Are Dipladenia Plants Poisonous to Cats? Are Mandevilla Safe to Grow Around Animals?

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Are Dipladenia plants poisonous to cats? Dipladenia plants are typically considered safe for pets, but there are some rare cases where a cat may have an allergic reaction to the plant.

Dipladenia are beautiful plants with bright eye-catching flowers in a variety of colors. But are they safe to grow around cats and other pets? There is no definitive answer as to whether or not dipladenia plants are poisonous to cats. You should always be vigilant and watch your pet closely if you plan on letting them roam around your dipladenia plant.

This article will answer the question, ‘are dipladenia plants poisonous to cats?’ Most vets would consider the plants to be mildly toxic rather than poisonous. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about growing the plant while keeping your cat safe.

Are dipladenia plants poisonous to cats?

The dipladenia or mandevilla plant has the scientific name mandevilla spp. and isn’t considered a poisonous plant. However, it contains a milky sap, likely to cause an upset stomach if consumed. If you are concerned about whether or not your cat will have a reaction to your dipladenia plant, it is best to speak with a vet or pet expert who can give you more specific advice.

The dipladenia plant has bright, trumpet-shaped flowers and is a perennial in warmer climates but can be grown as an annual elsewhere. These plants come in many varieties and are referred to by various names, including mandevilla and rock trumpet. They are part of the apocynaceae, or dogbane botanical family.

Dipladenia are often kept as a house plant or grown outdoors in warmer climates. They are native to subtropical countries such as South America and the West Indies and also thrive in Southwestern areas of the United States.

Ultimately, the best way to ensure that your cat stays safe is to keep your pet away from the plant and monitor them closely if they happen to get near it. Be especially careful if your cat has a history of nibbling on plants or has a particularly sensitive stomach.

Cats can also suffer from skin irritation caused by the sap of the dipladenia plant. If your cat eats a piece of the plant, he could get sap on his lips which can cause redness and swelling in some cases. Cats that get the sap on their fur and then ingest it while grooming may also have problems.

While ingesting a piece of a dipladenia plant isn’t likely to be fatal, in some cases, seizures or tremors can occur. For this reason, it’s best not to grow the plant in a pet-friendly yard.

Are dipladenia plants toxic to dogs and other pets?

Dipladenia plants are mildly toxic to dogs and smaller pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs. You should avoid letting your pets chew on these plants as the sap can cause stomach upset and symptoms such as sickness and diarrhea.

Other toxic plants

The good news is that most cats are fussy eaters and will avoid nibbling on toxic plants. However, to be on the safe side, you can keep your home and yard free from plants that are likely to cause health problems for your cat. Common garden plants such as peonies, daffodils, and tulips can be toxic to cats if consumed. While lilies are highly poisonous and should always be avoided.

Apocynaceae botanical family

There are other plants that are part of the Apocynaceae botanical family, which are known to be toxic and should be avoided in a pet-friendly yard.

According to the ASPCA, desert azalea, vinca (also known as periwinkle or running myrtle), and Impala lily (a.k.a desert rose or mock azalea) are all toxic to cats and can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as symptoms such as depression, an irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure. In the worst cases eating a part of these plants can be fatal.

Final thoughts

While dipladenia plants are not typically considered poisonous to cats, it is always important to be cautious when dealing with your pet’s health. These plants can be mildly toxic if ingested and cause an upset stomach. The sap can also cause skin irritation. If you have any concerns about your cat’s well-being or behavior around the plant, please speak with a vet immediately.

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