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 Barbados Pride safe for cats?
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.
Barbados PrideBird of Paradise ShrubCaesalpinia gilliesiiPoinciana gilliesii
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats that mouth Barbados Pride flowers or seedpods can develop intense oral irritation. ASPCA lists this plant as toxic to cats, with possible hydrocyanic acid as the toxic principle, and even brief chewing can trigger drooling, retching, and gastrointestinal upset. The seedpods are the most concerning part to keep away from a curious cat.
What to watch for
ASPCA's clinical signs include intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, and possible incoordination. In cats, watch especially for pawing at the mouth, repeated swallowing, hiding, or refusing to eat — early signals of oral discomfort. Deaths have been reported in rabbits, so do not assume mild symptoms will stay mild.
Time window
Oral irritation typically begins within minutes of contact; GI signs follow within hours. Specific onset and recovery duration are not detailed in ASPCA's listing.
When to call the vet
Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) right away — Barbados Pride is not a wait-and-see plant in cats. Persistent drooling, repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or any wobbly gait warrants immediate evaluation.
First aid at home
Gently rinse your cat's mouth with cool water if she will tolerate it, and remove any visible plant material. Do not induce vomiting at home — Pet Poison Helpline cautions owners not to give hydrogen peroxide or improvised antidotes without first speaking to a veterinary professional.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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, drooling, and abdominal pain.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal 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 due to gastrointestinal irritants.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical classification for Caesalpinia gilliesii (syn. Poinciana gilliesii).
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