Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Bur Gourd
Cucumis anguria
Bur Gourd is a vining plant in the cucumber family known for its small, spiky, edible fruits. It is generally considered safe for household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Cucumis anguriaMaroon CucumberWest Indian Gherkin
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Vining
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Bur Gourdis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
The Bur Gourd is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Plants of the World Online - Cucumis anguria
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical classification for Cucumis anguria L.
Questions about Bur Gourd
Is Bur Gourd toxic to cats?
Bur Gourd (Cucumis anguria) is non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it does not contain compounds known to poison cats.
What happens if my cat eats Bur Gourd?
No toxic symptoms are expected. If your cat eats a large amount of the fibrous plant material, it may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the fiber load, not poisoning.
How much Bur Gourd would make my cat sick?
Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any issue. Gastrointestinal upset — loose stool or vomiting — is possible only if your cat consumes a significant quantity of the fibrous plant material; the plant itself contains no known toxic compounds.
Should I call my vet if my cat ate Bur Gourd?
A single nibble does not warrant an emergency call, but if your cat ate a large amount and is showing signs of persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or distress, contact your veterinarian. Non-toxic does not mean harmless in large quantities.
Is Bur Gourd toxic to dogs?
Bur Gourd (Cucumis anguria) is non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it does not contain toxic principles that would poison your dog.
What happens if my dog eats Bur Gourd?
No toxic symptoms are expected. However, if your dog eats a large amount of the fibrous plant material, it may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the bulk and fiber content rather than any toxin.
How much Bur Gourd would make a dog sick?
Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any problem. Trouble is only expected with significant quantities — the concern is GI upset from excess fiber, not poisoning. If your dog eats a large amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Does 'non-toxic' mean Bur Gourd is safe for my dog to eat freely?
Non-toxic means it won't poison your dog, but that doesn't make it a free snack — large ingestions of any fibrous plant material can cause vomiting or diarrhea. Keep portions incidental and monitor for GI upset if your dog gets into it.
Same genus
More from the Cucumis genus
Casaba Melon
Cucumis melo
Casaba melon is a variety of muskmelon known for its sweet, pale flesh and thick, wrinkled rind. While the plant is considered non-toxic, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
The cucumber is a widely cultivated creeping vine known for its edible, refreshing fruit. It is considered safe for household pets, though large ingestions of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Hedgehog Gourd
Cucumis dipsaceus
The Hedgehog Gourd is a unique, spiny-fruited vine often grown for its ornamental appearance. While it is considered non-toxic to pets, its fibrous nature can cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Not yet rated for cats.
Generally safe for dogs.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Acorn Squash
Cucurbita pepo
Acorn squash is a popular edible winter squash known for its ribbed, dark green skin and sweet, yellow-orange flesh. It is widely cultivated for culinary use and is considered safe for household pets.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Banana Squash
Cucurbita maxima var. banana
Banana squash is a large, edible winter squash variety known for its elongated shape and sweet, dense flesh. It is considered safe for household pets, though large ingestions of raw plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Bullbrier
Smilax rotundifolia
Bullbrier is a hardy, woody vine native to North America, often recognized by its prickly stems and rounded leaves. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Buttercup Squash
Cucurbita maxima
Buttercup squash is a popular winter squash variety known for its sweet, nutty flavor and dense, orange flesh. It is considered safe for pets, though large ingestions of raw plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
