Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Pride of Barbados safe for cats?
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Barbados Pride is a tropical shrub known for its vibrant, showy flowers and fern-like foliage. It is considered toxic to pets if ingested, primarily due to the presence of compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Barbados PrideCaesalpinia pulcherrimaDwarf PoincianaPride of Barbados
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
For cats, Pride of Barbados is mainly a gut irritant. ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats with GI irritants and tannins as the toxic principles, with vomiting and diarrhea as the expected signs. The seeds and seed pods are the most dangerous part — cats are unlikely to eat them in quantity, but worth keeping out of reach.
What to watch for
Most common: vomiting, sometimes repeated, and watery diarrhea within a few hours of chewing leaves or seeds. Possible: drooling and pawing at the mouth from oral irritation. Less common: lethargy or refusal to eat once GI upset sets in. Severe systemic signs are not typical at household doses.
Time window
ASPCA does not specify exact timing. Tannin-driven GI irritation typically appears within a few hours of ingestion and resolves within 24–48 hours with supportive care if no seeds were eaten in quantity.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea is bloody, persists past a few hours, or is paired with lethargy or signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, tacky gums). Any suspected ingestion of seeds or pods deserves a call right away. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Barbados Pride is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
Same cat verdict
Related plants for cats
Azalea
Rhododendron spp
Azaleas are flowering shrubs in the Rhododendron genus that contain grayanotoxins, which can cause significant illness if ingested by pets. These plants are highly toxic and require immediate veterinary attention if consumption is suspected.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Barbados Pride
Poinciana gilliesii
Barbados Pride is a flowering shrub known for its striking yellow flowers and long red stamens. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Boxwood
Buxus spp.
Boxwood is a popular evergreen shrub often used for hedging and topiary, containing steroidal alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested. It is considered toxic to both cats and dogs.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Castor Bean
Ricinus communis
The African Wonder Tree is a fast-growing ornamental shrub known for its large, palm-like leaves and unique seed pods. It contains ricin, a highly potent toxin found throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the seeds.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.