Croton

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Mouth irritation (burning sensation in mouth, tongue, and lips) Immediate (upon chewing or contact). · The sap causes direct irritation to the oral cavity, which can lead to behavioral signs of pain or distress.
2. 2
   Drooling (Hypersalivation) Rapid (following oral irritation). · This is a secondary response to the burning sensation and irritation caused by the plant's sap in the mouth.
3. 3
   Vomiting Shortly after ingestion. · Ingestion of the plant material irritates the stomach lining, triggering vomiting.
4. 4
   Diarrhea Delayed (as plant material moves through the GI tract). · The irritant oils affect the intestines, leading to loose stools.
5. 5
   Anorexia (Refusal to eat) Following oral pain or nausea. · Cats may refuse to eat due to the pain in their mouth or general nausea.
6. 6
   Skin Irritation (Dermatitis/Rash) Upon direct contact. · Contact with the sap (e.g., from a broken leaf) can cause redness or a rash on the cat's skin or fur.

Important notes

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a popular ornamental shrub known for its brightly colored, patterned leaves. It is often grown in gardens or kept as an indoor potted plant. However, croton is not safe for cats, and cats should not be allowed to chew it or come into contact with its sap. The main danger comes from the milky sap released when the plant is damaged. This sap contains strong irritants, including diterpene esters related to phorbol esters. In simple terms, these compounds can strongly irritate the skin, eyes, mouth, and other sensitive tissues, causing pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation. The seeds may also contain protein-based toxins, so cats should not chew or swallow them. If a cat eats croton, possible signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, mouth pain, and low energy. If the sap touches the skin or eyes, irritation can develop quickly, with redness, tearing, squinting, pawing at the face, or signs of pain. The leaves, stems, sap, and seeds should all be kept away from cats. Homes with cats should avoid keeping croton, or place it somewhere the cat truly cannot reach.

• Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and abdominal pain from ingestion; skin redness, blistering, and eye pain from sap contact.
• Sap is the immediate hazard: The milky sap is released whenever a leaf or stem is broken. Cats that chew on leaves receive both the sap and the leaf tissue.
• Action: Rinse skin or eyes thoroughly with water if sap contact occurs. Seek veterinary care if a cat has ingested any part of the plant or if eye symptoms develop.