangers: How It Can Harm Your Cat?

Gothic-style artistic depiction of an Umbrella Tree (Brassaia actinophylla) with intricate detailing.

The Umbrella Tree (Brassaia actinophylla), also known as Schefflera, Australian Ivy Palm, Octopus Tree, or Starleaf, is a common houseplant that can be toxic to cats. While cats are not necessarily allergic to the Umbrella Tree, ingesting parts of this plant can cause poisoning in felines.

The Umbrella Tree contains potentially toxic substances such as terpenoids, saponins, and insoluble calcium oxalates, which can lead to adverse reactions in cats if consumed. This plant is commonly found as an indoor ornamental plant in homes and offices.

Umbrella Tree Plant Toxicity: Level of Concern

(Level 4) - Highly Toxic

Veterinary assistance is needed right away if your cat is showing symptoms of poisoning, or you can call the APCC 24-Hour Emergency Poison Hotline.

  • Level 1 - Minimally Toxic

    Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.

  • Level 2 - Mildly Toxic

    Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.

  • Level 3 - Moderately Toxic

    Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.

  • Level 4 - Highly Toxic

    Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.

  • Level 5 - Extremely Toxic

    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.

Click to Call APCC 24-Hour Emergency Poison Hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

Observable symptoms your cat could have

If a cat ingests parts of the Umbrella Tree, they may experience various symptoms due to the plant’s toxic compounds. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of the plant consumed and the individual cat’s sensitivity.Common symptoms of Umbrella Tree poisoning in cats include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Oral irritation
  • Swelling and redness around the mouth and nose
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Excessive salivation
  • Pupil dilation

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Potential diagnosis your Vet may give

If you suspect your cat has ingested parts of an Umbrella Tree, it is crucial to seek veterinary care promptly. Your veterinarian will likely follow these steps to diagnose Umbrella Tree poisoning:

  1. Obtain a thorough history of your cat’s exposure to the plant and any observed symptoms.
  2. Perform a physical examination to assess your cat’s overall health and check for signs of oral irritation, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
  3. Run blood tests to evaluate organ function and check for any abnormalities.
  4. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as radiographs or an ultrasound, to assess the severity of the poisoning and rule out other underlying health issues.
An illustrative banner depicting an anthropomorphic cat in a vet's office, alongside a call-to-action message that reads: 'If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance,' accompanied by a prominent button stating 'Find A Vet Near Me!
An illustrative banner depicting an anthropomorphic cat in a vet's office, alongside a call-to-action message that reads: 'If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance,' accompanied by a prominent button stating 'Find A Vet Near Me!

Toxic Plants and Cats: What You Need to Know about the Umbrella Tree Plant

Q: Are Umbrella Tree plants toxic to cats?

A: Yes, the Umbrella Tree (Brassaia actinophylla) is toxic to cats due to its saponins, which can cause vomiting, drooling, and other symptoms. If your cat ingests any part of this plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Q: What are the symptoms if a cat ingests Brassaia actinophylla?

A: If a cat ingests the Umbrella Tree, symptoms may include vomiting, drooling, and lethargy. In severe cases, difficulty breathing or a loss of appetite could occur.

Q: How dangerous is the Umbrella Tree for pets?

A: The Umbrella Tree is moderately toxic to pets, especially cats, and ingestion can lead to significant discomfort. However, prompt treatment usually prevents severe complications.

Q: What should I do if my cat eats Umbrella Tree leaves?

A: If your cat eats Umbrella Tree leaves, immediately remove any remaining plant material and contact your vet for advice. Monitoring your pet for symptoms like vomiting or excessive drooling is also important.

Q: Are there safer alternatives to the Umbrella Tree for cat owners?

A: Yes, several pet-safe houseplants, such as the Spider Plant and Boston Fern, are excellent alternatives. These plants can add greenery to your home without posing a risk to your cat’s health.

Q: How can I prevent my cat from chewing on toxic plants like the Umbrella Tree?

A: To prevent your cat from chewing on toxic plants, keep these plants out of reach or choose non-toxic alternatives. You can also provide safe chewing options like cat grass to deter your cat from harmful plants.

Umbrella Tree Plant: A Historical Overview

The Umbrella Tree (Brassaia actinophylla) is native to the tropical regions of Australia and New Guinea. It belongs to the Araliaceae family, which includes other popular houseplants such as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree and the Fatsia japonica.

The Umbrella Tree was introduced as an ornamental plant in the 19th century and has since become a popular choice for indoor spaces due to its attractive foliage and ability to thrive in low-light conditions.

Further reading and sources

  1. Umbrella Tree | ASPCA
  2. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Cats | ASPCA
  3. Umbrella Tree is Toxic to Cats 🐈 - Greg
  4. Are Umbrella Plants Poisonous? | Home Guides | SF Gate

Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.

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