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 Tree Tobacco safe for cats?
Nicotiana glauca
Nicotiana glauca is a fast-growing shrub known for its glaucous, blue-green foliage and tubular yellow flowers. It contains pyridine alkaloids, specifically anabasine, which are highly toxic to animals if ingested.
Mustard TreeNicotianaNicotiana glaucaTree Tobacco
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Shrub or small tree
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Tree tobacco is severely toxic to cats — every part of the plant contains nicotine and the related alkaloid anabasine, which act on the nervous system and can be fatal even at modest doses. Treat any chewed-off leaf as urgent.
What to watch for
Early signs include drooling, vomiting, and a brief period of agitation or hyperexcitability, followed by depression, weakness, and incoordination. Severe cases progress to tremors, paralysis, abnormal heart rate, and respiratory distress.
Time window
Exact onset is not documented in the cited ASPCA entry. With nicotine as the toxic principle, signs are generally rapid in onset, which is why immediate veterinary care matters more than waiting to see what develops.
When to call the vet
Call immediately — do not wait to see if symptoms develop. Get to an emergency veterinary clinic and bring a sample of the plant if possible. ASPCA 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
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, tremors or collapse.
Escalation note
Ingestion of any part of the plant can be dangerous. If you suspect your cat has consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.
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
Tree Tobacco is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of nicotine-related alkaloids.
Same cat verdict
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