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.
Questions about Pride of Barbados
Is Pride of Barbados toxic to cats?
Yes, Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) is considered toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal upset, and any part of the plant — including leaves and seeds — should be kept out of reach.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating Pride of Barbados?
The most common signs are vomiting (sometimes repeated) and watery diarrhea appearing within a few hours of ingestion. Your cat may also drool or paw at its mouth from oral irritation, and may become lethargic or stop eating once GI upset sets in. Severe systemic effects are not typical at household doses.
What should I do if my cat ate Pride of Barbados?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, especially if your cat ate any seeds or pods — those warrant a call right away. Seek immediate veterinary care if vomiting or diarrhea is bloody, persists past a few hours, or is accompanied by lethargy or signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes or tacky gums.
How long do Pride of Barbados symptoms last in cats?
GI irritation typically appears within a few hours of ingestion. If no seeds were eaten in large quantity, symptoms generally resolve within 24–48 hours with supportive care, though the ASPCA does not specify an exact timeline.
Same cat verdict
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