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 Hawaiian Ti safe for cats?
Cordyline fruticosa
The Hawaiian Ti is a popular tropical ornamental known for its vibrant, lance-shaped foliage. It contains saponins which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Cordyline fruticosaCordyline terminalisGood Luck PlantHawaiian Ti PlantTi Plant
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Upright shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats that bite Hawaiian Ti are exposed to saponins, which mainly irritate the GI tract. ASPCA flags one feline-specific sign here — dilated pupils — that does not show up in dogs, alongside the usual vomiting and drooling. Most cases are unpleasant rather than dangerous.
What to watch for
Vomiting (sometimes with blood), hypersalivation, depression, and anorexia, with dilated pupils as a distinctive feline sign. Lethargy and diarrhea are common. ASPCA does not publish a toxic dose.
Time window
ASPCA does not publish a precise onset window; GI signs typically appear within hours of chewing and resolve in roughly 24 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if vomiting is bloody or persistent, your cat refuses food, or you notice marked lethargy. Most cats improve within an hour of treatment and recover fully within 24 hours.
Sources: ASPCA, NC State Extension (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 (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, drooling, and loss of appetite.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically causes mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation. Please contact your veterinarian if 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
The Ti plant contains saponins which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling in cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Cordyline fruticosa is a tropical evergreen shrub often grown as a houseplant, noted for its toxicity to pets.
Same cat verdict
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